David Bowie has topped the U.K. albums charts for the first time in two decades, selling 94,000 copies of "The Next Day."
Bowie's surprise comeback marks the singer's ninth album to rise to the No. 1 spot in the U.K. His last album that made it to the top was 1993's "Black Tie White Noise."
Second place went to Bon Jovi, whose "What About Now" moved 37,000 units. Bowie and Bon Jovi are expected to take the first and second spots on this week's Billboard albums chart as well. Billboard notes that the race -- which is pretty much a worldwide competition -- came out differently in Australia, where Bon Jovi (9,910 albums sold) edged out Ziggy Stardust (8,245).
Justin Timberlake's "Mirrors" has topped the singles chart for the past three weeks. Timberlake thanked U.K. fans for helping him score "the hat trick" in a tweet.
Rumors that Bowie would tour in support of the new record received a boost in recent weeks when Iman, the singer's wife, told reporters that she wouldn't be joining him when he heads on the road. A number of other people in Bowie's camp have been adamant that he will not tour, with some saying he plans on never performing live again.
"The Next Day" was streamed in its entirety on iTunes ahead of its release, a move mimicked by Justin Timberlake, who offered up his "20/20 Experience" for his fans ahead of it's Tuesday drop date.
