Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Billboard released its new music charts this morning, and here’s the news everyone has been waiting for.

Adam Lambert’s debut album “For Your Entertainment” checked in at number three on the Billboard 200.

I’m sure there will be much speculation during the next 24 hours — and maybe longer — over whether that now infamous AMA performance helped or hurt Adam in terms of album sales.

Bottom line: He’s the second straight Idol runner-up to debut higher than that season’s winner. But three of the previous seven runners-up debuted at a higher spot on the Billboard 200.

Ahead of Adam on the charts: Susan Boyle and Andrea Bocelli.

And, in reality, Adam’s album was probably the fourth best seller. Checking in at number four and number five are different versions of Lady Gaga’s “Fame Monster.”

Then there’s Kris Allen, whose debut album landed at number 11 last week, the lowest debut yet by an Idol winner.

This week?

The album dropped to number 35 on the Billboard 200. Ouch.

Here’s a list of previous Billboard 200 debuts by Idol winners and runners-up.

Season One: Kelly Clarkson, #1; Justin Guarini, #20

Season Two: Ruben Studdard, #1; Clay Aiken, #1

Season Three: Fantastia, #8; Diana DeGarmo, #52

Season Four: Carrie Underwood, #2; Bo Bice, #4

Season Five: Taylor Hicks, #2; Katharine McPhee, #2

Season Six: Jordin Sparks, #10; Blake Lewis, #10

Season Seven: David Cook, #3; David Archuleta, #2