Stereophonics have failed in their bid to top the album charts, losing out to operatic quartet Il Divo.

The band's greatest hits collection, 'Decade In The Sun', had to settle for second spot behind Il Divo's 'The Promise'.

It is the third time the quartet, created by Simon Cowell, have topped the album countdown.

Meanwhile, in the singles chart, the X Factor finalists' cover of Mariah Carey's 'Hero' held onto the number one spot for a third week.

The charity song is now the fastest selling single of the decade.

Elsewhere, T.I. And Rihanna's 'Live Your Life' was a new entry at number two, while the Killers 'Human' charted at number four.

(by Jason Gregory)