How a high-energy dance anthem achieved unprecedented chart dominance

History · Published 5 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In early 2012, the Billboard Hot 100 witnessed a rare feat of consecutive success. LMFAO didn't just top the charts; they revived a pattern of back-to-back number ones that hadn't been seen in nearly a decade, proving that infectious, high-energy pop could command global attention.

Released on September 16, 2011, as part of the album 'Sorry for Party Rocking', 'Sexy and I Know It' began its ascent with a debut at number 76 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The track's climb was steady and significant, moving to number 50 before jumping into the top 25 by October 1, 2011. It eventually reached the top 10, peaking at number two during the week of November 19, 2011, where it was held back from the summit by Rihanna's 'We Found Love'.

The song's eventual arrival at number one on January 7, 2012, marked a historic moment for the American duo. By securing two consecutive number-one singles, LMFAO became the first duo to achieve such a feat since Outkast accomplished it with 'Hey Ya!' and 'The Way Move' in 2003 and 2004 respectively. The track's dominance was not limited to the United States; it also reached the top spot in Australia, Canada, Israel, and New Zealand.

The cultural footprint of the song extended into visual media and even television covers. The music video, filmed in Venice, California, featured a wide array of cameos, including Jamie Foxx and Wilmer Valderrama, and famously utilized a frozen final shot as a tribute to Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'. The song's reach was further amplified in 2012 when the Glee cast released a Spanglish cover featuring Ricky Martin, which reached number 81 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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