Kenya Grace Eyes Top 3 Finish on U.K. Chart With ‘Strangers’

Kenya Grace’s viral track “Strangers” is taking the elevator on the U.K. chart.

Based on sales and streaming data gathered from the first 48 hours in the chart week, “Strangers” is set for a podium finish; should it hold its early position when the chart proper is presented, “Strangers” would finish at No. 3.

It’s been a strange month for the British artist as her breakthrough hit opened at No. 20 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart, for her first appearance on the national tally. Last Friday, Sept. 15, the single rocketed to No. 12.

“Strangers” is Grace’s first release through a major music company, issued through FFRR, a dance-focused sub-label of Warner Music.

At the top of the chart blast is Doja Cat’s “Paint the Town Red” (Ministry of Sound), which is on track for a third week at No. 1, while “Vampire” (Geffen), lifted from Olivia Rodrigo’s current No. 1 album Guts, is set to retain second place.

Meanwhile, Casso, RAYE and D-Block Europe’s “Prada” (Ministry of Sound) is poised to lift 5-4, for a new high, while Tate McRae’s viral number “Greedy” (RCA) could land the Canadian singer-songwriter a third U.K. top 10 appearance. It’s expected to start its chart journey at No. 9, for what would be the week’s highest debut. McRae previously impacted the top tier with “You Broke Me First” (No. 3 peak in 2020) and with her Tiesto collaboration “10:35” (No. 8 in 2022).

Finally, Issey Cross’s drum ‘n’ bass number “Bittersweet Goodbye,” which interpolates the Verve’s 1997 hit “Bitter Sweet Symphony” (Atlantic), which in turn is based on the strings sample from the Rolling Stones’ 1960s release “The Last Time,” could bounce into the top 20 for the first time. It’s up 22-19 on the chart blast. “Bittersweet Goodbye” is the British artist’s third U.K. top 40 appearance, and her highest charting record to-date.

All will be revealed when the Official U.K. Singles Chart is published late Friday, Sept. 22.