What Was the 2012 Number One Song?
The 2012 number one song on the Billboard Hot 100 was "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye featuring Kimbra. It reached the top spot in May 2012 and stayed for eight consecutive weeks.
Chart Performance and Key Facts
The track combined a minimalist melody with a viral music video, helping it dominate radio, streaming, and sales charts. It became one of the longest-running number one hits of the decade and remains a reference point for chart performance.
Why It Still Matters
Understanding the 2012 number one song provides context for shifts in pop music, digital sales, and global streaming trends. The song is often cited in analyses of how independent artists can achieve mainstream chart success.
For more details, see the Billboard Hot 100 archive at Billboard Hot 100.
