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The suspense surrounding the John Mayer/50 Cent/Kris Allen/Norah Jones/Justin Bieber/Leona Lewis battle ended today, as Billboard has reported the Top 200 Albums chart positions for the new entries.
It’s probably no surprise that John Mayer landed at #1 after selling 286,000 copies of Battle Studies. However, Kris Allen’s chart debut might make a few of the American Idol winner’s fans live like they’re dying—or just drop dead in general.
Allen’s self-titled LP sold around 80,000 copies–the lowest opening week yet for any Idol winner’s first album—and comes in at #11 on the new Billboard Top 200. Below him, at #13, is Leona Lewis’ Echo, which sold 67,000. That’s quite a far cry from the 205,000 Spirit sold when it debuted at #1 in April 2008.
Let’s think about this for a second: Justin Bieber (at #6 with My World) beat the American Idol winner, as did a month-old Michael Jackson compilation consisting of 99% old material.
But, hey, it’s another week with all new contenders. In fact, Susan Boyle’s I Dreamed A Dream is already being projected to bump John Mayer off the top spot on next week’s chart, and could sell well over 600,000 copies.
And while Adam Lambert’s For Your Entertainment could wind up selling 225,000 units and Lady Gaga’s The Fame Monster is on track to move around 200,000, Rihanna’s Rated-R “is said to be underperforming expectations so far in its debut week,” says Billboard.
Oh, RiRi. Nobody should ever play Russian roulette.
The Top 10 of Billboard’s Top 200 Albums:
1. John Mayer, Battle Studies *new*
2. Andrea Bocelli, My Christmas
3. Norah Jones, The Fall *new*
4. Casting Crowns, Until The Whole World Hears *new*
5. 50 Cent, Before I Self Destruct *new*
6. Justin Bieber, My World *new*
7. Michael Jackson, This Is It
8. Various, The Twilight Saga: New Moon
9. Carrie Underwood, Play On
10. Taylor Swift, Fearless
what does this day about Kris Allen? Wow..I expected Boyle to be no. 1 and huge, so I’m very content with Adam’s numbers, and I think it’s all the more impressive considering all his extra polarizing baggage. Well, AI had it wrong, people don’t want safe, they want edgy. Adam just needs to watch how far he pushes it and continue to let it be about his voice…He forgot about the voice durign the AMAs…nice recovery on the CBS Early Show, Whataya Want From Me had a whole new meaning and he sounded like he was about to cry in the beginning of the song…nice one, and Music Again rocked. So what can Kris do? I think Adam’s cd well have legs because it’s so different and likable. John Mayer is King, but Boyle rules all…haha…go Adam!!!
Well, Kris is terrific, regardless. His album is great, if people don’t buy it it’s their loss.
Kris is genuinely talented, no matter what the charts say. His music will endure. This is only the first week. It’s not the end of the race and it’s a long way to go.
Oh noes! Kris Allen’s first-week sales met expectations!
First-week sales from American Idol winners aren’t exactly a statistically valid indicator of future success. Ruben Studdard outsold Carrie Underwood, and we see where that got him. Taylor Hicks outsold Kelly Clarkson and David Cook for first week sales, though his total sales for the album were about 1/4 of Clarkson’s for her debut album and 6/10 of Cook’s for his.
I seriously doubt that Kris Allen is “dismayed” over this. He sold 80,000 copies of this self-titled CD. His first CD sold around 600 copies, so I’m sure he’s quite pleased with these results.
Kris is very talented and has a lot of staying power. I don’t see him coming out like a flash, then crashing and burning. I agree with “bred” – the album is awesome – each and every song – so it really is anyone’s loss who doesn’t buy it.
Kris is sitting at #11 – just out of the Top 10 – so all in all I think that’s a pretty good result considering the current state of our economy.
ZOMBIEBOT DECREES: NO HIT = NO SALES
KRIS ALLEN NEEDS HIT.
I agree, Kris Allen’s CD is awesome!!! I love it and enjoying it. If you think the overall CD sales for Kris Allen considering of our economy at #11 is wonderful. He bits Leona Lewis, Janet Jackson to name a few. I am pretty sure that Kris Allen will emerge and here to stay for a long time. I love you Kris.
I’m excited for him, despite some not viewing his debut as a success. Look at John Mayer’s numbers. Artists used to bust out with debuts of 500,00+ albums sales. John Mayer was an unkown, just like Kris, and he climbed his way to stardom. So will Kris. Artists like them always do. Kris will be seen as a true artist in this industry rather than a tabloid artist. I’m excited to see him do better.
Kris’ album is so consistent with his performances on AI – creative, laid-back and so great to listen to. Each and every song could stand on its own – I do wonder why the bonus track “Send Me All Your Angels” didn’t make the cut for the main album. It is one of my favorites (available on the Walmart special edition) and could be a hit for Kris. I hope that his label supports him and promotes him in the way he deserves and that those who voted for him will continue to show their support by buying and enjoying his CD.
Almost a year later and the kid has barely cracked 300k in sales. He left Billboards’ top 200 in a short period of time. His first single LLWD took 6 months to go platinum. They were so worried that his 2nd single would be just as slow that they had Pat from Train sing on the single. But that didn’t help either. It totally tanked. What a difference between season 7’s winner and season 8’s winner. It’s not even close. What will season 9’s winner do sell about 10,000 copies? Even Aiken who his fans always pointed to as some kind of mega selling god embarrassingly tanked. I am utter humiliation! 20k in his first week? Cringe *shame*