After years of silence, Adele said “Hello” last week, and believe it or not her presence was missed — if this week’s Billboard figures are any indication. According to the chart purveyors themselves, the British pop star’s new single set digital sales records, becoming the first song to sell more than 1 million digital downloads in a week (at an unbelievable 1.11 million), and nearly doubling the previous record holder, Flo Rida’s 2009 single “Right Round.”
Aided by its 61 million streams, “Hello” also became the 24th song ever to debut at No. 1, following Justin Bieber’s “What Do U Mean” successes from just a few weeks ago. Adele also became the first woman to top the Hot 100 in over 22 weeks, all impressive feats for an unexpected return. Sometimes a cordial greeting is all it takes.
