Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The bright spots for American Idols on this week’s Billboard charts come from one expected and one unexpected source.

First, the expected. Season four winner Carrie Underwood is just one spot away from having her ninth number one country single.

“Temporary Home” is following former number one hit “Cowboy Casanova” in its ascent of the country charts, moving from number three to two this week. The only obstacle standing between Carrie and another number one: Easton Corbin’s “A Little More Country Than That.”

As for the unexpected. Well, look at season six runner-up Blake Lewis, an underappreciated Idol finalist.

The title track off his second album, “Heartbreak on Vinyl,” is the biggest gainer on the dance club charts this week, moving all the way from number seven to number four.

The song has been on the charts for eight weeks now. It’s already exceeded the success of the first single, “Sad Song,” which reached number 11 on the dance club charts.

If you haven’t checked out Blake’s second album, you should. Two of my favorite tracks are songs that haven’t been released as singles yet, “Love or Torture” and “Rhythm of the Heart.” You can listen to the full album and remixes of Blake’s first two singles on his MySpace page.

Here’s a complete rundown of Idols on the music charts this week:

Kris Allen: “Live Like We’re Dying” is running out of steam. The song drops from 10 to 13 on the pop songs chart, and from 19 to 22 on the Hot 100. Kris’ album is in retreat mode as well, plummeting from 172 to 193 on the Billboard 200.

Daughtry: Pretty much a status quo week for Chris and the guys. “Life After You” drops from 36 to 38 on the Hot 100 singles chart; “Leave This Town” moves up a spot, from 65 to 64, on the Billboard 200 album chart. The band’s debut album is still among the 200 best sellers, checking in at 187.

Danny Gokey: Three weeks after its release, Danny’s debut album drops from four to nine on the country album chart and from 16 to 33 on the Billboard 200. His first single, “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me,” appears stalled at number 29 on the country singles chart, where it’s been for three straight weeks.

Adam Lambert: “Whataya Want From Me” hits a new high on the Hot 100, moving from 22 to 21. The song holds tight at number 14 on the pop songs chart. “For Your Entertainment” has run out of steam on the dance club chart. It peaked at number five; it’s now down to 20, six spots lower than a week ago. The album by the same name is number 71 on the Billboard 200, unchanged from last week.

Kellie Pickler: Nearly a year and a half after its release, Kellie’s self-titled second album is still number 40 on the country album chart. Last week, it was number 38.

Ruben Studdard: “Don’t Make ‘Em Like U No More” moves up from number 41 to 40 on the R&B singles chart. The song is off Ruben’s “Love Is” album, released a year ago.

Carrie Underwood: “Temporary Home” also moves up to number 41 (from 44) on the Hot 100. On the album charts, Carrie’s “Play On” ranks highest among Idol CDs on the Billboard 200 at number 28. With her tour under way, the album moves from nine to six on the country album chart, 20 weeks after its release.