Olivia Newton-John Returns to ARIA Chart After Death

As fans mourn Olivia Newton-John’s passing, the late pop star stages a return to the top tier of Australia’s albums chart.

Newton-John’s career retrospective, Hopelessly Devoted: The Hits, flies to No. 5 on the latest ARIA Albums Chart, published late Friday (Aug. 12), while the 14-times platinum soundtrack to Grease returns to the survey at No. 8.

ONJ is a national treasure in her homeland, with induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2002, and, in 2019, wider recognition with the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for her contribution to music and charitable work.

Earlier this year, she was inducted into the Honour Roll at the Australian Women in Music Awards, with a special tribute by Tina Arena in her absence.

ONJ’s status was confirmed in 2012 by the National Trust of Australia, when she was named a National Living Treasure of Australia.

On Thursday (Aug. 11), Victoria’s premier Daniel Andrews confirmed Newton-John would receive a state memorial service, following conversations with her family.

“We’re working with Olivia’s family on the details, but it will be more of a concert than a funeral — fitting for a Victorian who lived such a rich and generous life,” Andrews explained in a tweet.

The “Physical” singer died Monday (Aug. 8) following a decades-long — and very public — battle with cancer. She was 73. Along her journey with cancer, the icon helped raise funds to build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, which continues to sponsor global research into plant medicine and treatments for cancer.

Meanwhile, Beyoncé retains top spot on the ARIA Albums Chart with Renaissance, her third consecutive No. 1 album, while Eminem has the week’s top debut with Curtain Call 2, new at No. 2.

Fresh from winning song of the year at the 2022 NIMAs in Darwin, King Stingray enter the chart at No. 6 with their self-titled debut album.