Britney fans catapult 2011 hit to No. 1 to overshadow Justin Timberlake's comeback"

The music world witnessed a clash of pop titans this week, as Justin Timberlake’s highly anticipated comeback album, “Everything I Thought It Was,” dropped, only to be overshadowed by a surge in streams for Britney Spears’ 2011 song “Selfish.”

Timberlake’s return to the solo scene after five years was met with excitement, fueled by the chart-topping success of his lead single, also titled “Selfish.”

Spears’ fans, the fiercely loyal #BritneyArmy, saw an opportunity. They rallied on social media, urging each other to stream “Selfish” by Spears instead of Timberlake’s new track. The campaign, fueled by a mix of nostalgia, support for Spears, and perhaps a dash of shade, proved wildly successful.

Spears’ “Selfish” rocketed up the charts, reaching the top spot on the US iTunes chart within hours of Timberlake’s release. Meanwhile, his “Selfish” remained at number two, a bittersweet debut for the highly anticipated album.

Whether this stunt was a playful jab or a powerful statement, it’s clear that the pop landscape is rarely predictable, and even the biggest comebacks can be met with unexpected twists and turns. As for “Everything I Thought It Was,” Timberlake’s album is sure to receive its own fair share of analysis and acclaim, but for now, the spotlight remains firmly on Britney Spears and the unwavering loyalty of her #BritneyArmy.