Lukas Graham [Chapman Baehler | WBR]
While Lukas Graham’s “7 Years” finally overtook Rihanna’s “Work (featuring Drake)” on the US iTunes sales chart early Friday, it did not immediately get to enjoy a #1 position.
Aided by exposure on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and a re-airing of her epic “American Idol” performance, the “Idol” version of Kelly Clarkson’s “Piece By Piece” soared to the peak position on the iTunes single sales chart. It spent the duration of Friday at #1.
The dynamic changed Saturday morning. Lukas Graham’s international hit seized the throne and is currently (as of noon ET Saturday) the fastest-selling song at the US iTunes store. It is #1 on the all-genre single sales chart.
The international hit has proven immensely resonant with American music fans; it soared into impressive iTunes territory the moment it began to receive meaningful radio exposure. In reaching #1 without any non-conventional/viral promotions, “7 Years” has put an exclamation point on that claim of resonance. American music fans — like music fans from around the world — love this song!