THE HIGHEST ONE-WEEK TOTAL FOR A NEW ARTIST’S DEBUT SINGLE IN COUNTRY AIRCHECK / MEDIABASE ADD BOARD HISTORY
 
NO. 1 MOST ADDED THIS WEEK WITH 96 ADDS AND 128 TOTAL FIRST WEEK STATIONS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Chart-topping singer-songwriter Jacob Hackworth officially made his Country radio debut yesterday with a massive 128 first-week stations for his single “What Took You So Long,” including a record-breaking 96 adds on impact. This debut marks the highest one week total for a new artist debut single in Country Aircheck/ Mediabase add board history.

The milestone debut also earns Hackworth the distinction of No. 1 most added at Country radio this week, signaling overwhelming support from both industry and fans for the Mercury Nashville/Goat Island Sound artist. Yesterday, the team, family and friends gathered to celebrate his feat, surprising Hackworth– watch HERE.

“My mind is absolutely blown. Thank you so much to Country radio for believing in this song, it’s been an incredible time getting to know y’all these past few months, y’all are changing my life, right before my eyes, thank you,” said Jacob Hackworth. “I’ve got the best team in the world. Thank you so much to the Mercury team for all their hard work getting this out to people, y’all are making my dreams come true and Goat Island, y’all are the GOATs. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude right now. This is wild.”

“This is one of those moments where the artist, the song, and the team all come together in a big way,” says Damon Moberly, SVP, Promotion & Touring, MCA. “’What Took You So Long’ is a special record, and Jacob is an undeniable talent. I’m incredibly proud of the work Jacob and our team put in to set this up and thankful to our radio partners for the early belief.”

Notably, the previous add board record was also set by the MCA/Mercury Nashville promotion teams, further cementing the label’s long-standing leadership and consistency at Country radio.

“What Took You So Long” showcases Hackworth’s signature blend of modern Country production and emotionally resonant storytelling, striking a chord with both programmers and listeners alike. Written by Hackworth, Jaxson Free, Steph Jones, and Daniel Ross, the track’s early traction at radio mirrors its growing buzz across digital platforms, further cementing Hackworth as one of Nashville’s most promising new voices.

Last month, Hackworth made his label debut at the annual “Team MCA at the Ryman” during CRS (Country Radio Seminar), where he previewed the single for an audience of key radio programmers and industry executives. The performance marked a pivotal introduction, earning an enthusiastic response in the room and helping spark the early momentum that carried into the song’s impressive radio debut.

Already established as one of Nashville’s most in-demand songwriters, Hackworth has earned multiple No. 1 hits and amassed more than one billion streams in 2025 alone, with roughly 60 major label cuts to his name. That foundation—paired with his distinctive vocal and raw, rough-hewn storytelling—has quickly set him apart as one of the format’s most compelling new artists. A sought-after collaborator known for his melodic instincts, character-driven writing and powerhouse delivery, Hackworth launched his artist career in 2025 with three initial releases  (“When I Don’t,” “You Ain’t” and “Bad As I Do”),  earning early critical attention and landing on multiple 2026 “Artist to Watch” lists.

Listen to “What Took You So Long” HERE

ABOUT JACOB HACKWORTH:
Jacob Hackworth is a rising force in Country music. Already established as a chart-topping songwriter, the powerhouse vocalist and live performer is now stepping out as an artist in his own right. Hackworth caught the attention of the industry with his three releases, “When I Don’t,” “You Ain’t” and “Bad As I Do” which landed him on a slew of “Artist To Watch” lists including Country Now, Country Minute, Fort Nash, and more as well as a label deal with MCA Records in collaboration with Goat Island Sound. His first signed single “What Took You So Long” is out on Country radio now and broke records as the highest one week total for a new artist debut single in Country Aircheck/Mediabase add board in history. Earning a reputation for rough-hewn honesty and raw storytelling, Hackworth mixes real life experience with Country, Pop and R&B elements to create a refreshing new voice in the genre. Growing up on the gravel roads of West Plains, MO, Hackworth has been singing since before he could reach his grandma’s piano bench. He participated in choir as a kid and began writing songs in high school, eventually forming a local band that would perform on his days off from working on the railroad. Encouraged by the reaction, in 2019 he left his small town life to pursue music in Nashville. To make ends meet, he worked at some of Nashville’s most renowned bars, Amazon and even on a party boat DJing while he found his musical footing. In 2022, Hackworth signed a publishing deal and has been on a creative tear ever since, attaining roughly 60 major label cuts and releases as a songwriter (with more on the way), including Bailey Zimmerman’s six-week No.1 hit, “Rock and a Hard Place,” Corey Kent’s No. 1 hit “This Heart,” three songs from Jelly Roll’s GRAMMY-winning No. 1 album Beautifully Broken, Morgan Wallen’s “Jack and Jill,” six songs from Tucker Wetmore’s debut album including the career-launching smash “Wine Into Whiskey” and many more. As a songwriter he amassed more than a billion streams in 2025 alone. He recently wrapped tour with Wetmore and is currently working on new music ahead of his Red Rocks debut in October. For more information follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.

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