James: America's Fave Man

James BluntJames Blunt has had more than his fair share of insults in recent months.

But the posh pop star has just done something near miraculous...

He's become the first UK artist to reach No.1 in the American music charts since 1997.

Of course, it's his oft-played single You're Beautiful that has struck a chord with the Yanks.

Ex-soldier and Brit-winner James is keeping artists including Beyonce Knowles and Sean Paul off of the top spot.

Cracking the US market has been something of a holy grail to UK artists in recent years.

Bands including Oasis have failed to make the impact they hoped for and even Robbie Williams has not enjoyed the kind of success he's used to in Blighty.

Sir Elton John Past UK No.1 scorers across the pond have included The Beatles, Phil Collins and Culture Club.

And that 1997 chart-topper was Sir Elton John's Candle in the Wind, following the death of Princess Diana.

James may have won the worst album at last month's NME Awards for Back To Bedlam...

But with that rising up the US album charts too, perhaps he'll finally answer his critics.