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Courtz Scores His First Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 With “KOKO”

Omar Courtz's 'KOKO' tops Latin Rhythm Airplay, his first No. 1; impressions up 18%, 'De Lejitos' slips to No. 3.

By mitch·3 min read
A singer performs passionately under bright stage lights as a crowd watches.

“KOKO” has finally reached the top of the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart, sending Omar Courtz to his first-ever Billboard No. 1. The song moved from No. 2 to No. 1 on the chart dated Oct. 3, beating Jay Wheeler’s “De Lejitos,” which has spent four weeks at No. 1.

Courtz told Billboard that the achievement means a great deal to him. “Having ‘KOKO’ reach No. 1 means so much to me,” he said. “It’s a song that captures so much of Puerto Rico—our vibe, how we live, and how we enjoy music. Knowing that something so uniquely ours has connected with so many people around the world is incredible. Thank you to everyone who made it their own from the very beginning.”

The Numbers Behind the Chart Move

The new champion earned 6.6 million audience impressions during the Sept. 18-24 tracking week in the United States, according to Luminate. That total represents an 18% increase over its previous performance.

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“De Lejitos” dipped to No. 3 after four weeks at No. 1. The Jay Wheeler song recorded a 6% decline in impressions, falling to 5.4 million.

“KOKO” has now spent 17 weeks in the top 10 on Hot Latin Songs. That is the longest run in the upper tier among Courtz’s three top 10s on the chart.

The Song’s Path to the Top

“KOKO” is from Courtz’s album POR SI MAÑANA NO ESTOY, which dropped in February. The album opened at No. 3 on both Top Latin Albums and Top Latin Rhythm Albums charts in March.

The set was preceded by “Si Estás Con Alguien,” another top 10 hit. That track peaked at No. 9 on Latin Rhythm Airplay in May.

“KOKO” also reached Nos. 75 and 58 on the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts in April.

What the Record Actually Means

A No. 1 on Latin Rhythm Airplay is a major achievement for Courtz. His 17-week run on Hot Latin Songs shows sustained strength, and only one of his three top 10s has lasted this long in the upper tier.

The global numbers suggest the song connected beyond the United States. Its No. 75 and No. 58 peaks on the Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts indicate the song found listeners around the world.

The Long Road to the Top Spot

“KOKO” took a while to get here. It spent months climbing the charts before reaching No. 1.

Courtz’s reaction suggests the wait was worth it. He framed the song as a reflection of his homeland.

“It’s a song that captures so much of Puerto Rico—our vibe, how we live, and how we enjoy music.”

He also thanked fans directly. “Thank you to everyone who made it their own from the very beginning,” he said.

Why This Matters for Courtz

A first No. 1 is a milestone for any artist.

The song’s longevity on Hot Latin Songs speaks to its staying power.

Here is how the song’s chart history breaks down:

  1. “Si Estás Con Alguien” peaked at No. 9 on Latin Rhythm Airplay in May.
  2. “KOKO” reached Nos. 75 and 58 on the Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts in April.
  3. The album POR SI MAÑANA NO ESTOY opened at No. 3 on Top Latin Albums and Top Latin Rhythm Albums in March.
  4. “KOKO” moved to No. 1 on Latin Rhythm Airplay dated Oct. 3, beating Jay Wheeler’s “De Lejitos” after four weeks at No. 1.

Courtz’s gratitude is the story’s heart. He talked about Puerto Rico and the people who made the song their own.

The No. 1 comes after a long climb, and Courtz knows exactly what it represents.

Source material: “‘KOKO’ Sends Omar Courtz to First Billboard No. 1: ‘Means So Much to Me’,” Billboard.

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