CHART TOPPERS
'X Factor' winner James Arthur has proved nothing is impossible with his debut single rocketing to the top of the charts.
The ITV reality show has seen a slump in viewers this year but it did not stop 'Impossible' becoming the fastest selling single of the year so far, with 490,000 copies, according to the Official Chart Company.
The sales make it the fastest-selling 'X Factor' track since Alexandra Burke's 2008 hit 'Hallelujah'.
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James Arthur is number one
It remains to be seen whether the new entry can hold on to the top spot for a second week and become Christmas number one next Sunday.
A cover version of the Hollies' hit 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother' by The Justice Collective - including Sir Paul McCartney and Robbie Williams - supporting the families of Liverpool supporters killed in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, is favourite to be the festive chart-topper.
James's version of 'Impossible' had the best opening week's sales of recent X Factor winners, outperforming Little Mix's 'Cannonball' by more than two to one (210,000).
GIGS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Looking ahead to June 2013, The Killers are the final names to be added to the headliners' list for next year's Isle Of Wight Festival.
The Las Vegas quartet, famous for hits 'Mr Brightside' and 'Somebody Told Me', join Bon Jovi and The Stone Roses at the top of the bill of the event.
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Dave Keuning, Brandon Flowers, Ronnie Vannucci Jr.and Mark Stoermer of The Killers
Other acts announced so far for the Isle Of Wight Festival 2013, which takes place at Seaclose Park, Newport, are Jake Bugg, The Script, Bloc Party, Paloma Faith, The Maccabees, Ellie Goulding and Blondie.
Formed in 2002, anthem-rockers The Killers have released four studio albums which have all topped the UK charts, selling more than six million copies in the US, five million in the UK and a total of 16 million worldwide.
Tickets are available now from www.isleofwightfestival.com.
OPEN YOUR EARS
Twenty-year-old South Londoner Arlissa is a young lady with a big voice. She's recently secured a place on the BBC’s Sound of 2013 longlist, after her collaboration with Nas got her noticed, and is hotly tipped as music's promising newcomer for next year.
Nas heard her demo of 'Hard To Love Somebody' and asked to record an alternate rap version of it - his second ever collaboration with a UK artist (the first being Amy Winehouse).
Listen to a great remix of the Nas edit, as done by hip-hop producers and remixers The Nextmen, below:
The half American, half German singer, raised largely in Crystal Palace, is now preparing to release her debut single, 'Sticks & Stones', early next year.
Drawing unusual inspiration from the likes of Peter Gabriel, Crystal Fighters (with whom she’s recording for their album) and Regina Spektor, the song is about letting go of conflict and moving on.
Check out the song 'Hard to Love Somebody Part II', minus Nas, below:
'X Factor' winner James Arthur has proved nothing is impossible with his debut single rocketing to the top of the charts.
The ITV reality show has seen a slump in viewers this year but it did not stop 'Impossible' becoming the fastest selling single of the year so far, with 490,000 copies, according to the Official Chart Company.
The sales make it the fastest-selling 'X Factor' track since Alexandra Burke's 2008 hit 'Hallelujah'.
It remains to be seen whether the new entry can hold on to the top spot for a second week and become Christmas number one next Sunday.
A cover version of the Hollies' hit 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother' by The Justice Collective - including Sir Paul McCartney and Robbie Williams - supporting the families of Liverpool supporters killed in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, is favourite to be the festive chart-topper.
James's version of 'Impossible' had the best opening week's sales of recent X Factor winners, outperforming Little Mix's 'Cannonball' by more than two to one (210,000).
GIGS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Looking ahead to June 2013, The Killers are the final names to be added to the headliners' list for next year's Isle Of Wight Festival.
The Las Vegas quartet, famous for hits 'Mr Brightside' and 'Somebody Told Me', join Bon Jovi and The Stone Roses at the top of the bill of the event.
Other acts announced so far for the Isle Of Wight Festival 2013, which takes place at Seaclose Park, Newport, are Jake Bugg, The Script, Bloc Party, Paloma Faith, The Maccabees, Ellie Goulding and Blondie.
Formed in 2002, anthem-rockers The Killers have released four studio albums which have all topped the UK charts, selling more than six million copies in the US, five million in the UK and a total of 16 million worldwide.
Tickets are available now from www.isleofwightfestival.com.
OPEN YOUR EARS
Twenty-year-old South Londoner Arlissa is a young lady with a big voice. She's recently secured a place on the BBC’s Sound of 2013 longlist, after her collaboration with Nas got her noticed, and is hotly tipped as music's promising newcomer for next year.
Nas heard her demo of 'Hard To Love Somebody' and asked to record an alternate rap version of it - his second ever collaboration with a UK artist (the first being Amy Winehouse).
Listen to a great remix of the Nas edit, as done by hip-hop producers and remixers The Nextmen, below:
The half American, half German singer, raised largely in Crystal Palace, is now preparing to release her debut single, 'Sticks & Stones', early next year.
Drawing unusual inspiration from the likes of Peter Gabriel, Crystal Fighters (with whom she’s recording for their album) and Regina Spektor, the song is about letting go of conflict and moving on.
Check out the song 'Hard to Love Somebody Part II', minus Nas, below: