U.K. CHARTS: DUA LIPA SENDS WB TO #1

Warner Bros. Records has scored its first Official Singles Chart #1 under the new leadership of Phil Christie with fresh act Dua Lipa and slow-burner “New Rules.” The track is the third to hit the top despite not technically having the highest sales, as per the revised chart rules.

Still, Lipa’s first #1 ends a long drought of chart-toppers from female solo artists in Blighty: Adele’s “Hello” was the last one—in October 2015.

“Dua's talent has never been in any doubt,”enthused Christie, who took over in July 2016. “A #1 single at this stage in the campaign is a hugely significant milestone on the road to her becoming a global pop star. It's the result of three years of hard work and creativity from Dua, Ben [Mawson] and the team at Tap Management, and the whole of WB Records.”

P!nk claims this week’s highest riser with “What About Us” (RCA) moving to #5 from #83 after eight days on sale. The highest new entry is Swedish DJ/producer Avicii f/Sandro Cavazza with “Without You” (Virgin EMI) at #32.

Over on the Official Albums Chart, a very tight race has resulted in Elvis missing out on a #1 by just 35 combined sales. Ed Sheeran therefore earns his 15th non-consecutive week at the top with ÷ (Atlantic) as Elvis settles for #2 with The 50 Greatest Hits (Sony Music CG). The latter, however, is still the biggest selling physical album.

Kesha claims the second highest albums entry with Rainbow (RCA) entering at #4—her highest in Blighty to date. Indie artist Dodie enters at #6 with self-released EP, You, while The Cribs’ 24-7 Rock Star S**t (Sonic Blew) lands at #8. Grime artist Chip scores his third Top 20 album with League Of My Own II (Kobalt) at #12 and Rat Boy's debut, Scum (Parlophone), follows at #15.