Idol Chartwatch, January 26: Kelly Clarkson Returns to the Charts

A few years ago, you couldn’t find a Billboard chart that didn’t include a single or album from the very first American Idol, Kelly Clarkson. Her singles were all over the radio and her albums sold in the millions. Then came My December, Kelly’s attempt at freeing herself from an unwanted pop star image. Although the album sold nearly 2.2 million copies worldwide and generated a couple of singles that charted respectably, it was panned by some as being too heavy. Kelly’s reign as the Alpha-Idol appeared to be over.

Fast-forward to 2009. Kelly’s back with a new single, “My Life Would Suck Without You,” and this week, the single makes its debut on the Billboard charts. The single enters the Hot 100 at #97 and is #58 on Hot 100 Airplay. It also charts on the Pop 100 (31), Pop 100 Airplay (25), Mainstream Top 40 (27), and Adult Top 40 Tracks (28). Kelly’s album, All I Ever Wanted, is due out March 10.

Kelly’s not the only Idol with a new single on the charts this week. In fact, there are two new entries from Carrie Underwood, “I Told You So,” which debuts at #37 on Hot Country Songs, and “The More Boys I Meet,” which hits the same chart at #51.

And there’s more good news for Idol fans. David Cook has catapulted back into the top ten, moving up eight spots to #10 on the Billboard 200. The album reenters Top Digital Albums at #7, and moves up from #5 to #3 on Top Rock Albums. The album is #17 on Top Internet Albums.

David’s single “Light On” also had a good week, moving up an impressive 16 spots to #23 on the Hot 100. It’s all good for Idols this week!

No doubt the increase in sales for David Cook’s album had something to do with the premiere of the eighth season of American Idol and the nice piece the show did about Cook to start the first episode. Nothing like a little boost from the show that “brung you!”

David Archuleta also got a bump this week, moving from #62 to #53 on the Billboard 200, the only chart on which it appears.

Carrie Underwood’s Carnival Ride is down one, moving from #68 to #69 on the Billboard 200. The album remains #9 on Top Country Albums. Kellie Pickler’s drops off the Billboard 200, and is down two to #30 on Top Country Albums.

Jennifer Hudson had a big jump this week, soaring from #92 to #57 on the Billboard 200, and from #24 to #16 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. Daughtry is up seven places to #97 on the Billboard 200. The album is #18 on Top Hard Rock Albums and re-enters Top Modern Rock/Alternative Albums at #24.

Idol Singles on the Charts

• “My Life Would Suck Without You” (Kelly Clarkson): Hot 100 (97), Hot 100 Airplay (58), Pop 100 (31), Pop 100 Airplay (25), Mainstream Top 40 (27), Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks (28)
• “Light On” (David Cook): Hot 100 (23), Hot 100 Airplay (55), Pop 100 (23), Pop 100 Airplay (26), Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks (28), Mainstream Top 40 (23), Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks (7), Hot Digital Tracks (15), Hot Digital Songs (17)
• “The Time Of My Life” (David Cook): Hot Adult Contemporary (1)
• “Crush” (David Archuleta): Hot 100 (39), Hot 100 Airplay (74), Pop 100 (42), Pop 100 Airplay (51), Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks (7), Hot Digital Tracks (32), Hot Digital Songs (37)
• “A Little Too Not Over You” (David Archuleta): Pop 100 (83), Pop 100 Airplay (66)
• “Spotlight” (Jennifer Hudson): Pop 100 (96), Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (20), Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (20), Hot Adult R&B Airplay (5)
• “If This Isn't Love” (Jennifer Hudson): Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (43), Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (43), Hot Adult R&B Airplay (21)
• “One Step At A Time” (Jordin Sparks): Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks (21)
• “What About Now” (Daughtry): Hot Adult Contemporary (9), Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks (11)
• “Feels Like Tonight” (Daughtry): Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks (8)
• “I Told You So” (Carrie Underwood): Hot Country Songs (37)
• “The More Boys I Meet” (Carrie Underwood): Hot Country Songs (52)
• “Best Days Of Your Life” (Kellie Pickler): Hot Country Songs (39)
• “Telluride” (Josh Gracin): Hot Country Songs (40)
• “Lose My Soul” (TobyMac featuring Mandisa): Hot Christian Adult Contemporary (5), Hot Christian Songs (4)
• “Arise” (Chris Sligh): Hot Adult Contemporary (30)

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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