Natasha Bedingfield’s ‘Unwritten’ on Track For U.K. Top 20, Thanks to ‘Anyone But You’

Natasha Bedingfield is writing another chapter to her U.K. chart story, thanks to a sync in Will Gluck’s rom-com Anyone But You.

The British pop singer and songwriter’s “Unwritten” (via Phonogenic) could return to the U.K. top 20 for the first time in 19 years.

Based on a late chart blast published by the Official Charts Company, “Unwritten” is predicted to climb 24-20, for its first appearance in the top 20.

“Unwritten” peaked at No. 6 following its release back in 2004, and is one of Bedingfield’s five U.K. top 10 hits, a tally that includes a No. 1 with “These Words” (both appeared on her debut album from that year, Unwritten).

In the Shakespeare-inspired Anyone But You, “Unwritten” plays a pivotal role in the narrative of Glen Powell’s character, and is played and sung by multiple characters throughout the film.

It’s not the only British pop single from the early noughts enjoying a resurgence, powered by a feature film.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor‘s “Murder on the Dancefloor” (Polydor) lifted to No. 2 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart last week, following its memorable spot late in Emerald Fennell’s dark-as-coal movie Saltburn — equaling its peak set back in 2001.

The Saltburn bump is real, and it’s happening around the globe. In the United States, “Murder on the Dancefloor” belatedly entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 98, and now rises to No. 58 in its second week. And in Australia, “Murder on the Dancefloor” reenters the ARIA Chart at No. 25.

As previously reported, Noah Kahan‘s “Stick Season” (Republic Records) is on track for a third successive week at No. 1 on the U.K. chart, while Ariana Grande’s “Yes, And?” (Republic Records) should be the week’s top debut, bowing at No. 2 on the midweek tally. “Murder on the Dancefloor” is forecast to complete the U.K. podium, at No. 3.

The next Official U.K. Singles Chart is published late Friday, Jan. 19.

Lars Brandle

Billboard