James Blunt Hits #1 On Billboard "Heatseekers" & Soundscan Alternative New Artist Charts;
U.S. Tour Earning Rave Reviews;
"You're Beautiful" Ready For Its Close-Up
"BACK TO BEDLAM," the debut album from Custard/Atlantic recording artist James Blunt, hits #1 this week on Billboard magazine's "Top Heatseekers" chart of new and developing artists. The acclaimed album, which was "Greatest Gainer" on the chart last week, was spurred into the top spot by Blunt's performance last week on NBC-TV's "Today" show - which marked his American network television debut. "BACK TO BEDLAM", which was released in the U.S. on October 4th, is now in its fourth consecutive week in the #1 spot on SoundScan's Alternative New Artist chart and rises this week to #12 on the Digital Album chart.
"BACK TO BEDLAM" features the breakout hit single, "You're Beautiful." The song is scoring at multi-format radio outlets, quickly bulleting into the top 10 at Triple A and the top 20 at both Hot AC and AC outlets. Its moving companion video has moved into Large rotation at VH1 and is ranked Summa Cum Laude at mtvU. In addition, Blunt is being featured on MTV this week as part of "Spankin' New Music Week's Ten Spot Drop."
Blunt is currently in the midst of his first full-fledged North American concert itinerary. The trek - which is slated to run through early December - features a number of dates supporting labelmate Jason Mraz. James has also been playing a series of headlining shows, including two sold-out performances last week at New York City's Bowery Ballroom. He has been earning rave reviews on the road, with The New York Times noting that, "Strumming his acoustic guitar or slinging it to the side, Mr. Blunt has an authoritative charisma."
While on tour in the U.S., Blunt is making several special television appearances. Following his November 3rd "The Today Show" show performance, he is set for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on November 25th and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" on December 6th. He is also slated to be a presenter on the 33rd Annual "American Music Awards," airing live on November 22nd.
In the online world, Blunt has been garnering great exposure on AOL Music, including a Sessions@AOL
"BACK TO BEDLAM" has proven a sensation in the 28-year-old singer/songwriter's native Great Britain. Released in the UK in October 2004, it spent nine weeks at #1 on the nation's album chart and now ranks as the best-selling album in England for 2005. The album also recently hit #1 on Billboard's European Top 100 Albums chart. Just last week, Blunt was named "Best New Act" at the MTV Europe Video Awards.
In addition, "You're Beautiful" was the undisputed single of the English summer, spending five weeks in the top spot. The dual successes marked the first time that a male solo artist has ruled both charts at the same time for four weeks running since Rod Stewart did it thirty years ago.