Posted by Emily Exton on 12/16/2011 at 8:37 AM News

The Popdust Files: b.o.b, katy perry, remixes, the one that got away

Katy Perry just stepped closer towards historic territory by nabbing her sixth Top 5 single off album Teenage Dream, but record-adjacent isn’t enough for Popdust’s Artist of the Year. According to Billboard, Capitol Records has delivered a B.o.B remix to Perry’s current single,”The One That Got Away,” to radio stations largely in hopes of seeing it rise to No. 1. It’s expected to be available for digital purchase as early as next week, giving you the opportunity to add to your Christmas shopping list and giving Ms. Hudson the chance at a very happy new year. “The One That Got Away” is already in good shape, moving from No. 9 to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week, and an additional version of the track could be the momentum it needs to put her over the edge, breaking Michael Jackson’s record for most No. 1 singles off one album—a sentence many may not be able to say they ever expected to read. Strange as it may seen, she’s seen this approach work to her benefit before: Kanye West helped “E.T.” soar to the top spot and when 10 celebrity cameos in one video weren’t enough, Missy Elliot surprisingly gave “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” the nudge it needed to claim the top spot in August.

“The One That Got Away” has already been criticized for backing its way into the Top 10, with many citing iTunes hefty discount—no one will mind parting with 69 cents! Especially when records are at stake—as the catalyst that launched its climb up the singles charts. Yet Perry’s not the only artist guilty of using a alternative versions with flashy guest stars to her advantage: Britney Spears lent a verse to Rihanna’s “S&M” earlier this year, which helped boost sales 108% while Ke$ha and Nicki Minaj provided their own additions to Spears’ “Til The World Ends,” rising to No. 3 on the Hot 100, with a 102% gain. Everybody needs loves a remix, right? Maybe B.o.B really shares her feelings of nostalgia and regret? Whether this should be considered cheating her way into the record books or simply a strategic business move, Perry’s hold on the pop charts continues to fascinate us all.