RAISING HIS 'VOICE': Tim McGraw takes over the top spot on Country Songs (to be refreshed, along with all Billboard charts, tomorrow on billboard.com), as "Southern Voice" rises 3-1.

The song is McGraw's first leader on the list since "Last Dollar (Fly Away)" reigned on the chart dated April 14, 2007.

The title cut to McGraw's 10th studio album marks the singer's 23rd visit to the summit of Country Songs. In the span since his first topper, "Don't Take the Girl," on May 28, 1994, no artist has notched more No. 1s. George Strait ranks second in that stretch with 19 No. 1s.

McGraw's latest coronation adds a new chapter to the success of his "Southern Voice" album. In November, McGraw established a first in the 53-year history of the Billboard 200 when the set debuted at No. 2, granting the singer a top 10 ranking with each of his 13 Billboard 200 chart entries. Previously, no artists had sent their first 13 charted titles into the Billboard 200's top 10 since the list's launch as a weekly survey on March 24, 1956.


ADULT 'HOOD: Billboard's adult radio airplay charts sport new leaders.

Michael Buble ascends to his third Adult Contemporary No. 1, as "Haven't Met You Yet" rises 3-1. He previously reigned with "Home" in 2005 and "Everything" in 2007. The British Columbia-born Buble's new No. 1 spends a 16th week atop Billboard's Canada AC chart, where, in September, it became the first song to debut in the penthouse.

Owl City's "Fireflies" draws its first ink atop a Billboard airplay tally, as the Adam Young-led act's debut hit pushes 2-1 on Adult Pop Songs. The song capped the Billboard Hot 100 and Digital Songs in November.

Two former "American Idol" contestants concurrently notch new top 10s. Kelly Clarkson climbs 11-9 on Adult Contemporary with "Already Gone," marking her fourth top 10 and first appearance in the top tier since December 2006. Clarkson previously reached the upper bracket with "A Moment Like This" (No. 4, 2002), "Breakaway" (No. 1 for 21 weeks, 2005) and "Because of You" (No. 3, 2006).

On Adult Pop Songs, Chris Daughtry's band Daughtry collects its seventh consecutive top 10, as "Life After You" lifts 11-10.


MARTIAN INVASION: Thirty Seconds to Mars' "Kings and Queens" commands Alternative Songs (2-1), marking the Jared Leto-led band's second No. 1; "From Yesterday" ruled for two weeks in 2007.

The coronation halts Muse's bid for a format-record-tying 18th week in charge with "Uprising," which dips to No. 2. Should the track not reclaim the throne, Foo Fighters' "The Pretender" would continue to hold the mark for the chart's longest reign, having led for 18 weeks in 2007.

Muse, meanwhile, offsets its drop from the summit by claiming Greatest Gainer honors for follow-up single "The Resistance," which bounds 29-24.


COMPLETE BEAT: As previously reported, Vampire Weekend debuts atop the Billboard 200 with its second studio album, "Contra." While the band's sound places it squarely among today's most popular indie rock acts, the group manages a rare chart achievement shared by the likes of Bob Newhart, Judy Garland and Il Divo. For complete details, check tomorrow's expanded Chart Beat posting.