Billboard reports on the industry activity behind Natasha Bedingfield's US success

THE 28th October issue of Billboard includes a feature chronicling how Britain's Natasha Bedingfield secured a number one hit in the US. Reported Billboard, "'These Words', which topped the UK charts in the months preceding Bedingfield's Stateside launch, was a solid breakthrough, peaking at number nine on the Pop 100 in April 2005 and number six on Hot digital Songs in August. But, as usual, the accomplishment required a gallon of sweat. 'It was a grind like you can't believe, but it really broke her career,' says Tommy Nappi, Epic VP of pop promotion. Jacqueline Saturn, senior VP of radio promotion at Epic, adds, 'A lot of hard work, especially trying to convince rhythmic stations to play a straight pop record - but we got there.'

"Then came 'Unwritten', which indeed served as a trump card. The song not only reached number one on the Pop 100 and number two on Hot Digital Songs in April 2006, but number one at AC and number two at adult top 40 that same month. It one-upped every accomplishment of its predecessor. The title's success was entirely radio-driven, without fanfare from licensing or digital alliances. 'It took 'Unwritten' for the pieces of the puzzle to come together,' Saturn says. 'It wasn't until then that she started doing huge television. That song was used in the MTV series The Hills and that was her first.'

"Bedingfield is now working onher second album, which will see simultaneous worldwide release next year. Saturn is convinced the next round will be less arduous. 'She is a believable artist and we already have people lined up that want to partner with her. It won't be only about radio the next time out.'"