Owl City, a.k.a. 23-year-old Adam Young, rose one place to the top with “Fireflies”, a week after losing his crown to Jason DeRulo’s “Whatcha Say.” DeRulo slipped to No. 3. In between, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind” rose one to No. 2.
Rihanna’s “Russian Roulette” rocketed 66 places to No. 9, triggered by first-week download sales of 132,000 units, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
The song’s digital release coincided with the singer’s publicity blitz for her new album, ‘Rated R’, due November 23, and her first public comments on her assault at the hands of then-boyfriend Chris Brown in February. The only other female artist with more top 10s this decade is Beyonce with 13.
Sean Kingston protege Iyaz soared eight places to No. 4 with “Replay.” Jay Sean’s “Down,” featuring Lil Wayne, dipped one to No. 5. Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA” was also down one, to No. 6, as was Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” at No. 7.
Britney Spears’ former No. 1 “3” held at No. 8, and Beyonce’s “Sweet Dream” rebounded one place to No. 10.
The Hot 100’s Hot Shot Debut belonged to Canadian teen singer Justin Bieber, whose “Favorite Girl” started at No. 26. Other newcomers included Jay Sean’s “Do You Remember,” featuring Sean Paul and Lil Jon, at No. 27; and Rob Thomas’ “Someday” No. 93.
Taylor Swift, crowned Entertainer of the Year at the Country Music Assn. Awards on Wednesday, jumped eight places to No. 38 with “Fifteen,” the 13th top 40 hit from ‘Fearless’, extending the record for most such entries from one album (including the set’s recent ‘Platinum Edition’ re-release) in the chart’s 51-year history.
