A look at the first two places on the iTunes single sales chart would not provide any element of surprise. Taylor Swift’s “Shake it Off” and Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass,” which have claimed near-permanent status in those spots for many weeks, remain in the top two respective positions.
But if one’s eyes slip one line below, they will absolutely be widened.
Currently in the #3 position on the iTunes all-genre single sales chart is “Need You Right Now (featuring Mike Tompkins),” a single by popular vlogger and current “Dancing with the Stars” contestant Bethany Mota.
“Need You Right Now,” Mota’s first commercial release, is currently selling more than 70% as quickly as Swift’s chart-leading “Shake it Off” and thus ahead of hits like Maroon 5’s “Animals” (#5), Jessie J + Ariana Grande + Nicki Minaj’s “Bang Bang” (#6) and Tove Lo’s “Habits (Stay High)” (#7) on the leading digital retailer’s chart.
And insofar as “Need You Right Now” is not the beneficiary of a high-profile pre-order (like Slipknot’s instant gratification release “XIX,” which is up to #4 on iTunes), its rapid sales growth has been entirely organic.
While it is not expected to enjoy a long-term stay within the Top 5, the fact that it got there at all–and so quickly–speaks highly of Bethany Mota’s fan appeal.