3 Words (song)
{{Short description|2009 single by Cheryl Cole}}
{{About|the Cheryl Cole song|other songs|Three Words (disambiguation){{!}}Three Words}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2012}}
{{Infobox song
| name = 3 Words
| cover = Cheryl Cole - 3 Words (Official Single Cover).png
| border = yes
| type = single
| artist = Cheryl Cole featuring will.i.am
| album = 3 Words
| B-side = Boys
| released = 20 December 2009
| recorded = 2009
| studio = Record Plant (Los Angeles)
| genre = Dance-pop
| length = 4:33
| label = *Fascination
| writer = *William Adams
- Cheryl Cole
- George Pajon
| producer = will.i.am
| chronology = Cheryl Cole
| prev_title = Fight for This Love
| prev_year = 2009
| next_title = Parachute
| next_year = 2010
| misc = {{Extra chronology
| artist = will.i.am
| type = singles
| prev_title = All My Life (In the Ghetto)
| prev_year = 2008
| title = 3 Words
| year = 2009
| next_title = OMG
| next_year = 2010
}}
{{External music video|{{YouTube|ktkwIOOEe9Y|"Cheryl Cole - 3 Words ft. will.i.am"}}}}
}}
"3 Words" is a song recorded by English singer Cheryl Cole for her 2009 debut studio album of the same name. It was released in the UK and Ireland on 20 December 2009 by Fascination Records (Polydor Records) and later in 2010 by Universal Music, serving as the lead single for 3 Words in other countries. The uptempo dance-pop song was written by Cole and George Pajon. It was also written and produced by will.i.am who has guest vocals on the song. "3 Words" was cited by Cole as her favourite song from the album for being different from what people expected.
"3 Words" was praised by contemporary critics, who said it was "a sophisticated love song" and the "standout track" from the album. Its unconventional production abandons the use of "verse-chorus-verse" structure, instead opting for a throbbing buildup to a climax. The accompanying video, directed by Saam, features the singer in various fashion ensembles often contrasting colour with will.i.am, and paying homage to Madonna. It also makes use of split screen cinematography and camera effects for the transition of scenes.
The song was promoted on Cheryl Cole's Night In. The single was less commercially successful compared to its predecessor "Fight for This Love" but despite not peaking at number one, it went on to become Cole's second consecutive UK top-five and Irish-top ten hit. It was also a top five hit in Australia and has since been certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association and silver by the British Phonographic Industry.
Composition
{{Listen
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|description=24 second sample of "3 Words" showing the unconventional arrangement and throbbing progression of the melody.
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"3 Words" is an uptempo dance-pop song{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2009/oct/22/cheryl-cole-3-words-review |title=Cheryl Cole: 3 Words |last=Ewing |first=Tom |work=The Guardian |date=22 October 2009 |access-date=23 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091024055141/http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2009/oct/22/cheryl-cole-3-words-review |archive-date=24 October 2009 | url-status= live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a190404/cheryl-cole-3-words.html |title=Cheryl Cole: '3 Words' |author=David Balls |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hachette Fillapacchi UK |date=21 December 2009 |access-date=31 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103232406/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a190404/cheryl-cole-3-words.html |archive-date=3 January 2010 | url-status= live}} which features guest vocals from will.i.am who produced the song as well as, writing the lyrics with Cole and George Pajon. Serving as the opening and title song of Cole's debut album, the song is written in the key of C{{sharp}} minor with a time signature in common time and a tempo of 129 beats per minute.{{cite journal |title=Cheryl Cole – 3 Words sheet music |website=Musicnotes.com |publisher=Alfred Publishing}} Noticeably missing is the standard use of a "verse-chorus-verse song structure". The song's backing track consists of a sparse yet complex chord progression of C{{sharp}}m, G{{sharp}}m, C{{sharp}} and A major/C{{sharp}}. The production features loops of acoustic guitar{{cite web |url=http://www.411mania.com/music/album_reviews/120137 |title=3 Words Review |publisher=411mania.com |last=Wilcox |first=Daniel |date=27 October 2009 |access-date=7 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028041756/http://www.411mania.com/music/album_reviews/120137 |archive-date=28 October 2009 | url-status= live}} with a piano melody{{cite web |url=http://www.muumuse.com/2009/10/cheryl-cole-3-words-single-review.html |title=Cheryl Cole: 3 Words (Single Review) |last=Stern |first=Bradley |work=MuuMuse.com |date=15 October 2009 |access-date=7 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091019133732/http://www.muumuse.com/2009/10/cheryl-cole-3-words-single-review.html |archive-date=19 October 2009 |url-status=live }} in the vocal range of G{{sharp}}3 to B4.
Critics stated that the "sophisticated love song"{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/oct/25/cheryl-cole-3-words |title=Cheryl Cole: 3 Words |last=Fox |first=Killen |work=The Observer |publisher=Guardian Media Group |date=25 October 2009 |access-date=7 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028020557/http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/oct/25/cheryl-cole-3-words |archive-date=28 October 2009 | url-status= live}} is difficult to class by genre because it was "unconventional", something which Cole agreed when she said, "[its] totally different from anything I've done [with Girls Aloud] or liked before".{{cite web |url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001&bctid=44892665001 |title=3 Words |publisher=Brightcove |date=15 October 2009 |access-date=20 October 2009 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/678TNVtpl?url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid44024446001?bclid=44783862001 |archive-date=23 April 2012 |url-status=live }} Some industry critics also noted that "3 Words" was "unlike many things currently [at that time] on radio or being released". Cole said that the song was inspired by her newly acquired love for dance music on the charts, especially David Guetta & Kelly Rowland's "When Love Takes Over".
Critical reception
Cole described it as her favourite song on the album and music critics generally agreed. Tom Ewing of The Guardian called the song Cheryl's "showcase [...] built on dark loops of treated acoustic guitar and building into a claustrophobic dance track. It's as brave and novel a song as anything Cole's group have released." Daniel Wilcox even went as far as to say the song was "far more interesting and innovative than anything her girl group has done in their entire careers." "3 Words" has been described as "mesmerizing in its listlessness" as well as being "unlike anything Cheryl or Will.I.Am have released" and "to what's currently being played on the radio." It was labeled a standout track by many reviewers,{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/cd_reviews/article6883967.ece |title=Cheryl Cole: 3 Words |author=Dan Cairns |work=The Sunday Times |publisher=News International |date=25 October 2009 |access-date=7 December 2009 |archive-date=24 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624232205/https://www.the-tls.co.uk/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/cd_reviews/article6882653.ece |title=Cheryl Cole: 3 Words |last=Paphides |first=Pete |work=The Times |publisher=News International |date=24 October 2009 |access-date=7 December 2009 |archive-date=24 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624232222/https://www.the-tls.co.uk/ |url-status=dead }} with Killian Fox of The Observer referring to the song as "a slick, sophisticated love song that hints at what this album could have been." David Balls of Digital Spy wrote, "Snubbing traditional verse-chorus-verse song structure, and beginning with spare acoustic guitar strums, '3 Words' builds slowly towards a throbbing and infectious, if slightly brief, arms-in-the-air climax [...] it's hard to deny that Chez pulls off this less-than-obvious offering with aplomb."
Louise McCudden of Inthenews.co.uk, however, argued that although "her voice sounds pleasant [...] the song itself is too long and becomes tedious fairly fast."{{cite web |url=http://www.inthenews.co.uk/news/quirky/music/r-n-b-rap/cheryl-cole-three-words-$1337072.htm |title=Cheryl Cole: Three Words review |last=McCudden |first=Louise |publisher=Inthenews.co.uk |date=27 October 2009 |access-date=30 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091130085947/http://www.inthenews.co.uk/news/quirky/music/r-n-b-rap/cheryl-cole-three-words-$1337072.htm |archive-date=30 November 2009 |url-status=dead}} Vicki Lutas had a mostly negative review for the song saying "at the end of the day it does sound like something you could have made up when you were at school", though she did praise the backing track for being "dark, eerie and cold in a chilling way; in an infectious way". However she pointed out that "the vocal arrangement and the actual vocals themselves do nothing more for the song", and respected that "it's a brave song choice, but {{sic|i|t's|expecting='its'}} hap-hazard vocal line seems to scream... C-R-I-N-G-E.".{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chartblog/2009/12/cheryl_cole_3_words.shtml |title=Cheryl Cole – 3 Words (Review) |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |work=BBC Chart Blog |last=Lutas |first=Vicki |date=12 December 2009 |access-date=19 July 2010 |archive-date=24 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624232323/https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chartblog/2009/12/cheryl_cole_3_words.shtml |url-status=live }}
Chart performance
In the United Kingdom, "3 Words" made its official debut on the UK Singles Chart at number twenty-six, following strong digital sales from the release of the album, two weeks prior.{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20091101/7501/ |title=UK Singles Chart Archive |publisher=The Official Charts Company |date=7 November 2009 |access-date=17 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529035732/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20091101/7501 |archive-date=29 May 2015 |url-status=live }} Then a day before its digital release and two days before its CD release the single climbed to number fourteen.{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20091213/7501/ |title=UK Singles Chart Archive |publisher=The Official Charts Company |date=19 December 2009 |access-date=17 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150809074612/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20091213/7501/ |archive-date=9 August 2015 |url-status=live }} Later during the first week of 2010 it would go on to peak at number four,{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20091227/7501/ |title=UK Singles Chart Archive |publisher=The Official Charts Company |date=2 January 2010 |access-date=17 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901211645/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20091227/7501/ |archive-date=1 September 2015 |url-status=live }} giving Cole her third consecutive top-five UK hit if her feature on will.i.am's "Heartbreaker" is included.{{cite web |url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/cheryl%20cole/ |title=Artist History – Cheryl Cole |publisher=The Official Charts Company |access-date=26 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427233741/http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/cheryl%20cole |archive-date=27 April 2011 |url-status=live }} On 14 May 2010 the single was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for shipping 200,000 copies.
The single also achieved top ten success in the Republic of Ireland, where it reached number seven becoming her third consecutive top-ten single. Coincidentally, it is the second song featuring Cole's vocals to peak at number seven in Ireland, the first being will.i.am's "Heartbreaker".{{cite web |url=http://irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Cheryl+Cole |title=Artist History – Cheryl Cole |publisher=IRME/Hung Medien |access-date=26 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024210044/http://irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Cheryl+Cole |archive-date=24 October 2012 |url-status=live }} Internationally the single peaked top five in Hungary, and Australia. In the latter it performed better than any song Cole released with Girls Aloud beating the previous best entry "Jump" by eighteen places.{{cite web |url=http://australian-charts.com/search.asp?search=Girls+Aloud&cat=s |title=Girls Aloud Singles History (AUS) |publisher=Hung Medien |work=ARIA Charts |access-date=17 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024140124/http://australian-charts.com/search.asp?search=Girls+Aloud&cat=s |archive-date=24 October 2012 |url-status=live }} "3 Words" is the only song from Cole's debut album to peak within the top fifty of the Australian Singles Chart{{cite web |url=http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Cheryl+Cole |title=Artist History – Cheryl Cole |publisher=Hung Medien |work=ARIA Charts |access-date=26 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122090132/http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Cheryl+Cole |archive-date=22 January 2012 |url-status=live }} and was subsequently certified 2× platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipping 140,000 equivalent units. Additionally it peaked at top-ten in Italy.
The song debuted at 14 on the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. It later rose to number 12, staying in the charts for 12 weeks.
Music video
= Background and concept =
Cole filmed two music videos for "3 Words".{{cite web |url=http://www.promonews.tv/2009/12/04/cheryl-cole%E2%80%99s-3-words-by-vincent-haycock/ |title=Cheryl Cole's 3 Words by Vincent Haycock |publisher=Promonews TV |date=4 December 2009 |access-date=25 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100915140125/http://www.promonews.tv/2009/12/04/cheryl-cole%E2%80%99s-3-words-by-vincent-haycock/ |archive-date=15 September 2010 |url-status=dead}} The first music video was a viral version directed by Vincent Haycock, in the week beginning 19 October 2009{{cite web |url=http://www.videostatic.com/vs/2009/10/shot-cheryl-cole-f-william-vincent-haycock-director.html |title=SHOT: Cheryl Cole f/ Will.I.Am – Vincent Haycock, director |publisher=Video Static |last=Gottlieb |first=Steven |date=19 October 2009 |access-date=15 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091023102301/http://www.videostatic.com/vs/2009/10/shot-cheryl-cole-f-william-vincent-haycock-director.html |archive-date=23 October 2009 |url-status=live }} "on the only rainy night in Los Angeles in six months." The second version was the official "split screener", directed by Saam, that premiered on 27 November 2009.{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a188896/anyone-for-the-new-cheryl-cole-video.html |title=Anyone for a New Cheryl Cole video? |publisher=Hachette Filapacchi UK |work=Digital Spy |last=Balls |first=David |date=27 November 2009 |access-date=15 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308140455/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a188896/anyone-for-the-new-cheryl-cole-video.html |archive-date=8 March 2010 |url-status=live }} The video was described as being distinctly different from that of previous single "Fight for This Love",{{cite web |url=http://www.nowmagazine.co.uk/celebrity-news/432753/see-video-cheryl-cole-s-3-words/1/ |title=SEE VIDEO Cheryl Cole goes platinum blonde for 3 Words |publisher=IPC Media |work=Now |last=Crowther |first=Lorraine |date=27 November 2009 |access-date=15 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314041347/http://www.nowmagazine.co.uk/celebrity-news/432753/see-video-cheryl-cole-s-3-words/1 |archive-date=14 March 2012 |url-status=live }} drawing comparisons to Madonna{{cite web |url=http://www.3am.co.uk/watch-cheryl-coles-new-video-3-words/20023/ |title=It's all about the hair in Cheryl's new video |publisher=3AM |date=27 November 2009 |access-date=25 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716032236/http://www.3am.co.uk/watch-cheryl-coles-new-video-3-words/20023/ |archive-date=16 July 2011 |url-status=dead}} and Lady Gaga.{{cite web |url=http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/x-factor/x-factor-fashion-cheryl-cole-goes-blonde-for-new-single-three-words/ |title=X Factor Fashion: Cheryl Cole goes blonde for new single '3 Words' |publisher=UnrealityTV |last=McGarry |first=Lisa |date=27 November 2009 |access-date=15 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100829063043/http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/x-factor/x-factor-fashion-cheryl-cole-goes-blonde-for-new-single-three-words/ |archive-date=29 August 2010 |url-status=dead}}
= Synopsis =
The video begins with Cole sitting alongside will.i.am, wearing a "Lady Gaga-inspired platinum blonde wig" and a lace veil. In the third scene she is depicted as an "Egyptian goddess". Each scene incorporates "dance shots interspersed with sequences in which the focus falls on the two stars alone, seemingly searching each other, as it were ... experimenting more with her looks and even taking a chance with Lady Gaga-esque outfits for her dancers, including veils that cover their faces and black leotards."{{cite web |url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Video-for-3-Words-from-Cheryl-Cole-and-will-i-am-128306.shtml |title=Video for '3 Words' from Cheryl Cole and will.i.am: While not breaking any ground but stylish enough |publisher=SoftNews NET |last=Gorgan |first=Elena |date=28 November 2009 |access-date=15 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091204051903/http://news.softpedia.com/news/Video-for-3-Words-from-Cheryl-Cole-and-will-i-am-128306.shtml |archive-date=4 December 2009 |url-status=live }} It is shot with a split screen with motion control cameras, meaning Cole and will.i.am do not come into physical contact.{{cite web |url=http://www.famemagazine.co.uk/2009/11/27/cheryl-cole-goes-blonde-and-pale/ |title=Cheryl Cole goes blonde and pale |publisher=Fame magazine |date=27 November 2009 |access-date=25 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605121904/http://www.famemagazine.co.uk/2009/11/27/cheryl-cole-goes-blonde-and-pale/ |archive-date=5 June 2011 |url-status=dead}}
= Reception =
The video received mixed to positive reviews from critics who praised Cole's sense of fashion but cited that the video was unoriginal. Elena Gorgan of Softpedia said "even with all this, she hardly manages to create a strong impression ... the video fails to break any visual ground, albeit standing on its own as a stylish video." Lisa McGarry of 'Unreality TV' said the platinum wig was "strange" She also said "if it doesn’t look great, at least it looks shocking." Meanwhile, David Balls of 'Digital Spy' said "[in] this glitzy split-screen affair, Cheryl looks effortlessly classy and glam as she transforms into an Egyptian goddess and – with more success than a certain Mrs. B (Mel B) back in 2001 [with "Feels so Good"] – shows how to wear a blonde wig without looking like you're on a dirty weekend in the Toon. Perfectly complementing the song itself, this super-glossy clip also suggests that Cole has a firm eye on global stardom over the next year." Fame magazine called the video "a little edgier than anything Girls Aloud have done".
Live performances
The song received its worldwide radio premiere on 13 October 2009 on BBC Radio 1's The Chris Moyles Show.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/photos/chrismoyles/4075/48#gallery4075 |title=Cheryl Cole – 13 Oct 09 |date=13 October 2009 |work=BBC Radio 1 |publisher=BBC |access-date=25 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110314161227/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/photos/chrismoyles/4075/48#gallery4075 |archive-date=14 March 2011 |url-status=live }} Cole performed the song as part of a four-song set at 'BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend{{cite web |url=http://www.metro.co.uk/music/827370-cheryl-cole-chooses-camouflage-for-big-weekend-performance |title=Cheryl Cole chooses camouflage for Big Weekend performance |publisher=Associated Newspapers |work=The Metro |date=23 May 2010 |access-date=15 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526123425/http://www.metro.co.uk/music/827370-cheryl-cole-chooses-camouflage-for-big-weekend-performance |archive-date=26 May 2010 |url-status=live }} as well as performing at the 'De Grisogono jewellery dinner party' at the Eden Rock Hotel in Cap d'Antibes during the Cannes Film Festival.{{cite web |url=http://www.shinystyle.tv/2010/05/cheryl_cole_performs_at_the_de.html |title=Cheryl Cole performs at the De Grisogono jewellery dinner in a Roberto Cavalli dress |publisher=Shiny Digital |work=Shiny Style TV |last=Petrou |first=Andrea |date=19 May 2010 |access-date=15 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715214518/http://www.shinystyle.tv/2010/05/cheryl_cole_performs_at_the_de.html |archive-date=15 July 2010 |url-status=dead}}
Track listing
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
- "3 Words" (Radio edit) – 4:04
- CD single{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002YHIA04 |title=3 Words – single (Cheryl Cole) |publisher=Amazon |work=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=17 July 2010 |archive-date=24 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624232222/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002YHIA04 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.de/dp/B002YHIA04 |title=3 Words – single (Cheryl Cole) |publisher=Amazon |work=Amazon.de |access-date=17 July 2010 |archive-date=24 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624232204/https://www.amazon.de/dp/B002YHIA04 |url-status=live }}
- "3 Words" – 4:04
- "Boys" (Emeli Sandé, James Murray, Mustafa Omer, Shahid Khan) – 3:41
- Remix EP{{cite web |url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/3-words-with-will-i-am-ep/343755642 |title=3 Words (feat will.i.am) – EP |work=iTunes Store Aus |publisher=Apple Inc |date=5 February 2010 |access-date=10 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100226061202/http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/3-words-with-will-i-am-ep/id343755642 |archive-date=26 February 2010 | url-status= live}}
- "3 Words" (Steve Angello Radio Re-Production) – 3:59
- "3 Words" (Doman & Gooding I Love You Edit) – 3:36
- "3 Words" (Geeneus-Rinse FM Radio Dub Edit) – 3:33
{{col-2}}
- "3 Words" (Album version) – 4:33
- "3 Words" (Steve Angello Radio Re-Production) – 4:00
- "3 Words" (Doman & Gooding I Love You Edit) – 3:38
- "3 Words" (Geeneus-Rinse FM Radio Dub Edit) – 3:33
- "3 Words" (Radio edit) – 4:04
- "3 Words" (Steve Angello Extended Re-Production) – 5:42
- "3 Words" (Doman & Gooding I Love You Remix) – 6:27
- "3 Words" (Geeneus-Rinse FM Main Mix) – 6:02
{{col-end}}
Credits and personnel
"3 Words" was recorded at Record Plant Studios, Los Angeles (CA).{{cite AV media notes |title=3 Words |title-link=3 Words |year=2010 |page=5 |type=CD booklet |publisher=Fascination Records (Polydor) |location=London}}
- will.i.am – producer
- George Pajon – guitar
- will.i.am – drums, synthesizer, bass
- Padriac "Padlock" Kerin, will.i.am – engineer
- Padriac "Padlock" Kerin – recording
- Dylan Dresdow, will.i.am – mixing
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
= Weekly charts =
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Chart (2009–2010)
! Peak |
|---|
| {{single chart|Australia|5|artist=Cheryl Cole feat. will.i.am|song=3 Words}} |
| Australia (ARIA Dance Chart){{cite web |url=http://www.aria.com.au/Issue1063.pdf |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20100710140000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20100711-0000/Issue1063.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2010-07-10 |title=The ARIA Report: Issue 1063 |publisher=Pandora |work=ARIA Charts |access-date=22 July 2010 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
| style="text-align:center;"|2 |
| {{single chart|Austria|56|artist=Cheryl Cole feat. will.i.am|song=3 Words|access-date=25 July 2010}} |
| Europe (European Hot 100 Singles){{cite magazine|title=Hits of the World: European Hot 100 Singles|magazine=Billboard|volume=122|issue=2|page=47|date=16 January 2010}}
| style="text-align:center;"|14 |
| {{single chart|Germany|27|artist=Cheryl Cole feat. will.i.am|song=3 Words|songid=639211|access-date=14 October 2018}} |
| {{single chart|Hungarysingle|5|artist=Cheryl Cole|song=3 Words|year=2010|week=22|access-date=25 July 2010 |refname="HungaryPeak"}} |
| {{single chart|Ireland2|7|artist=Cheryl Cole featuring will.i.am|song=3 Words|access-date=24 January 2020}} |
| {{single chart|Italy|7|artist=Cheryl Cole feat. will.i.am|song=3 Words|access-date=25 July 2010}} |
| {{single chart|Dutch40|20|artist=Cheryl Cole feat. will.i.am|song=3 Words|year=2010|week=23|access-date=25 July 2010}} |
| {{single chart|Dutch100|32|artist=Cheryl Cole feat. will.i.am|song=3 Words|access-date=25 July 2010}} |
| Poland (Polish Airplay New){{cite web |url=http://bestsellery.zpav.pl/airplays/pozostale/archiwum.php?year=2010&typ=nowosci&idlisty=42#title |title=Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video |publisher=Polish Airplay New |access-date=31 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306191328/http://bestsellery.zpav.pl/airplays/pozostale/archiwum.php?year=2010&typ=nowosci&idlisty=42#title |archive-date=6 March 2016 |url-status=live }}
| align="center" | 2 |
| {{single chart|Scotland|6|artist=Cheryl Cole feat. will.i.am|song=3 Words|songid=34614|date=2010-01-02}} |
| {{single chart|Slovakia|44|artist=Cheryl Cole feat. will.i.am|song=3 Words|week=19|year=2010|access-date=25 July 2010}} |
| {{single chart|UK|4|artist=Cheryl Cole feat. will.i.am|song=3 Words|date=20091227|access-date=25 July 2010}} |
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= Year-end charts =
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Certifications
{{certification Table Top}}
{{certification Table Entry|region=Australia|title=3 Words|artist=Cheryl Cole|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|certyear=2022|refname=ARIA}}
{{certification Table Entry|region=Italy|title=3 Words|artist=Cheryl Cole|type=single|award=Gold|certyear=2012|id=2267|access-date=2024-12-19}}
{{certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|title=3 Words|artist=Cheryl Cole|type=single|award=Silver|certyear=2010|id=8521-2332-1|salesamount=340,000|salesref={{cite web |title=Number 1 today in 2010: Lady Gaga's Bad Romance returns to the top |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/features/number-1-today-in-2005-lady-gagas-bad-romance-returns-to-the-top-3396/ |publisher=Official Charts |access-date=4 June 2016 |date=9 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112002852/http://www.officialcharts.com/features/number-1-today-in-2005-lady-gagas-bad-romance-returns-to-the-top-3396/ |archive-date=12 January 2015 |url-status=live }}|refname=BPI}}
{{certification Table Bottom|streaming=true|noshipments=true}}
Release history
References
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
External links
- {{YouTube|qT4t99xnkQ0|"Cheryl Cole ft. will.i.am - 3 Words (Official Video)"}}
{{Cheryl Cole}}
{{Will.i.am}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:3 Words (Song)}}
Category:Cheryl (singer) songs
Category:Male–female vocal duets
Category:Song recordings produced by will.i.am
Category:Songs written by will.i.am
Category:Fascination Records singles
Category:Songs written by George Pajon