Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Carrie Underwood’s “Mama’s Song” has been in the top 10 on Billboard’s country singles chart for two months now. But it’s yet to reach number one.

After this week, there’s only one obstacle left between Carrie and a fourth straight number one hit off “Play On.”

That’s right, “Mama’s Song’s” long climb has reached number two. Entrenched at the top of the county singles chart: “Felt Good on My Lips” by Tim McGraw.

Hey, move over Tim.

Other highlights and lowlights on this week’s Billboard charts:

* Sales of Crystal Bowersox’s album declined, but early January isn’t a great time for CD sales. So Crystal still moved up 15 spots, to number 47, on the Billboard 200.

* Exactly 100 spots below her on the Billboard 200 is the guy who beat her for the season nine Idol crown. Lee’s post-Idol debut moves up from 170 to 147.

* Jason Castro’s first Christian single, “You Are,” might have peaked. Last week, it was number 11 on the Christian singles chart; this week it’s down to 14.

* Kelly Clarkson’s duet with Jason Alden, “Don’t You Want to Stay,” hasn’t peaked. The song continues to climb, moving up to 49 on the Hot 100 and 18 among country singles.

Now, for the complete rundown.