RAYE achieves first ever UK Number One single with "Escapism"

In December RAYE's "Escapism" became her highest-charting single ever in the UK, reaching number two. Following the Christmas period, the Official Charts Company reported that "Escapism" was back in the running for a UK Number One, and today (6 January) she's achieved her first UK Number One with the track.

RAYE told the Official Charts Company, "We are Number 1 in the UK! It’s the first Number 1 of the year, it’s my first Number 1 in my life. I’m an independent artist, this is sickening!"

She's done it! @raye is Number 1 in the UK with Escapism https://t.co/27WlTmNHYm pic.twitter.com/M1ztckAzy5

— Official Charts (@officialcharts) January 6, 2023

She previously reached number three in the UK Singles Chart twice, but only from collaborations when she was signed to Polydor Records. Those songs were Jax Jones' "You Don’t Know Me" in 2016, and last year's Joel Corry and David Guetta collaboration "Bed".

Earlier this week RAYE unveiled the 15-song tracklist for her upcoming debut album My 21st Century Blues, which will feature a new collaboration with Mahalia.