Ariana Grande earns her sixth consecutive UK number one album with Petal

By Sean O'Grady, Press Association Deputy Entertainment Editor

Ariana Grande has earned her sixth consecutive number one record in the UK with Petal, which has topped the Official Albums Chart.

The singer’s chart success comes ahead of her visit to the UK next week with her Eternal Sunshine tour, which will play 10 sold-out shows at The O2, London.

Grande’s other number one UK albums are Dangerous Woman (2016), Sweetener (2018), Thank U, Next (2019), Positions (2020) and Eternal Sunshine (2014).

Also in the top five on the albums chart this week are The Essential by Michael Jackson, You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love by Olivia Rodrigo, The Art Of Loving by Olivia Dean and The Visitor by Sienna Spiro.

In addition to claiming number one on the Official Albums Chart, Grande also has three singles from the album on the Official Singles Chart; Hate That I Made You Love Me at number three, Petal at number four and Kiss Me at number 15.

Meanwhile, Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s song Rein Me In has earned its 20th week at number one on the Official Singles Chart, increasing its tenure as the longest-running number one single in chart history.

Grande previously announced she will take a step back from the spotlight after she completes her London residency.

The shows kick off on August 15 and come to an end on September 1.

She has also dropped out of the upcoming London revival of the Stephen Sondheim musical Sunday In The Park With George, in which she was due to appear opposite her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey. Her role will be recast.

In an Instagram post marking the end of her North American shows, Grande wrote: “I love you … I cannot believe that this concludes the North American leg of the eternal sunshine tour.

“I am overwhelmed with love and the deepest gratitude. thank you endlessly for the most special, beautiful, joyful and deeply fulfilling few months …

“I will cherish every moment of this time with you all & these memories forever.

“Thank you, Chicago … London, I cannot wait to see you soon. I love you all more than ever.

It came after Grande released the music video for Petal, the title single from her newly released eighth studio album, which sparked speculation about her health.