Britney Spears tops Billboard chart

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. 24. 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.

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.