Idol Chartwatch, October 27: ‘Idol’ CDs Hold Their Own

Before we get to this week’s chart action, I need to take a minute to address Jennifer Hudson’s personal tragedy. When I heard about the murders of her mother and brother, I felt as though it had happened to someone I knew personally. Simply put, I am devastated for her. This brings home the fact that we really do become invested in Idol contestants and share their successes, failures, and in this case, their tragedies.

All the money, success, fame, awards, and recognition in the world cannot erase the kind of pain Jennifer and her family will endure as the result of this senseless crime. All of us at Foxes on Idol send our thoughts to Jennifer and her family as they attempt to deal with this horrific loss.

Idols on the Charts

It was, overall, a rather slow week for CD sales last week, but Idols on the charts fared pretty well. Jennifer Hudson sold another 46,000 copies, slipping from #4 to #5 on the Billboard 200. Sales for the album now total 326,000. Jennifer’s album also charted on Top Digital Albums (24), Top Internet Albums (20) and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (2).

Kellie Pickler sold 12,000 copies, dropping from #24 to #40 on the Billboard 200. The album drops from #4 to #7 on Top Country Albums. Kellie’s total sold to date is 71,000.

Carrie Underwood and Daughtry both moved up in the charts this week. Carrie’s Carnival Ride moves from #62 to #58 on the Billboard 200, but drops from #8 to #12 on Top Country Albums. Daughtry moves from #85 to #80 on the Billboard 200. The album reenters the Top Modern Rock/Alternative Albums chart at #23 and is #12 on Top Hard Rock Albums.

Jordin Sparks drops five spots to #114 on the Billboard 200.

Kristy Lee Cook’s Why Wait continues its descent, falling ten spots to #68 on Top Country Albums. Bucky Covington is down two, moving from #47 to #49 on the country listing.

Chris Sligh’s Running Back to You is #74 on Top Christian and Gospel Albums, and Mandisa’s True Beauty is #40 on the that chart and #31 on Top Christian Albums.

Idol Singles

David Cook’s single, “Light On,” drops off the Hot 100 and falls from #56 to #64 on the Pop100 this week. The single is #57 on Pop 100 Airplay and enters Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks at #36.

Cook’s “running mate,” David Archuleta’s first single, “Crush,” continues to chart well, moving up one spot to #21 on the Hot 100. It’s #41 on Hot 100 Airplay, #15 on the Pop 100, #16 on Pop 100 Airplay, #14 on Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks, #13 on Mainstream Top 40, #24 on Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks, #16 on Hot Digital Tracks, and #16 on Hot Digital Songs.

Bucky Covington’s “I'll Walk,” is moving up the Hot 100, rising seven spots to #77. The song also hit Hot 100 Airplay (#60) and is #15 on Hot Country Songs. Kellie Pickler’s “Don't You Know You're Beautiful” holds at #6 on the Bubbling Under chart and is #23 on Hot Country Songs.

Here’s a summary of all of the Idol-related singles:

• “Light On” (David Cook): Pop 100 (64), Pop 100 Airplay (57), Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks (36)
• “Crush” (David Archuleta): Hot 100 (21), Hot 100 Airplay (41), Pop 100 (15), Pop 100 Airplay (16), Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks (14), Mainstream Top 40 (13), Hot Adult Top 40 (24), Hot Digital Tracks (16), Hot Digital Songs (16)
• “Spotlight” (Jennifer Hudson): Hot 100 (28), Hot 100 Airplay (11), Pop 100 (67), Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (1), Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (1), Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop (5), Hot Adult R&B Airplay (1), Hot Digital Songs (61)
• “One Step At A Time” (Jordin Sparks): Hot 100 (20), Hot 100 Airplay (17), Pop 100 (10), Pop 100 Airplay (7), Mainstream Top 40 (8), Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks (15), Hot Digital Tracks (27), Hot Digital Songs (32)
• “What About Now” (Daughtry): Hot 100 (49), Hot 100 Airplay (36), Pop 100 (32), Pop 100 Airplay (25), Hot Adult Contemporary (22), Mainstream Top 40 (22), Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks (3)
• “Just a Dream,” (Carrie Underwood): Hot 100 (37), Hot 100 Airplay (24), Hot Country Songs (3), Hot Digital Songs (59)
• “Unbelievable (Ann Marie)” (Josh Gracin): Hot Country Songs (40)
• “Don't You Know You're Beautiful” (Kellie Pickler): Hot Country Songs (23), Bubbling Under the Hot 100 (6)
• “I'll Walk” (Bucky Covington): Hot Country Songs (15), Hot 100 (77), Hot 100 Airplay (60)
• “15 Minutes of Shame,” (Kristy Lee Cook): Hot Country Songs (32)
• “Lose My Soul” (TobyMac featuring Mandisa): Hot Christian Adult Contemporary (5), Hot Christian Songs (4)
• “Just Stand Up” (Carrie Underwood and others): Hot R&B/Hip-Hop (77), Hot Adult Contemporary (28)

New Releases

Melinda Doolittle’s debut, Coming Back to You, is set for release in January on Hi-Fi Recordings. The album is being produced by Mike Mangini who has worked with Joss Stone and the Jonas Brothers. It was recorded with a live orchestra and the press release promises an “eclectic mix.” The first single from the album, “It’s Your Love,” is set for release to radio later this month.

According to one report, Hi-Fi owns part of the Motown catalog, which includes some songs that have not been previously recorded. These old school R&B tunes would be perfect for Melinda’s retro style, and hopefully, some of these songs will be included on the album.

David Archuleta’s debut is still holding for a November 11 release, and David Cook’s will follow on November 18.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out these other recent articles on Foxes On Idol:

Donna Reynolds is a freelance writer based in Syracuse, New York. While entertainment sustains her emotionally, she earns her daily bread by writing and editing web copy. Check out her new website at www.idolthoughts.net. Donna loves mail, so shoot her an email at foxydonna@earthlink.net.

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