May 28 is a significant day in Top 40 music history. This date has seen pop songs climb the charts, albums set records, and artists reach career-defining moments. Whether through a first breakout debut, demonstrative stops on a tour, or a shift within the industry, May 28 has contributed to present-day pop music history.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
May 28 has more than just chart accomplishments in the pop world, including:
- 1983: Irene Cara achieved No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Flashdance… What a Feeling,” starting a six-week reign at the top. The infectious dance hit won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and a GRAMMY for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
- 2005: Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was her first solo No. 1 and became the first song to sell over one million downloads.
Notable Recordings and Performances
These notable releases and performances occurred on May 28:
- 2021: DMX’s posthumous release of Exodus was published. The album features numerous collaborations with artists such as Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, honoring DMX’s contributions as a dedicated rap and pop music artist.
- 2025: Halsey performed at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, North Carolina, for her For My Last Trick tour. During the show, Halsey highlighted her latest album, “The Great Impersonator,” through a truly iconic performance.
- 2025: Beyoncé performed the fourth of five consecutive sold-out performances at MetLife Stadium on her Cowboy Carter Tour supporting her eighth studio album. Beyoncé has cemented herself as a global pop icon.
Industry Changes and Challenges
The music industry has seen its share of shifts and challenges, and May 28 had these changes happen:
- 2024: Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s collaborative single “I Had Some Help” kept its top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This showcased the blending of pop and country music and highlighted authentic artistic representation in music.
- 2025: The ever-increasing appearances of artists such as Teddy Swims on the charts were preceded by a significant record amount of plays on digital platforms. However, Swims cultivated and sustained success with their song “Lose Control,” which spent 59 weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
May 28 has been a part of the continuously changing nature of pop music. It has seen notable releases and chart-topping Top 40 tracks but has also successfully shaped pop and popular music, its culture, and the media industry.
