In an eventful run-up to this week’s chart, Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season” has managed to maintain its stronghold on the UK Official Singles Chart for a remarkable third consecutive week, fending off fierce competition from none other than Ariana Grande who released a brand-new single after a year or so away, titled “yes, and?“
The season of the sticks continues to flourish in the UK, with Kahan’s track emerging victorious over Ariana Grande’s comeback hit, “yes, and?“, which claimed Number 2. Despite the formidable challenge posed by one of pop’s biggest players, “Stick Season” remains the most-streamed track in the country, boasting an impressive 8.2 million streams in the last seven days. The margin between the top contenders was razor-thin, with just 600 chart units separating them, according to the Official Charts Company.
Ariana Grande, making a bold entrance with her return, secured the highest new entry at Number 2. Her latest track, “yes, and?” serves as a compelling precursor to her upcoming seventh studio album, “eternal sunshine”. This collaboration with super-producer Max Martin marks Grande’s 21st Top 10 hit in the UK.
Securing the Number 3 spot, falling by just one position, is Sophie Ellis-Bextor with the timeless “Murder on the Dancefloor” which decidedly has stuck around after soaring up the chart due to its inclusion on the soundtrack of Saltburn which debuted on Amazon Prime Video a few weeks back. The track is followed closely by Jack Harlow at Number 4 with “Lovin on Me”.
Breaking into the Top 5 is rising US singer-songwriter Teddy Swims, celebrating his first UK Top 5 single with “Lose Control”. which has reached a brand-new peak at Number 5. The track has continuously rose up the chart and has become increasingly popular over the last few weeks.
21 Savage is making a significant impact on the UK music scene, achieving not only his inaugural solo success with a Top 10 album but also asserting dominance on the UK Official Singles Chart. This week, the influence of his latest album, “american dream”, is evident with three tracks making waves in the Top 40. “redrum” secures Number 11, “née-nah,” a collaboration with Travis Scott and Metro Boomin, claims Number 23, and “n.h.i.e.,” featuring the talented Doja Cat, secures a commendable position at 27. The versatile artist’s presence across multiple chart entries attests to the widespread appeal of his latest musical endeavours.
In a delightful surprise, Natasha Bedingfield’s timeless anthem, “Unwritten”, stages a triumphant comeback, securing its place in the coveted UK Top 20 at Number 18. The resurgence of this British pop classic is attributed to its prominent feature in the romantic comedy “Anyone But You”, sparking a considerable surge in popularity. Initially released in 2004, “Unwritten” had previously claimed the Number 6 spot on the Official Singles Chart, solidifying Natasha Bedingfield’s status as a pop star with this international breakthrough hit.
As “Stick Season” continues to dominate the charts, the battle for who can knock him off continues. With the top 5 all being contenders to reach the summit, can one of them climb upwards? Or can someone new come along and debut right at the top spot?
