Elton John makes a massive Number 1-debut with tribute single to Diana, Princess of Wales

Elton John makes a massive debut at Number 1 with the double-sided single Something About the Way You Look Tonight / Candle in the Wind 1997 in honour of the late Princess Diana of Wales. Diana Spencer died in a horrible car crash on 31 August 1997, aged only 36. Her death shook the world and spawned millions of tributes to Lady Di. Princess Diana came to prominence in February 1981 upon her engagement to Prince Charles, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II. She immediately became one of the most influential people on the planet, whilst also being one of the most likeable. Her activities outside of her duties as princess included charity work and fighting HIV/AIDS-deceases. Diana remained the object of worldwide media scrutiny during and after her marriage, which ended in divorce on 28 August 1996 following well-publicised extramarital affairs by both parties. Media attention followed intensively, even after her untimely death.

The sudden and unexpected death of an extraordinarily popular royal figure brought statements from senior figures worldwide and many tributes by members of the public. On 5 September, Queen Elizabeth II paid tribute to her in a live television broadcast. Elton John performed at the televised tribute with Candle in the Wind, which was re-written to look back on Lady Di’s life. The song was originally written about the life of Marilyn Monroe. The song was already an incredible hit, but Elton John his newest version is smashing the original version out of the water with ease. Now the performance is properly released as a single, millions of copies have been sold around the world. Candle in the Wind 1997 became the fastest-selling single ever in the UK, selling 658,000 copies on its first day of release, and over 1.5 million in its first week. All sales and profits are not for Elton John to keep though, as all money is donated to Diana her charities.

On this list, Candle in the Wind 1997 also makes an enormous debut. The song knocks Meredith Brooks off the top and, subsequently, second Top 10-entry following Circle of Life in January 1995. Elton John surely is on its way to score the biggest hit of 1997, all in the name of Princess Diana.

Meanwhile in the Top 10, Anouk scores her first Top 10-entry. Anouk is a Dutch pop-rock singer from the Netherlands. Anouk is currently becoming an incredible sensation in the Netherlands with the monster hit Nobody’s Wife, which is currently storming onto the Dutch charts. The song is the lead single of her debut album “Together Alone”, which also promises to become a success in the near future. This week, Anouk with Nobody’s Wife finishes at Number 7.

Lil Kim scores her first Top 10-entry alongside Angie Martinez, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, Da Brat and Missy Elliott with Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix). The song is becoming Lil Kim her breakthrough on this list, although she is already a phenomenal success in the United States; Lil Kim broke through with the duet No Time alongside P. Diddy and Crush On You, which were both highly successful hits in America. Her first studio album “Hard Core” also proves that Lil Kim is a force to be reckoned with. The female rap formation also peak at Number 10 this week. The only woman to have entered the Top 10 before is Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes who, as a member of TLC, signed three Top 10s to her name.