NEW YORK — Spotify’s global streaming data through May 31, 2026, shows Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s “Die With A Smile” holding the top spot as the most-listened song of the year so far, with strong performances from Olivia Rodrigo, ROSÉ and emerging hits reflecting a mix of pop powerhouses and catalog classics dominating the platform’s charts.

The streaming giant’s year-to-date rankings highlight a vibrant first five months of 2026, with over 30 billion streams across its top tracks. “Die With A Smile” has amassed massive numbers, benefiting from its emotional ballad style and star power. Other notable entries include high-energy tracks from Olivia Rodrigo and genre-blending collaborations that have captured global audiences.

Spotify’s editorial and data teams compile these rankings based on total streams, daily velocity and engagement metrics. The list reflects diverse tastes, with pop, hip-hop and Latin influences well represented.

Top 10 Most-Streamed Songs on Spotify in 2026 (YTD as of May 31)

1. Die With A Smile – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars The emotional duet has been a runaway success, blending powerful vocals with a cinematic feel. It has consistently topped daily global charts and resonated with listeners seeking heartfelt anthems.
2. Risk It All – Bruno Mars Bruno Mars continues his dominance with this upbeat track, showcasing his signature style and broad appeal. The song has maintained strong momentum throughout the year.
3. APT. – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars This collaboration between BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ and Bruno Mars has been a global phenomenon, blending K-pop energy with Mars’ smooth vocals. It has driven significant cross-cultural streaming.
4. Drop Dead – Olivia Rodrigo Olivia Rodrigo’s latest single has captured the angst and empowerment that define her sound, appealing strongly to younger listeners and maintaining high daily streams.
5. Stateside – PinkPantheress & Zara Larsson This breezy, summery track has been a favorite for playlists and casual listening, benefiting from its infectious melody and viral social media moments.
6. Man I Need – Olivia Dean Olivia Dean’s soulful offering has steadily climbed the charts, earning praise for its emotional depth and strong vocal performance.
7. Swim – BTS (or related track from data) BTS tracks continue to perform exceptionally well on Spotify, with dedicated fan streaming contributing to consistent high rankings.
8. Billie Jean – Michael Jackson Catalog classics like Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” remain perennial favorites, benefiting from algorithmic recommendations and timeless appeal.
9. Beauty And A Beat – Justin Bieber & Nicki Minaj This high-energy collaboration maintains strong streaming numbers, particularly among fans of early 2010s pop hits.
10. Aperture – Various emerging artists (from playlist data) Newer tracks blending pop and electronic elements have rounded out the top 10, showing the platform’s ability to surface fresh talent alongside established stars.

Trends Shaping 2026 Streaming

Bruno Mars has been a standout performer in 2026, with multiple tracks in the upper rankings. His collaborations and solo releases have resonated across demographics, demonstrating his enduring appeal. Olivia Rodrigo has also maintained strong momentum, with her emotionally charged songwriting connecting with Gen Z listeners.

K-pop and global pop influences are prominent, with collaborations like ROSÉ and Bruno Mars driving cross-cultural streams. Catalog tracks from Michael Jackson and Justin Bieber continue to benefit from nostalgia and algorithmic discovery, showing Spotify’s ability to keep older hits relevant.

The data highlights a blend of superstar releases and viral moments. Songs with strong social media presence and TikTok integration have performed particularly well, underscoring the importance of multi-platform promotion in today’s music industry.

Spotify’s Role in Music Discovery

Spotify’s year-to-date charts provide valuable insight into global listening habits. The platform’s algorithms, editorial playlists and user-generated content all contribute to which songs rise to the top. “Songs of Summer” predictions and similar curated lists have helped surface tracks that might otherwise be overlooked.

The company has emphasized personalized recommendations while maintaining global top charts that capture collective trends. This balance has helped Spotify maintain its position as the world’s leading audio streaming service.

Industry Implications

The top 10 list for 2026 shows continued strength for major labels and established artists, while also highlighting opportunities for collaborations and genre-blending. Record companies are increasingly focusing on global appeal and social media virality to drive streams.

Artists like Bruno Mars and Olivia Rodrigo demonstrate the value of consistent output and strong fan engagement. Their success influences how labels plan releases and marketing campaigns, with an emphasis on creating moments that translate across platforms.

For emerging artists, inclusion in high-ranking playlists or collaborations with established names can provide career-defining boosts. The data underscores the importance of streaming performance in measuring commercial success in today’s music industry.

What’s Next for Spotify Charts

As June begins, attention turns to summer releases and festival-driven tracks that could reshape the rankings. Spotify’s editorial teams are already curating “Songs of Summer” playlists, which often preview the tracks that will dominate the warmer months.

The platform will continue refining its charts based on listening data, social signals and cultural trends. Users can expect more personalized recommendations while global charts provide a snapshot of collective tastes.

The first five months of 2026 have shown a vibrant music landscape, with established stars and fresh voices competing for attention. As the year progresses, new releases and evolving listener preferences will continue shaping Spotify’s top rankings.

Whether Bruno Mars maintains his dominance or new artists break through, the streaming charts remain a dynamic reflection of global music culture. For now, “Die With A Smile” and other high-ranking tracks define the soundtrack of 2026 so far.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Raymond Berry, the Hall of Fame receiver whose reliable hands and precise routes formed one half of one of professional football’s most iconic passing duos with Johnny Unitas on the Baltimore Colts, died peacefully at his home on May 25. He was 93.

Berry’s family announced the death Monday through the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is remembered as one of the most influential figures in the modern NFL, a player whose preparation and attention to detail helped elevate the league’s popularity during its golden age of television growth.

“Simply put, not only was Raymond Berry one of the greatest players in the history of the Colts, but he was one of the most influential and foundational players of the modern NFL,” Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon said in a statement.

The Baltimore Ravens, who trace their lineage to the original Colts franchise, called Berry “a football icon” whose “impact on Baltimore sports and the NFL will endure forever.”

Berry played 13 seasons, all with the Colts, and was a six-time Pro Bowl selection. He led the league three times in receptions and receiving yards and twice in touchdowns. He finished his career with 631 receptions for 9,275 yards and 68 touchdowns — records at the time of his retirement in 1967. His number 82 was retired by the Colts, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973.

The Greatest Game Ever Played

Berry’s most enduring moment came in the 1958 NFL Championship Game, often called “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” Facing the New York Giants in the first sudden-death overtime contest in league history, Berry caught 12 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown as the Colts won 23-17 before a national television audience. The performance helped transform the NFL into America’s most popular sport.

The following season, Berry led the league with 66 receptions for 959 yards and 14 touchdowns. In 1960, playing a 12-game schedule, he recorded 74 catches for 1,298 yards. His connection with Unitas became legendary, with the two often practicing routes late into the night to perfect timing and precision.

“Luck is something which happens when preparation meets opportunity,” Berry once said. “One play may make the difference in winning or losing a game. I must be prepared to make my own luck.”

Selected in the 20th round of the 1954 draft as a future choice after catching only 33 passes in three seasons at Southern Methodist University, Berry overcame modest college production to become one of the game’s most reliable targets. His attention to detail, including studying film obsessively and charting defensive tendencies, set a standard for future generations of receivers.

Coaching Career and Patriots Legacy

After retiring as a player in 1967, Berry spent 14 seasons as an assistant coach at both the NFL and college levels. In 1984, he was named head coach of the New England Patriots. One season later, he guided the wild-card Patriots to Super Bowl XX, where they lost to the Chicago Bears.

“Raymond Berry holds a special place in Patriots history,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. “He led our franchise to its first Super Bowl appearance following a remarkable playoff run, a milestone that was the greatest achievement in team history at the time. I was fortunate to get to know Raymond over the years, and one of my fondest memories was spending time with him and his son, Mark, during a trip to Israel in 2015 with several fellow Pro Football Hall of Famers. He was every bit the gentleman people knew him to be; humble, faithful, kind and deeply respected by all who knew him.”

Berry compiled a 48-39 record as Patriots head coach before being fired after the 1989 season. He remained involved in football as a consultant and mentor to younger coaches and players.

Lasting Legacy in Football

Berry’s influence extended beyond his playing and coaching achievements. He was named to the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team and the Baltimore Ravens’ Ring of Honor. His approach to the game — emphasizing preparation, fundamentals and mental discipline — helped shape modern NFL training methods.

Colts and Ravens officials described Berry as a foundational figure whose work ethic and attention to detail set standards that continue to influence the organizations today. His career bridged the early days of professional football’s television era to the modern multibillion-dollar league.

Berry is survived by his family, including his son Mark. Funeral arrangements have not been publicly announced.

The NFL and its teams expressed condolences Monday, remembering Berry as both a champion on the field and a gentleman off it. His career exemplified the transition of professional football from a regional sport to a national pastime, with his performances in championship games helping captivate audiences during the league’s formative years on television.

As tributes continue to pour in from across the football world, Berry’s legacy as one of the game’s most prepared and reliable receivers endures. From his record-setting performances with Unitas to his coaching achievements with the Patriots, he left an indelible mark on the sport he loved.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame noted that Berry’s contributions helped lay the groundwork for the league’s current success and global popularity. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation, perseverance and professionalism in sports and in life.

For generations of Colts fans and football enthusiasts, Raymond Berry will be remembered as more than just a great receiver — he was a symbol of dedication and excellence during professional football’s rise to prominence in American culture.

This article was written by

Follow

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of CSWC either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Artificial intelligence (AI) giant Anthropic said on Monday it had confidentially filed for its U.S. initial public offering, as the AI heavyweight looks to beat archrival OpenAI to the IPO market.

The much-awaited IPO comes as Elon Musk’s SpaceX is expected to launch its roadshow on June 4, with the rocket and satellite maker likely to target raising about $75 billion at a valuation of roughly $1.75 trillion.

Wall Street is betting 2026 could be a breakout year for the U.S. IPO market, underpinned by a strong pipeline of high-profile private companies and pent-up demand for new listings.

Goldman Sachs predicted earlier this year that proceeds from U.S. IPOs could vault to a record $160 billion in 2026, should the marquee names go public this year.

BAY AREA BANKER WANTS TO SWAP HIS $8M ESTATE FOR AI COMPANY STOCK

Here is an overview of some of the mega IPOs expected in 2026:

Anthropic

Anthropic, led by CEO Dario Amodei (right), announced that it submitted a confidential IPO filing with financial regulators. (Samyukta Lakshmi/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

AI heavyweight Anthropic revealed it had confidentially filed for a U.S. initial public offering, setting the stage for what could ​become a watershed moment for Wall Street’s AI frenzy.

Anthropic, which operates AI chatbot Claude, last raised $65 billion at a post-money valuation of $965 billion in late May, putting it ahead of rival OpenAI.

The company said in a post on its website that the move “gives us the option to go public after the SEC completes its review. The proposed initial public offering will depend on market conditions and other factors.”

Anthropic added that it hasn’t set the number of shares to be offered and the share price yet.

AI LEADERS ARGUE SOFTWARE WILL ADAPT – NOT DIE – BUT VALUATIONS ARE STRETCHED

SpaceX

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is pursuing an IPO this year. (Photo by Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images)

Elon Musk’s SpaceX filed publicly for its hotly anticipated U.S. initial public offering last month, moving the firm closer to what could be the biggest stock market flotation ever.

SpaceX has accelerated its ⁠IPO timeline, with a roadshow launch targeted for ​June 4 and the share sale as early as June 11, Reuters reported last week, citing people familiar with the matter.

In February, SpaceX acquired Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI in a record-setting deal, unifying his AI and space ambitions by combining the company with the maker of the Grok chatbot.

If SpaceX raises $75 billion, it would be the world’s largest IPO, eclipsing oil major Saudi Aramco’s 2019 listing.

SPACEX MOVES TO LAUNCH HIGHLY ANTICIPATED IPO

OpenAI

OpenAI, led by CEO Sam Altman, is planning to go public as soon as this fall. (Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)

ChatGPT-maker OpenAI is preparing to confidentially file for a U.S. initial public offering and aiming for a speedy IPO, Reuters reported last month, citing a source familiar with the matter.

OpenAI is targeting going public as early as September and is ​working with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley on a draft IPO prospectus that it plans to ​file with the regulators soon, Reuters reported at the time.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

The ⁠Sam Altman-led company was laying the groundwork to go public in an offering that could value it at up to $1 trillion, Reuters reported in October.

Reuters contributed to this report.

SAN FRANCISCO — SULLYOON of the K-pop group NMIXX delivered a standout ceremonial first pitch at Oracle Park on Sunday, captivating baseball fans and sparking widespread social media attention as the clip quickly went viral among both K-pop enthusiasts and sports audiences.

The 20-year-old South Korean singer, whose full name is Seol Yoon-ah, took the mound before the Giants’ game and executed a strong, accurate throw that drew cheers from the crowd and immediate praise online. The moment, captured in high-definition video, showcased her poised demeanor and athleticism, quickly amassing hundreds of thousands of views across platforms within hours of the game.

NMIXX, a rising JYP Entertainment girl group known for their powerful vocals and dynamic performances, has been gaining international recognition. SULLYOON’s appearance at Oracle Park highlighted the growing crossover appeal of K-pop artists in American sports and entertainment events. The Giants organization frequently invites celebrities and musicians for ceremonial first pitches to enhance fan engagement and create memorable pre-game moments.

Video of the pitch showed SULLYOON in a casual yet stylish outfit, walking confidently to the mound before delivering a solid throw that reached the catcher without bouncing. Fans in the stands and online reacted enthusiastically, with many commenting on her composure and natural athletic ability. Clips shared on social media platforms featured slow-motion replays and fan edits, further amplifying the moment’s reach.

Growing K-Pop Influence in U.S. Sports

K-pop artists have increasingly participated in major U.S. sporting events, blending their global fanbases with American sports culture. Previous first pitches by K-pop idols have generated significant buzz, often leading to heightened interest in both the artist and the team. SULLYOON’s appearance continues this trend, demonstrating how cross-cultural collaborations can benefit both entertainment and sports industries.

The Giants, known for their innovative fan experiences, have hosted numerous high-profile performers for ceremonial pitches. These moments serve dual purposes: entertaining the crowd before games and expanding the team’s reach to younger, diverse audiences through social media virality.

SULLYOON’s pitch came during a period of rising popularity for NMIXX in the United States. The group has toured internationally and collaborated with Western artists, building a dedicated following. Her appearance at Oracle Park provided a high-visibility platform that aligned with the group’s expanding global presence.

Fan and Social Media Reaction

Social media erupted with positive reactions shortly after the pitch. Fans praised SULLYOON’s confidence and form, with many creating memes and highlight reels. Hashtags related to both NMIXX and the Giants trended as K-pop fans discovered baseball and sports fans explored the group’s music.

Comments ranged from admiration for her athleticism to excitement about potential future collaborations between K-pop and Major League Baseball. Several users noted the seamless blend of cultures, with one popular post stating the moment represented “perfect harmony between two worlds.”

The viral nature of the clip highlighted the power of short-form video content in bridging entertainment genres. Platforms like TikTok and X amplified the reach, with users sharing slowed-down versions, reaction videos and comparisons to other notable first pitches.

Broader Impact on K-Pop and Sports Partnerships

K-pop’s expansion into American sports venues reflects the genre’s growing mainstream appeal. Groups like NMIXX have cultivated fanbases that transcend traditional music demographics, creating opportunities for unique promotional partnerships. MLB teams have recognized this potential, using celebrity appearances to attract younger viewers and international audiences.

For NMIXX, the Oracle Park appearance provided valuable exposure during a busy promotional period. The group’s energetic performances and strong vocal abilities have earned them recognition beyond their home market, with U.S. tours and media appearances helping build their international profile.

Sports organizations benefit from such collaborations by tapping into passionate fan communities that drive social media engagement and ticket sales. The Giants’ decision to feature SULLYOON aligned with broader efforts to diversify their audience and create memorable experiences for attendees.

Technical Aspects of the Pitch

Video analysis showed SULLYOON’s pitch had good velocity and accuracy for a ceremonial throw. She maintained proper form, stepping toward the plate and following through, which contributed to the positive reception. Her relaxed demeanor before and after the throw added to the moment’s charm, showing comfort in the high-pressure environment of a Major League stadium.

Ceremonial first pitches vary widely in quality, but SULLYOON’s effort stood out for its competence and poise. Fans and commentators noted that her athletic background and stage presence likely contributed to the successful delivery.

Future Opportunities and Cultural Exchange

The event opens possibilities for further collaborations between K-pop artists and American sports teams. As K-pop continues its global expansion, more artists may appear at MLB games, NBA matches and other major sporting events. These appearances help bridge cultural gaps and introduce new audiences to both the artists and the sports.

For SULLYOON and NMIXX, the Oracle Park moment adds to their growing list of U.S. achievements. The group has performed at major festivals and award shows, steadily building recognition among American music fans. Their participation in sports-related events expands their visibility beyond traditional music channels.

MLB teams have increasingly embraced international entertainment to enhance game-day experiences. From K-pop performances to international food festivals, franchises seek to create inclusive atmospheres that appeal to diverse fanbases. SULLYOON’s first pitch exemplifies this strategy’s effectiveness in generating positive media coverage and social engagement.

Lasting Impressions and Fan Engagement

The viral success of SULLYOON’s pitch demonstrates the power of authentic moments in today’s digital landscape. Fans appreciated her genuine enthusiasm and natural delivery, qualities that translated well across cultural boundaries. The interaction between K-pop fandom and baseball enthusiasts created positive cross-pollination, with many discovering new interests through the shared experience.

As video clips continue circulating, the moment serves as a reminder of sports’ ability to unite diverse audiences. Whether through music, athletics or shared entertainment, such events foster connections that transcend traditional boundaries.

For the San Francisco Giants, featuring SULLYOON added a memorable highlight to their season. The organization’s willingness to embrace global pop culture has enhanced its reputation for innovative fan experiences. Future events may build upon this success, creating more opportunities for cultural exchange through sports.

The first pitch by SULLYOON of NMIXX at Oracle Park will likely be remembered as one of the standout celebrity moments of the 2026 MLB season. Its viral spread and positive reception underscore the growing influence of K-pop in American entertainment and the potential for meaningful collaborations between different cultural spheres.

As both the music and sports industries continue evolving, moments like this highlight the creative possibilities that emerge when diverse talents share the same stage. For fans of NMIXX, the Giants and the broader intersection of global pop culture and American sports, SULLYOON’s appearance provided a perfect blend of athletic tradition and contemporary entertainment.