Well, Kris Allen no longer has the worst-selling American Idol debut album.
That distinction now belongs to Lee DeWyze.
“Live It Up” just landed at number 19 on the Billboard charts. That’s eight spots below where Kris debuted a year ago.
And USA Today is reporting that “Live It Up” sold just 39,000 copies compared Kris’ first-week sales total of 80,000.
If the figure holds, it would make Lee’s album the lowest-selling in week one by any Idol finalist.
The previous low, 47,000 copies of Diana DeGarmo’s “Blue Skies” after season three.
Not all of the blame lies with Lee. Music-buying habits have certainly changed.
Those 47,000 copies of “Blue Skies” landed Diana at number 52 on the Billboard chart. Six years later, Lee lands at number 19 with fewer sales. What does that tell you about album sales?
But it also means “Sweet Serendipity” or a followup single is going to have to strike a chord with listeners, or that debut album is destined to be a major flop.
And, just noting, “Sweet Serendipity” is no where to be found on Billboard’s Hot 100, even though it was released weeks before the album.
(Go here for the Idol Chatter review of “Live It Up.”)
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.
1 Comment
Hi Mark. It’s me again. Is it encouraging or scary to know I’m back. 😉
Live It Up is a good album. Unfortunately a lot of the press and bloggers have jumped all over Lee because of the failing and fading franchise from which he emerged (not specifically pointing fingers, Mark, but yeah, you and I know what I’m talking about). Some in the media didn’t even give the record a listen but posted their blogs and articles trash talking it. Such a shame because as you know from listening to it and giving it a B- rating, it is a worthy album.
In addition, a lot of people don’t realize how much better 39,000 units sold is today than just a few years ago. The decline is units sold over the last few years is a staggering 7-14% PER YEAR with 4 of the last 5 years greater than a 10% decrease! The cumulative effect of this is making “gold” the new platinum and 39,000 units sold not such a bad number. But some folks still like to throw around 2000, 2005, or evern 2008 statistics as comparison. Just not fair to today’s artists.
So readers, give these artists a chance. Don’t read reviews and make up your mind. iTunes and Amazon have previews. Listen yourself, and if you like, please buy, don’t steal music.
Okay my PSA is complete for today. Thanks for indulging me Mark. 😉