Charli XCX Closes In – Will ‘Sympathy is a Knife’ Slash Through Sabrina’s U.K. Reign?

The latest U.K. Official Singles Chart update sees a thrilling showdown brewing between pop heavyweights Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX, as they battle it out for the top spot.

Sabrina’s infectious hit “Taste” (Island) holds strong at No. 1 for its eighth week, maintaining its grip on the chart. But Charli’s “Sympathy Is a Knife” (Atlantic) coming in as hot as a brat summer, surging to No. 2 after a remix featuring Ariana Grande gave it a major boost. With only 1,000 chart units separating the two, the competition is fierce, and Charli is well-positioned for a possible takeover.

Not only is Charli challenging Sabrina at the top, but she’s also making noise further down the chart. Her track “365” re-enters the Top 40 at No. 22, following the release of the Shygirl remix.

Gracie Abrams continues her rise as well, with “I Love You, I’m Sorry” (Interscope) poised to vault eight spots to claim No. 3, which would mar her first-ever U.K. Top 3 single. The song’s emotional depth and strong streaming performance have propelled her into new chart territory.

Also climbing is KSI with his collaboration “Thick of It” featuring Trippie Redd (Atlantic), which looks to break into the Top 10 at No. 8, while Teddy Swims could see a new peak at No. 9 with “The Door” (Atlantic), after slowly climbing for 26 weeks. The track’s soulful vibe has clearly resonated with audiences, giving Swims his first Top 10 hit.

In another notable debut, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Bed Chem” enters the Top 10 at No. 10, giving her a second hit in the upper echelon this week.

Meanwhile, Chappell Roan’s infectious track “Pink Pony Club” is on track to reach a new peak at No. 11 on the U.K. Singles Chart according to the latest blast, while Billie Eilish’s ethereal “Birds of a Feather” (Interscope) is expected to rise to No. 13, continuing her strong presence.

BLACKPINK’s JENNIE is making a mark with her latest solo single “Mantra” (Columbia), which is poised to enter the U.K. Top 20 at No. 18, potentially marking her first major solo chart breakthrough in the region.

As the week progresses, the question remains: Will Charli XCX finally knock Sabrina Carpenter from the top spot, or will Sabrina hold on for another week of chart glory?

Jessica Lynch

Billboard