Which Was Bigger: Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” or Black Eyed Peas’ “I Got a Feeling” in 2009?
The music industry in 2009 was filled with memorable hits, but among the most iconic tracks of that year were Beyoncé's Single Ladies and Black Eyed Peas' I Got a Feeling. While these two songs share the stage of that era, their impact and sales figures tell a different story. In this article, we will explore the sales performance, impact, and legacy of both singles to determine which was the bigger hit in 2009.
Sales Performance
Single Ladies by Beyoncé had a modest run on the global charts, achieving sales of over 6 million units according to the global charts. In contrast, I Got a Feeling by Black Eyed Peas was a blockbuster hit, topping the list as one of the best-selling songs of all time. It has sold over 13 million units since its release, placing it at the 19th best-selling song globally.
When we look at year-end charts, the disparity becomes even more apparent. In the 2009 Worldwide Year-End Chart, I Got a Feeling was the second-best-selling song with over 9 million units sold that year alone. Single Ladies, on the other hand, finished at number 30 with just 2.84 million units. This performance was still a bit better than Madonna's Celebration, which ended the year at 40 with 2.43 million sales.
By the 2010 Worldwide Year-End Chart, the gap between the two hit songs widened further. I Got a Feeling maintained its position, while Single Ladies did not even make it into the top 40.
Legacy and Impact
While Single Ladies remains a popular and recognizable track, its commercial success cannot be compared to that of I Got a Feeling. The song's viral nature and dance craze made it a cultural sensation that transcended mere music sales. The I Got a Feeling video and its accompanying dance move were quickly adopted by fans worldwide, leading to its lasting impact on pop culture.
On the other hand, Single Ladies made Beyoncé's list of best-selling singles. According to the Pulse music keyboard site, its position ranked lower at number 45 with 5,670,000 units sold. However, this does not reflect the peak popularity and cultural significance of the track. In fact, Beyoncé confirmed herself as a global superstar with this song, though its sales were not as impressive as I Got a Feeling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I Got a Feeling by Black Eyed Peas was undoubtedly the bigger hit in 2009, both in terms of sales and cultural impact. Its record-breaking sales and viral sensation set it apart from Single Ladies by Beyoncé, which, while a massive hit in its own right, did not achieve the same level of commercial success or cultural resonance. The impact of I Got a Feeling continues to be felt today, making it a standout icon of the 2000s music era.