Jacob Hackworth Makes Record-Breaking Radio Debut With ‘What Took You So Long’

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Jacob Hackworth and team members

Jacob Hackworth came barreling out of the gate with his new single, “What Took You So Long,” which officially made its country radio debut this week as the most-added single, with 128 first-week stations, including a record-breaking 96 adds on impact.

The debut marks the highest one-week total for a new artist debut single in Country Aircheck/Mediabase add board history. The milestone also earns Hackworth the distinction of No. 1 most added at country radio this week, signaling huge support from both industry and fans for the Mercury Nashville/Goat Island Sound artist. Hackworth’s team, family and friends surprised him earlier this week, gathering to celebrate the feat.

“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,” says 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.”

Already established as one of Nashville’s most in-demand songwriters, Hackworth has earned multiple No. 1s and amassed more than one billion streams in 2025 alone, with roughly 60 major label cuts to his name. 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”), landing on multiple 2026 Artist to Watch lists.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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