O’Connor Holds On to Top Spot

Sinead O’Connor, leader of the Billboard magazine pop chart for the last month, continues to fight off her primary challengers--M.C. Hammer and Heart. For the first time in several weeks, O’Connor doesn’t top both the pop album and pop singles chart. Her single, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” slipped to No. 2--replaced by Madonna’s “Vogue.” Fast-rising albums: Johnny Gill’s “Johnny Gill” (No. 23) and En Vogue’s “Born to Sing” (No. 43). Three of the hottest titles on the chart are soundtracks--”Pretty Woman” (No. 7), “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (No. 15) and “The Little Mermaid” (No. 58). Fleetwood Mac’s “Behind the Mask” moved up to No. 18.

* Rock singer Billy Idol’s “Charmed Life” is off the a fast start, entering the chart at No. 46. Look a jump into the Top 20 next week.

Rank Rank 2 Weeks Title (Label) Last Week Weeks Ago on Chart 1. “I Do Not Want... 1 1 7 Haven’t Got” Sinead O’Connor (Chrysalis) 2. “Please Hammer Don’t 2 4 11 Hurt ‘Em” M.C. Hammer (Capitol) 3. “Brigade” 4 8 5 Heart (Capitol) 4. “Rhythm Nation 1814” 3 2 33 Janet Jackson (A&M;) 5. “Soul Provider” 5 3 44 Michael Bolton (Columbia) * “Charmed Life” ... ... 1 Billy Idol (Chrysalis)