[MarkWaldorf]

"Britney Spears may have drawn criticism for her seemingly lethargic performance on the MTV Video Music Awards, but her new single, "Gimme More," is racing up the charts at top 40 radio.

The cut posted the most increased plays on R&R's CHR/Top 40 chart for a second straight week (up 976 spins) and climbs 25-20 on the tally, marking Spears' first top 20 appearance since "Every Time" in summer 2004.

Spears last graced the survey with "My Prerogative" in the fall of 2004. Her prior best entrance was the No. 24 launch of "Me Against the Music" in Oct. 2003. "Gimme" is Spears' 16th charting title this decade, tying her with fellow former Mouseketeer Christina Aguilera for most by a female in that span.

On Billboard's Pop 100 Airplay chart, "Gimme More" jumps 25-16. The cut is expected to be released digitally later this month or early next; Spears' new, as-yet-untitled Jive album is due Nov. 13."

On top of that, "Gimme More" has moved up to #20 on Billboard.com. Congrats Britney!