will.i.am from The Black Eyed Peas arrives at the 2010 American Music Awards wearing a cap made up of plastic blocks, in Los Angeles November 21, 2010. — Reuters Photo
Will.i.am from The Black Eyed Peas arrives at the 2010 American Music Awards wearing a cap made up of plastic blocks, in Los Angeles . — Reuters (File) Photo

LONDON:  US producer will.i.am's collaboration with Britney Spears topped the British pop charts on Sunday as David Bowie notched up his first top 10 single in two decades with his surprise new release.

Launched without warning on Bowie's 66th birthday, the single "Where Are We Now?" caused widespread media interest, and charted in sixth place despite only having been available for five days.

It was his first new song in almost a decade and produced his best chart performance since 1986, when he reached number two with "Absolute Beginners", the Official Charts Company said.

Topping the chart was "Scream and Shout" by will.i.am, featuring Britney Spears, giving her a first British number one since 2004.

US country-pop star Taylor Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble" moved up to second, with James Arthur, winner of the British version of the "X Factor" TV talent show last year, dropping from first to third with "Impossible".

In the album chart, singer Emeli Sandé returned to number one with "Our Version of Events", which has now spent 48 consecutive weeks in the Top 10.

Last week's chart-topper "18 Months" by Scottish producer and singer Calvin Harris dropped to second place, and English singer Jake Bugg rose a place to third with his eponymous album.

R&B star Rihanna climbed three to fourth with "Unapologetic". The only new entry in the top 10 was the soundtrack from the Oscar-nominated film musical "Les Miserables", which debuted in fifth.

Opinion

Editorial

Budget presser
Updated 14 Jun, 2026

Budget presser

If the FBR falters, the government will find itself in hot water sooner rather than later.
Muharram precautions
14 Jun, 2026

Muharram precautions

WITH Muharram due to start next week, the authorities have already begun annual exercises to ensure that the ...
Blood bequests
14 Jun, 2026

Blood bequests

WORLD Blood Donor Day offers a moment of “gratitude, advocacy and renewed commitment” for thalassaemia patients...
Sustainable path?
Updated 13 Jun, 2026

Sustainable path?

The FY27 budget is the first clear signal that the government is ready to transition from stabilisation to growth.
Prioritising education
13 Jun, 2026

Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
13 Jun, 2026

Poverty’s rise

AS attention turns to the government’s plans for the coming fiscal year, one set of figures deserves particular...