Idol Chatter & Voice Views

After the poor reception to Lee DeWyze’s debut album, I was really worried Crystal Bowersox would set a new record for Idol album sales futility.

She didn’t, though landing at number 28 on the Billboard 200 chart released this morning gives her the distinction of having the second-lowest debut of an Idol finalist.

But let’s keep in mind the competitive nature of the Billboard charts in December. Lots of big-name artists have released albums in recent weeks. Some of the most popular — Susan Boyle, for crying out loud — have also released Christmas albums.

Bottom line: The Billboard 200 is more competitive in mid-December than in … oh, say mid-February.

And, according to USA Today, 58,000 copies of Crystal’s debut album sold last week. That compares to first-week sales of 39,000 for Lee DeWyze’s album.

That sales number established a new first-week low for an Idol finalist.

The lowest debut on the Billboard 200 belongs to Diana DeGarmo, who landed at 52 when 47,000 copies of her “Blue Skies” album hit stores after season three.

Crystal deserved to do even better. After repeated listens, I’m still convinced her debut is among the best, if not the best, from an Idol finalist. I just hope “Farmer’s Daughter,” the single, starts getting radio play once radio stations can the Christmas music.

Check out the USA Today article. It also takes a look at the most successful Idol albums released in 2010 — which, based on first-week sales, were Fantasia’s “Back to Me” and Danny Gokey’s debut CD.

Meanwhile, here’s a list of where all the Idol finalists have debuted on the Billboard 200. Later, I’ll be posted the complete rundown of Idols on the music charts this week.

Here’s a list of where other Idol finalists have fallen on the music charts:

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

Season Eight: Kris Allen, #11; Adam Lambert, #3.

Season Nine: Lee DeWyze, #19; Crystal Bowersox, #28.