Country star Brett Young has topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart with his latest single, Mercy.
The heartfelt ballad, which Young co-wrote with Sean McConnell, is his fourth consecutive number 1 hit. It’s also reached the platinum sales benchmark, and the track’s success has boosted Young’s total streams to over one billion.
“We knew pretty early that ‘Mercy’ had to be a single because of the way the fans respond when I played it live,” Young said. “I wrote this song from a really vulnerable and honest place, so to see it go No. One is really special.”
Earlier this week Young also performed Mercy on CMA Fest, the Music Event of Summer, which was broadcast on ABC in the US on Wednesday. It is expected that Sky Arts will broadcast the show in the UK later this year.
Originally from California, Young initially pursued a career in baseball but turned to music following an injury. He released his self-titled debut album last year. The record spent 37 weeks in the Billboard Country Albums chart top 20 and has reached RIAA Platinum certification. All of Young’s three previous singles – Sleep Without You, In Case You Didn’t Know and Like I Loved You – have also topped the Billboard country charts. Additionally, his music videos have supported his songs’ success. With
Young has received a flurry of award nominations from the likes of the ACM, Billboard, Teen Choice, CMT and CMA Awards. He was also the only country act named in Billboard’s Top 10 New Artists, and sold out every stop on his debut headlining Caliville Tour.
As well as success in his home country, Young has also been winning over audiences here in the UK since he supported Lady Antebellum on their tour last autumn. He’s since returned to perform two sets at C2C earlier this year, which went down a storm with fans.
Currently Young is out on the road in the US supporting Thomas Rhett on his Life Changes Tour. Later this year he’ll headline the Ryman Auditorium for the first time, performing at the legendary venue on 10th October.
