The Weeknd Has Been Beaten On The U.K. Singles Chart And He Approves Of The New No. 1 Hit

After eight nonconsecutive frames atop the U.K. songs chart, The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” has stepped down once again (for the third time), pushed back by a new smash that debuts atop the list. It would normally be safe to assume that the Canadian musician would be bummed he didn’t collect another turn at the top, but he actually endorses the new champion and rooted for it, since it’s backed by a truly heartwarming story.

New musician Captain Tom Moore debuts his first single, a cover of the beloved standard “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” at No. 1 in the U.K., earning a surprising and delightful win right off the bat. The track, with features beloved vocalist Michael Ball and The NHS Voices of Care Choir, opens atop the list thanks to 82,000 sales, a huge sum for the country.

“You’ll Never Walk Alone” was recorded and released by Moore and Ball as a fundraiser with proceeds going to NHS Charities Together. Moore’s story is an inspiring one, and it has gripped the nation during this troubled time.

A 99-year-old retired war veteran, Moore began to walk around his garden earlier this month in the hopes he could raise $1,000 for those who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In just a few weeks, he has reportedly already raised over £28 million, and he’s not done yet. His goal was to fundraise until his one hundredth birthday, which is coming up in less than a week.

Moore has never appeared on any U.K. chart before, and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” will likely be his only hit, as he was never a musician during his lifetime, but he’s already achieved something that so many artists hope for. 

For Ball, the No. 1 debut is also huge news, as it marks his first leader in the U.K. He has now doubled his career count of top 10 hits, and he’s passed the No. 2 peak of his first single “Love Changes Everything,” which stalled in the runner-up rung in 1989. He has fared better on the albums list, scoring four rulers and 10 top 10 placements. 

The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” slides to second place, but the R&B powerhouse is not upset. In fact, he tweeted to his millions of followers on Thursday encouraging them to push “You’ll Never Walk Alone” to No. 1. It looks like the charity track was already headed to the top, but his influence likely helped cement its success.