Will 'Beauty & The Beast' Controversy Push Soundtrack To #1 Over Ed Sheeran In Aus?

After absolutely dominating the ARIA charts last week with his highly-anticipated third album, Divide (÷), the question now is simply how long will Ed Sheeran's reign on top last? 

Midweek figures suggest that the UK superstar will retain the #1 spot on the Albums chart this week, but he could be challenged by the Beauty & The Beast soundtrack, which is likely to debut in the top five. 

The controversy surrounding the Disney live-action remake could give it the boost it needs to seriously challenge Sheeran and given that the film doesn't hit cinemas for another week, fans of the 1991 classic may be want to warm themselves up ahead of the release. 

Expect to also see Adele and Justin Bieber, who are currently touring Australia, land back in the top ten with 19 and Purpose, respectively. 

Other albums debuting on the chart this week include The Shins' Heartworms (top 15), Laura Marling's Semper Femina (top 20), Colin Hay's Fierce Mercy (top 40) and the soundtrack for season five of US drama, Nashville (top 50).

On the Singles chart, it looks to be another week on top for Sheeran who had a remarkable 16 songs feature in the top 40 and it's highly likely that his hit track, Castle On The Hill, will stay on top for a tenth straight week. 

New singles landing on the chart this week come from Stargate with Waterfall, featuring Pink and Sia (top 20), Sheppard's Keep Me Crazy (top 40) and Lorde's Liability (top 50).