TTWE didn't get that #1 due to not so much airplay.
Remember at that moment S&M had like 130m AI ahead of ET's so the remix actually helped the song get there.
Still doesn't change the fact that the remix was released late in the game (or after the single was released) to secure a higher position on the chart. The remix didn't even go #1 and it didn't push the original to #1 on iTunes, I don't believe.
It's not like TTWE remix had two huge digital sellers attached to it, so I doubt if it was meant to go #1. Also Nicki and Brit had a tour to promote which could've been the main reason for the remix anyways.
This late-in-the-game remix-release strategy has become a popular concept in recent months. In April, Rihanna enlisted Britney Spears for a remix of the former's "S&M" that prompted its jump to No. 1. Shortly after, Spears turned to Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha to help out with a remix of her track, "Till the World Ends." Its release helped push the single 11-3 on the Hot 100. http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/indus...05306212.story
Let's not. TTWE was the same situation. The only difference is, the highest Katy or Rihanna could go was #1, since they peaked at #2 prior to the release.
If LFN (Ft. Missy Elliott) goes #1 AND Katy manages to release a 6th single (Hummingbird Heartbeat) that starts to peak high and fast towards #1...I'm going to be livid.
If LFN (Ft. Missy Elliott) goes #1 AND Katy manages to release a 6th single (Hummingbird Heartbeat) that starts to peak high and fast towards #1...I'm going to be livid.