HOTTER THAN HOT: The introduction of the Pop 100 is not the only major change this week. New methodology is introduced to the Hot 100, which now includes sales of digital downloads whether a retail single exists or not. Titles no longer have to appear in the top 75 of the Hot 100 Airplay chart before they can appear on the big chart.

The change in formula shakes up the chart, but not at the top, where Mario's "Let Me Love You" (3rd Street/J) continues at to rule for the seventh week. Beneficiaries of the new methodology include Kelly Clarkson, who becomes the first "American Idol" to have two entries in the top 10 -- "Since U Been Gone" (RCA) at No. 9 and "Breakaway" at No. 10 -- and the Killers, who have the highest new entry of 2005 as "Mr. Brightside" (Island) bows at No. 40.

I actually like those 2 singles from Kelly Clarkston.
[Edited 2/5/05 6:44am]

I don't know why Billboard even has a singles chart any more. There are very few singles in the record stores. The chart is a joke.

What is the point of a pop chart? That doesn't make sense since pop barely exisits. Would have made sense in the late ninties. That being said, including downloads is very cool! Now things might start shaking up! And I also like the Kelly Clarkson singles. :blush:

This is nothing new. Billboard changes their chart methodology all the time to reflect trends in sales/airplay.