The 36-year-old once sported a ponytail, used to swim a mile a day, breeds race horses and has even sung on two pop singles.

BBC: Peter Ebdon

Though its career as a hit-maker dried up shortly after its 1986 debut, Crowded House continued to churn out glorious power-pop singles through the early '90s, following the Top 10 gems "Don't Dream It's Over" and "Something So Strong" with a sturdy string of tracks that deftly balance briskness and melancholy.

NPR: Crowded House Won't 'Stop' Sparkling Sadly

Formed in 1985 from the ashes of Split Enz, the Australian band Crowded House recorded some of the most appealing pop-rock singles of the late '80s and early '90s, before breaking up in 1996.

NPR: Crowded House, Joan as Police Woman in Concert

But Pink Floyd themselves apparently liked it and the new version was championed by dance DJs and reached number 10 in the singles chart, showing their pop potential.

BBC: The Scissor Sisters at the Brit Awards

Some technical hurdles remain but once big-name pop-stars hit the Internet, selling singles for as little as a dollar apiece, music sales could rock the Web.

CNN: Record labels ready to rock the Web

There were also screams and chants for Kosovo-born, London-raised pop star Rita Ora, whose three UK number one singles this year helped her to the best newcomer crown.

BBC: Mobo Awards: Emeli Sande scoops three prizes

Mix one part Big Brother with one part Popstars then drizzle one part Pop Oil... sorry Pop Idol, mix for 13 weeks and cream the million singles that will be sold by each artist.

BBC: Fame Academy: Your views

"The singles chart and the single itself are the key drivers of pop, " said executive producer Mark Cooper.

BBC: to mark 60 years of the British singles chart