His mother named him after her dream car but he topped the charts in 2019 under this moniker

On the July 10, 2025 episode of Jeopardy, the Final Jeopardy category was Chart Toppers, a space often filled with pop music legends and chart-dominating hits. The clue given to contestants read: “His mother named him after her dream car but he topped the charts in 2019 under this moniker.” A well-crafted clue with a blend of personal trivia and chart history, it tested contestants’ knowledge of modern music and pop culture.

Who is Lil Nas X?

The correct response was Lil Nas X. The artist, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, rose to fame in 2019 with the breakout single Old Town Road, a genre-blending hit that became one of the most dominant chart-toppers in Billboard Hot 100 history. His stage name, however, isn’t just a nickname or abbreviation—it’s a branding choice rooted in internet culture and hip-hop traditions.

Montero Hill’s first name was inspired by his mother’s love for the Mitsubishi Montero, her “dream car” at the time of his birth. In interviews, Hill has explained that his mother simply liked the sound of the name. As he began his journey into music and internet culture, he adopted the moniker “Lil Nas X” as a nod to other rappers who had used the “Lil” prefix and also as a play on the name of the influential rapper Nas. The “X” was added as a symbol of mystery and individuality.

His choice was initially meant as a joke when he began uploading content online, but it stuck—and ultimately became a household name. By 2019, Lil Nas X had evolved from a relatively unknown internet figure to a cultural phenomenon, with his genre-bending style and savvy use of platforms like TikTok contributing to the viral explosion of Old Town Road.

The Chart Performance of “Old Town Road”

Released independently in December 2018, Old Town Road started gaining traction online before being picked up by Columbia Records. Its blend of country and trap elements sparked widespread conversation and even controversy, particularly after Billboard removed it from the country charts. Still, the song’s popularity only grew.

A remix featuring country star Billy Ray Cyrus helped cement its legacy. By August 2019, Old Town Road had spent 19 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, breaking the record for the longest reign at the top of the chart—a record that still holds significant weight in pop music discussions.

Lil Nas X’s Rise Beyond the Viral Hit

While Old Town Road was his breakout, Lil Nas X didn’t fade into one-hit wonder territory. He followed up with other successful singles like Panini, Montero (Call Me By Your Name), and Industry Baby. Each showcased his willingness to push boundaries, both musically and visually. His ability to stay relevant in a fast-moving industry helped solidify his place among contemporary chart-toppers.

Lil Nas X has also been noted for his openness about his identity and his use of music and performance as platforms for expression. This has earned him both praise and criticism, but it’s clear that his chart success wasn’t a fluke. The Final Jeopardy clue highlighted not just a name, but a story of reinvention, creativity, and cultural impact.

Conclusion

Thursday’s Final Jeopardy clue blended personal backstory with historic chart performance, leading to a response that captured both the spirit of modern pop and the power of self-invention. The correct answer, Lil Nas X, encapsulates the journey of an artist who transformed a casual online persona into a music industry powerhouse. Through catchy hooks, bold visuals, and strategic use of social media, Montero Hill created one of the most memorable chart-topping moments of the last decade—and became a defining figure in twenty-first century pop culture.