For Immediate Release: October 14, 2009

New York, NY — Britney Spears debuts at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with her new single “3,” making her the first artist to do so in over three years, Billboard magazine reports. The critically acclaimed single will also debut at #1 on the Billboard Digital charts.

Rolling Stone magazine called "3" an “instant Britney classic,” and gave the hit a four-star review, building further anticipation for the release of her album The Singles Collection on Nov. 10. The song, recorded with hit maker Max Martin, trumped a title previously held by American Idol winner Taylor Hicks since 2006. Britney is the first artist outside of the American Idol camp to claim the #1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 since Lauren Hill’s “Doo Wop (That Thing)" in 1998, according to Billboard magazine.

“I want to thank my fans for making '3' the #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100,” Britney said in response to the news. “I am truly blessed with the greatest fans in the world, and I am so happy y’all love it because I do this all for you. I can’t wait till you see the video.” The video for “3” will soon premiere on Britney.com, BritneySpears.com and her other official web properties.

“3” becomes the latest Britney classic and is the only new song to appear on The Singles Collection. There will be two configurations of The Singles Collection; an ultimate fan box set and a standard version.

The standard version of The Singles Collection will contain 17 of her chart-topping favorites, along with the new song “3,” all on one CD and will be available on Nov. 10.

The ultimate fan box set version of The Singles Collection will be available on Nov. 24 and will contain all 29 of her singles, including the new song “3.” Each disc will be packaged in its own slip sleeve case with original artwork, and will include an additional b-side or a remix of the track. The collection will include a DVD featuring all of Britney’s videos in chronological order. The ultimate fan box set will also include a special booklet featuring iconic images and fun facts about each track.

During her 10 year career, Britney has had 5 albums debut at the #1 spot on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, as well as 23 Top 40 hits on the Billboard Pop Singles chart. Worldwide, Britney Spears is one of the top-selling artists of the last decade, constantly topping charts with her albums …Baby One More Time (1999); Oops!... I Did It Again (2000); Britney (2001); In The Zone (2003); Blackout (2007) and Circus (2008). Worldwide she has sold over 63 million albums.

Britney Spears is currently touring in support of her most recent studio album Circus. “The Circus Starring Britney Spears” tour started in her home state of Louisiana in March 2009.