In a stunning turn of events, Stranger Things star Joe Keery has achieved a rare feat by dethroning Taylor Swift from the No. 1 spot on Spotify with his track “End of Beginning.” The song, released in 2022 as part of Keery’s album Decide, surged to the top of the charts this weekend, surpassing Swift’s hit “The Fate of Ophelia,” which had dominated the position for an impressive 78 consecutive days.
Keery, known for his role as Steve Harrington on Stranger Things, has seen a significant boost in streams for his music following the emotional series finale of the popular Netflix show. As fans revisited Keery’s musical work, the song experienced a resurgence, catapulting it into the spotlight and marking a major milestone in his music career under the name DJO.
The track’s rise to No. 1 is notable not only because it ended Swift’s reign but also because it reflects the power of fan-driven momentum. Keery’s unique position as both an actor and a musician has allowed his music to gain a distinct crossover appeal, making this chart-topping moment even more remarkable.
A Full-Circle Moment with Taylor Swift
Adding another layer of intrigue to the situation is Keery’s past interaction with Taylor Swift, which makes this chart event feel almost poetic. In 2024, Keery shared an encounter with Swift during an appearance on The Spout Podcast. At Electric Lady Studios in New York, Swift unexpectedly complimented Keery’s song “End of Beginning,” even before it became a streaming hit. Keery was taken aback by her attention, admitting that he never imagined she would be familiar with his work.
In a later appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Keery humorously recounted the awkward yet memorable moment, where fans waiting for Swift were surprised to see him instead. Despite the competitive nature of the charts, Keery has consistently praised Swift and has hinted at the possibility of a future collaboration, suggesting that their paths may cross in a more meaningful way in the future.
Music Always at the Core of Keery’s Journey
Although Joe Keery is still widely recognized for his role in Stranger Things, music has always been a central part of his creative identity. Before launching DJO, Keery was a member of the psychedelic rock band Post Animal, where he played drums, guitar, and provided vocals. In 2018, as Stranger Things skyrocketed in popularity, Keery stepped away from the group to avoid overshadowing the band’s success with his acting fame.
Since launching DJO in 2019, Keery has released three studio albums and steadily built a reputation as a live performer. His music journey, which includes touring and songwriting, continues to evolve. In a November 2025 interview with ELLE, Keery spoke about how deeply embedded music has become in his life, describing touring as a rewarding and collaborative experience.
With “End of Beginning” reaching No. 1, Joe Keery’s success is a testament to his ability to bridge his acting fame with his musical talents. This milestone signals more than a viral moment—it highlights the organic growth of an artist whose music resonates with fans, even as his Stranger Things legacy continues to follow him.
