The thing is, GS wouldn't be a manipulated #1, IMO. Until the log jam happened, it legitimately did very well and tested well. I also don't recall any of Carrie's #1s dropping that hard, tbh. I know Cry Pretty did, but that wasn't #1
I mean it wouldn’t be as manipulated as we’ve seen, but in a way it would be manipulated. Testing can only help a song so much, 7500 OBO and Best Thing Since Backroads both tested good, but didn’t connect good on streaming/sales. Testing can help get a song to #1, but if it’s sales and streams aren’t there, sometimes the push to the finish line feels very forced. Mind you if someone wants a #1 radio does put more stock in testing than sales/ streams, but usually needs both for it to feel natural.
Mind you it’s connecting better on those fronts than those by some, but when you compare it’s chart position on hot country songs, where it takes into account airplay, sales, and streams (20) to its current airplay position, it shows that it’s not connecting the best.
I guess the way I look at it is if they let those other songs go #1 they should let Carrie’s too. I do like when it feels more natural, but in the end if it does get her to the penthouse again, it may feel forced, but I’ll love seeing her at the top. Many mixed feelings.