The UK singles chart is bracing for a potential milestone as Taylor Swift’s “Opalite” continues its reign. Should it hold the top spot for another week, it will mark the first time any of Swift’s albums has produced two UK Number 1 singles. The lead single from The Life of a Showgirl, “The Fate of Ophelia,” previously spent seven non-consecutive weeks at Number 1 in 2025, demonstrating Swift’s enduring popularity and chart dominance.
Beyond Swift’s potential record, several other tracks are making significant moves on the charts. Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s collaboration, “Rein Me In,” is tracking towards a new peak at Number 4, a notable climb for the duo. Meanwhile, Zara Larsson’s viral hit, “Lush Life,” is poised to ascend to Number 5, its highest placement since 2016. The song’s resurgence speaks to the power of social media and its ability to propel tracks back into the spotlight, even years after their initial release.
New music is also vying for attention. Sombr could claim this week’s highest new entry with “Homewrecker,” landing at Number 11. This would represent the US rising star’s fifth UK Top 40 hit, solidifying their growing presence in the British music scene. The track’s potential success highlights the increasing crossover appeal of emerging American artists in the UK.
The charts are also reflecting the broader cultural moment. Fresh off a dominant performance at the GRAMMYs and ahead of his highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime show, Bad Bunny’s “DTMF” is on course to climb an impressive 29 places to Number 14. The track previously peaked at Number 26 last January, but the momentum from his recent accolades and upcoming performance is clearly driving renewed interest. This demonstrates the significant impact major events can have on chart performance.
Collaborations continue to be a key trend. Myles Smith and Niall Horan’s new team-up, “Drive Safe,” is eyeing a Top 20 debut at Number 20. This pairing brings together two established artists, potentially attracting fans from both their respective bases. J. Cole is also making waves with a trio of midweek entries following the release of his new album, The Fall-Off: “Two Six” (23), “Safety” (27), and “Poor Thang” (32). The multiple entries showcase the album’s overall strength and Cole’s continued relevance in the hip-hop landscape.
Further Top 40 debuts are also anticipated this week. Calvin Harris and Kasabian’s “Release The Pressure” is projected to enter at Number 24, a pairing of electronic music heavyweight Harris and the iconic British rock band Kasabian. Shakira’s “Zoo,” a track from the Zootropolis 2 soundtrack, is aiming for Number 35, leveraging the popularity of the animated film. And Zayn’s “Die For Me,” the lead single from his upcoming fifth album, Konnakol, is expected to debut at Number 39, generating anticipation for the full album release.
The UK charts continue to be a dynamic reflection of musical tastes, influenced by viral trends, major events, and strategic collaborations. The potential for Taylor Swift to achieve a rare feat, coupled with the ascendance of emerging artists and established stars alike, makes for a compelling snapshot of the current music landscape. The coming days will reveal whether these projections hold true, but the current trajectory suggests a week of significant movement and noteworthy achievements.
