Oprah: Blunt's a misery

He may be flying high on top of the charts in America, but one of the world's most influential women told James Blunt he was miserable.

The British singer appeared on Oprah Winfrey's TV show where she admitted she had not heard of him.

'I didn't know who you were,' Oprah told the ex-Army officer.

'I was minding my own business when I got a call and someone said this is something you should hear.'

When Oprah asked Blunt to explain the song he was to sing he said: 'It's a totally miserable song and it explains itself.'

And Oprah agreed, saying: 'Here, singing Goodbye My Lover - a totally miserable song - is James Blunt.'

After the song she said: 'It's so hollow - anyone who has ever had a heartache knows what that's like. It feels like a hole inside - oh my goodness, you're right, it's kind of miserable.'

It is the first time in nine years that a Briton has topped the US charts and his appearance on the show will boost his album sales even more.