Hero becomes the first Dutch act in a year to reach Number 1 since Guus Meeuwis & Vagant

Hero climbs to his first Number 1-hit with Toen Ik Je Zag. Hero is the first Dutch artist to grace the top spot since Guus Meeuwis & Vagant with Per Spoor (Kedeng Kedeng) in April 1996. Some other successful Dutch songs followed, but none became a chart-topper. Hero is the pseudonym of actor Antonie Kamerling, named after his character in the Dutch film ‘All Stars’. Antonie Kamerling is a popular Dutch star, having starred in numerous hit films. It is not unusual for Dutch musicians to take on pseudonyms, as the girl group Linda, Roos & Jessica also used alternative names. Hero dethrones the Spice Girls’ Mama, which spent two weeks at Number 1 and was certified Platinum.

Lutricia McNeal scores her first Top 10-entry with Ain't That Just the Way. The song was originally released as the B-side of the 1975-single: The Reverend Bob, sung by American singer Barbi Benton. American singer Lutricia McNeal covers the single for renewed success. Lutricia McNeal was a part act of Swedish R&B-act Rob'n'Raz, before leaving the band in 1995. Her hit is becoming a massive hit in Europe, peaking within the Top 10 in many countries. On this list, Lutricia McNeal peaks at Number 10.

Gary Barlow scores the highest debut of the week. The English singer was a member of the massively successful boy group Take That, with whom he scored big hits such as Back for Good and How Deep Is Your Love. Robbie Williams left the band midway 1995 and the group fully disbanded midway 1996. Gary Barlow released his first solo-single Forever Love in July 1996, which peaked at Number 2 and was certified Gold. The ex-Take That member has been quiet for quite some time, but he fully returns this week with Love Won’t Wait. Gary Barlow debuts at Number 11 this week.

Although the Spice Girls are dethroned of their Number 1-position this week, their single Mama receives a Platinum Certification. The Spice Girls spent two above the list with Mama, shortest for any of their singles. This is their fifth Platinum-hit, following Wannabe, Say You’ll Be There, 2 Become 1 and, most recently, Who Do You Think You Are. Their signature hit Wannabe is their highest-certified single to date, having scored 160,000 points and a 5 x Platinum Certification.