Coldplay song becomes billionth iTunes download

Coldplay's "Speed Of Sound" became the billionth song downloaded at Apple's iTunes Music Store on Thursday (February 23rd), according to the New York Times. Michigan resident Alex Ostrovsky purchased the track and as a result of passing the sales benchmark, will receive a 20-inch iMac computer, 10 iPods and a $10,000 gift card toward more downloads. Apple will also establish a scholarship at New York's Juilliard School in Ostrovsky's name.

"Speed Of Sound" comes off Coldplay's third album, X&Y, which has sold 2.7 million physical copies since its release last June.

Speculation was rampant two weeks ago over Coldplay's future, after singer Chris Martin hinted at England's Brit Awards that the group was going away "for a long time." Representatives denied that the group was splitting.

Martin and his wife, actress Gwyneth Paltrow, are expecting their second child together.

Coldplay are currently on a North American tour that brings the band to Oklahoma City on Monday, February 27th.