The true sign that blonde-haired, '60s-channeling U.K. pop chanteuse Duffy has crossed over in the U.S.? No, it's not Rockferry debuting at #4 this week on the Billboard album chart. Nor is it the fact that her worldwide smash "Mercy" is this week's Sales Gainer, soaring from #66 to #27 on the Hot 100.No, folks, the reason I know she's truly made it is because last night while watching TV, I heard "Mercy" in a commercial for the WWF. It featured so prominently in the ad that the lyrics were even spelled out on the screen in big block letters. Godalmighty, buy this funny-talkin' girl a hot dog and give her the key to Kansas City already, Mr. Mayor!
Elsewhere, Lil Wayne's "Lollipop" returns to #1 for a second non-consecutive week...and thank God, right? That's just such an awesome, inspiring song. Lollipop, y'all. Suck it.
The rest of the Top 10 remains basically the same, with no new singles entering. Mariah Carey and Chris Brown rebound with "Bye Bye" and "Forever," respectively up to #19 and #20. Katy Perry's faux lesbi-dirge "I Kissed A Girl" is at #40.
Meanwhile, what's up with Ne-Yo's limp showing with new single, "Closer" (#47)? See, this is why American radio bites it. Anything with a beat faster than what sounds like three crunked video vixens bumping coconuts while they dry-grind each other -- i.e., "Closer" and Chris Brown's "Forever" -- and it gets no airplay love. Have "Mercy," Clear Channel.The U.S. Top 10:
1. "Lollipop" - Lil Wayne Feat. Static Major *2 weeks*
2. "Bleeding Love" - Leona Lewis
3. "Take A Bow" - Rihanna *airplay gainer*
4. "Love In This Club" - Usher Feat. Young Jeezy
5. "No Air" - Jordin Sparks Duet With Chris Brown
6. "Sexy Can I" - Ray J & Young Berg
7. "4 Minutes" - Madonna Feat. Justin Timberlake
8. "Pocketful Of Sunshine" - Natasha Bedingfield
9. "Touch My Body" - Mariah Carey
10. "Damaged'" - Danity Kane