Justin Bieber blocked from historic No. 1 by Bruno Mars

Justin Bieber is inching closer to a major chart milestone—but a fellow pop heavyweight is standing in his way.

Bieber rises to No. 2 on this week’s Pop Airplay chart with his single “Yukon,” from his surprise album Swag.

Despite its steady climb more than six months after release, the track remains just one spot shy of the top.

Holding firm at No. 1 is Bruno Mars with “I Just Might,” which secures a third consecutive week atop the chart.

The song now matches the chart-topping runs of some of Mars’s earlier hits, including “When I Was Your Man,” “Just the Way You Are,” and “That’s What I Like.”

If “Yukon” manages to climb to No. 1 in the coming weeks, Bieber would make chart history.

The Canadian star currently has 11 Pop Airplay No. 1 hits, putting him in a tie with Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Maroon 5 for the third-most leaders in the chart’s history.

Meanwhile, Mars recently earned his 12th No. 1 on the tally, meaning Bieber would match that achievement if he can push past “I Just Might.”

“Yukon” marks another close call for Bieber. It is one of four songs in his career to peak—at least for now—at No. 2 on the Pop Airplay chart. Previous near-misses include “Let Me Love You” (with DJ Snake), “Lonely” (with Benny Blanco), and “Beauty and a Beat” featuring Nicki Minaj.

Over the course of his career, Bieber has placed 22 songs inside the chart’s top 10—half of which have reached No. 1, underscoring both his consistency and the narrow margins that often separate hits from record-breakers.

For now, the race continues, with one pop icon holding the crown—and another closing in on history.