There’s a pop bloodbath happening on the Billboard Hot 100 this week, but leave it to Alex Warren to be the softest gladiator in the arena.
As Sabrina Carpenter’s scorching new single “Manchild” threatens to overtake Warren’s emotional smash “Ordinary” for the No. 1 spot, the singer-songwriter took a moment to pause, reflect, and serve up a little peace, love, and diplomacy.
In a surprise move that has fans absolutely shook, Alex Warren posted “Manchild” to his Instagram Story yesterday. Yes, the very song that’s currently coming for his neck is on the charts.
“Wait, Why Is Everyone So Mean on Here?”
Instead of stoking the flames of a full-on pop stan war, Alex delivered a refreshingly grounded (and, let’s be honest, wildly mature) message via X:
“Wait why is everyone so mean on here… music is music. I’m so blessed to be on the chart and l’m also so happy for all the wins in music. Manchild is such a great record and I’m so honored to be mentioned in the same sentence as Sabrina. Ordinary means so much to me and so many people and it’s totally ok if it doesn’t to you. I’m just happy to be here :)”
In one breath, Alex gave grace, humility, and confidence and somehow managed to sound completely unfazed while standing in the middle of the most heated chart battle of the summer.
Pop Duel of the Week: Manchild vs. Ordinary
Let’s talk numbers, shall we?
Both “Manchild” and “Ordinary” are in a dead heat in the race for next week’s No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Projections show mere chart points separate them. It’s a photo finish, a digital dogfight, a showdown for the ages. And yes, both tracks are now discounted to 69¢ on US iTunes to help give them that extra slingshot to the top.
Nothing says “it’s on” like a strategic price cut. This is a certified chart battle, and may the best bop win.
Sabrina’s Swagger vs. Alex’s Heart
On one side, we have Sabrina Carpenter, who’s fresh off the caffeinated high of “Espresso” and delivering some of her boldest, brattiest lyrics to date. “Manchild” is a glittery, venomous, ultra-catchy takedown of mediocre men everywhere, and fans are eating it up like brunch on Rodeo Drive.
On the other side is Alex Warren, whose “Ordinary” has become the emotional anthem of the year. Aching, vulnerable, and deeply personal. It’s the kind of song that lives in your chest. The type that fans cry to in traffic. The hit you don’t just stream, you feel.
And now, these two wildly different pop universes are colliding at the very top of the most competitive chart in music.
Fans Are Fighting, But Alex Is Just Vibing’
While fans are over here fighting one another in the comments, creating memes, throwing side-eye, and declaring allegiances, Alex is floating above all of the drama like a musical monk. His vibe? “I’m just glad to be here,” aca-mingles with, “I wouldn’t care if we did win.”
But don’t get it twisted. Alex desires it. He may be harmless, but he’s still playing the game. “Ordinary” didn’t top the Hot 100 by accident. It resonated with people, it touched them, it mattered. And its creator has no problem standing shoulder to shoulder with pop royalty like Sabrina.
His “Manchild” IG Story post? Maybe it’s sportsmanship. Maybe it’s a plan. Maybe it’s both.
The Sweetest Chart War in Recent Memory
Rarely do you see two artists going at it and also cheering each other on. And let’s be real, the whole situation is fresh air. We’re not witnessing a feud. We are witnessing a friendly flex-off. It’s pop culture minus the poison.
In a world of label-proud beef, PR-precipitated takedowns, and ego-driven showdowns, Alex Warren is showing us all how to hunger and humble. How do you want to win and still be able to cheer on the other team’s victory?
And For Sabrina Carpenter? Good grief, she’s probably too busy drinking her espresso and penning another click-tight lyric to chime in. But don’t fear. She’ll clap back with a wink, not a war.
Who’s Getting Billboard’s Top Spot Next Week?
That’s anybody’s guess. Whether it’s “Manchild” or “Ordinary,” one thing is for sure. We’re having a new kind of chart fight. It’s more like a brunch fight where everyone’s too nicely attired to really fight.
No matter what happens on Monday when Billboard Hot 100 is refreshed, one of them is going to head home with a No. 1. But each has already made fans’ hearts. And for Alex Warren, it looks like he’s playing the long game. Establish respect, spread love, and reign over the charts in silence with a grin.
Stream them both. Buy them both. And maybe don’t be awkward in the comments, OK?
