The first US number one since Kim Wilde...

Leona Lewis got to the top of the charts in the USA with her single 'Bleeding love' after an appearance on Oprah Winfrey's talkshow. According to various newspapers and websites, she was the first UK female to reach that position since Kim Wilde, who took her single 'You keep me hangin' on' to number 1 in the States in the Summer of 1987.

Kim Wilde is being quoted in today's Daily Mail with her memories from almost 21 years ago. She said: "I'd just come from the dentist when I got the news. That's what I remember - my mouth hurting. And I didn't celebrate with champagne and clubbing. I think I had a cup of tea."
You can read that article on this page.

According to UK reports at the time, it was Natasha Bedingfield who got to number 1 in the States last year with her single 'Unwritten'. This fact was broadly celebrated and written about. It turns out that she only made number 1 in the US dance and pop charts, whereas she got to no. 5 in the Hot 100. Leona Lewis therefore is the first UK female to equal Kim's 21 year old success.

With thanks to Garry Knox