Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber’s blockbuster collaboration “Stuck With U” is set to explode atop the U.K. chart.
The new single blasts to No. 1 on the Official Singles Chart: First Look, with a lead of 2,500 chart sales over its nearest rival, Drake’s “Toosie Slide”.
“Stuck With U” is raising money for First Responders Children’s Foundation, a charity that will underwrite scholarships for children of frontline workers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Should it hold on when the Official U.K. Singles Chart is published late Friday, the collab would be Grande’s sixth and Bieber’s eight U.K. No. 1.
While the pop duo should claim the title, it won’t be the only feel-good chart story.
Dame Vera Lynn is on track to become the oldest living person to score a U.K. top 40 single with “We’ll Meet Again,” the wartime classic which has been on high-rotation around the country with the 75th anniversary VE Day celebrations landing on May 8.
Former “forces’ sweetheart” Lynn, now aged 103, made her name entertaining the troops during World War II.
In 2009, she became the oldest living artist (aged 92) to have a bestselling album as We’ll Meet Again – The Very Best of Vera Lynn (Decca/Universal) climbed 2-1.
Her signature song is at No. 6 on the sales blast after generating more than 588,000 streams in just two days, according to the Official Charts Company. “We’ll Meet Again” is a strong performer on digital downloads, and is currently outmuscling “Stuck With U” and The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” (No. 3 on the First Look chart) in the format.
Surprisingly, “We’ll Meet Again” has never impacted the top 40. It’s all set to become Vera’s first top 40 hit since “Travellin’ Home” went to No. 20 in June 1957, and she would also become the oldest living person to score a top 40 single, outpointing WWII British Army Captain Tom Moore who turned 100 last month when his version of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” (with Michael Ball) led the chart.
