In what can only be described as a truly grassroots movement, Mariah Carey fans are doing the absolute most to make sure “Despacito,” the uber-popular Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee song you’ve definitely heard at least 78 times this week, doesn’t unseat Mariah Carey’s Billboard Hot 100 record—particularly, the Justin Bieber remix.
When Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men’s single “One Sweet Day” was first released back in 1996, the hit ballad remained at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 16 weeks. No other song in over 20 years has gotten close to beating that record—except for “Despacito,” which has now been No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart for 15 weeks. If it remains in that position for one more week, it would create a tie with Mariah Carey’s record. Then, it would only need one more week to beat it.
Mariah Carey fans—who call themselves "lambs"—have recognized the Latin threat and are already freaking out. Nevermind the fact that “Despacito” is the first Spanish song to be No. 1 in America since “Macarena” in 1996, and maybe this is a time to come together and celebrate other cultures. According to these fans, Mariah Carey’s legacy is not one to be trifled with.
"Despacito set to pass Mariah Carey with the longest stay at the top of the Billboard Hot 100" pic.twitter.com/ZglnIFCDmB
i swear to god if despacito dethrones one sweet day for the longest #1 i'll officially lose faith in humanity pic.twitter.com/C8yPNbnFM2
Can someone dethrone Despacito already? We can't let trash break @MariahCarey's One Sweet Day record... pic.twitter.com/GeQnm9GW5O
regardless if despacito beats Mariah's record or not, she's held the record for 20 YEARS. plus One Sweet day has much more meaning pic.twitter.com/SeFovG1qX5
But the lambs do have one more hope: Taylor Swift has announced her new album, Reputation, and the first single is set to be released on Thursday, Aug. 24. Mariah Carey stans are counting on Swift, with her popularity and familiarity with the top of the charts, to bump “Despacito” out of the way and preserve Mariah's epic record.
Me already thanking Taylor Swift for snatching that number one spot away from Despacito and keeping Mariah Carey's record entact pic.twitter.com/Z6Osbtowsu
"Despacito will dethrone Mariah Carey's record"
Taylor: pic.twitter.com/b53TQazbEC
Taylor will dethrone Despacito. Let's celebrate that! pic.twitter.com/vIBLd0Wq7p
Some fans are even going as far as actively calling for support of Taylor Swift to help boost sales and send her new single straight to the top of the chart for the sole purpose of helping Mariah Carey. That mission stands regardless of if Swift’s single is even good or not.
I'm gonna say this, let's support Taylor Swift on Friday only to save Mariah Carey's record and destroy Despacito pic.twitter.com/dT496Js9lF
Taylor Swift is dropping a new single. Let's all focus our energy on getting her to #1 b/c D_spac_to is close to breaking Mariah's record. pic.twitter.com/Jc3BD7j4Zg
Me supporting Taylor Swift's single on Friday to defend Mariah's BB Hot 100 record from Despacito pic.twitter.com/exrFlGmFBR
Of course, if you're not on Mariah Carey’s side, maybe you wouldn’t mind seeing “Despacito” break yet another record. After all, the song’s video is already the most viewed YouTube clip of all time, and the Justin Bieber remix has already become the most-streamed song of all time. Hell, the song is so popular it earned a Sesame Street remix called "El Patito" featuring Bert, Ernie, and Rosita.
May the best song win.
