Linkin Park Scores 12th No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay Chart With “Heavy Is the Crown”

Linkin Park continues to prove their dominance in rock music, securing their 12th No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart with their latest hit, “Heavy Is the Crown.” The track, which has resonated deeply with fans, climbed to the top of the chart dated February 15, 2025, marking yet another milestone in the band’s ever-evolving legacy.

This latest achievement ties Linkin Park with Disturbed for the eighth-most No. 1 hits in the chart’s history, an impressive feat considering the band has undergone significant transformations since their debut in 2000. The song’s success also marks their fourth consecutive No. 1 hit since 2023, following “Lost” (which ruled for eight weeks), “Friendly Fire” (one week), and “The Emptiness Machine” (six weeks). While much of the band’s past chart-topping success featured the unmistakable vocals of the late Chester Bennington, the recent wins signify something bigger: the band’s ability to evolve and maintain relevance in a rapidly changing industry.

A key factor in Linkin Park’s continued success is the addition of Emily Armstrong, whose powerful presence alongside Mike Shinoda has reinvigorated the band’s sound. Armstrong has stepped into a space few would dare to occupy—helping to carry the weight of a band that has long been synonymous with one of rock’s most beloved voices. While some longtime fans have been hesitant to embrace a new era without Bennington, the numbers don’t lie: “Heavy Is the Crown” is connecting, and Linkin Park’s continued dominance in rock radio shows that their music still carries emotional weight and energy.

Beyond just topping the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, “Heavy Is the Crown” is making an impact across multiple formats. The song jumped from No. 13 to No. 12 on Alternative Airplay, further proving the band’s crossover appeal. It also remains No. 1 on the all-rock-format Rock & Alternative Airplay chart for a fourth week, reaching 5.3 million audience impressions in the week ending February 6, 2025.

Some might have doubted whether Linkin Park could thrive in a post-Chester world, but their recent streak of hits suggests they’re not just surviving—they’re thriving. The band has always been defined by reinvention, from their nu-metal roots to their forays into electronic, alternative, and hip-hop influences. With “Heavy Is the Crown” continuing to dominate the charts, it’s clear that Linkin Park isn’t just living off nostalgia; they’re actively shaping the future of rock.

Whether you’re an old-school fan or a newer listener, one thing is certain: Linkin Park is still here, still making an impact, and still proving why they belong at the top. Stay tuned to Exposed Vocals for more updates on the biggest names in music.