Idol Chartwatch, July 6: First Pop Idol Dominates the Charts, Plus All the Idol Chart News

It has been a sad couple of weeks for pop music fans. The death of Michael Jackson, who was the first true pop idol, stunned fans all over the world and has resulted in a resurgence of interest in his music. Since his death, radio stations, music video channels, and even cable news networks have flooded the airways with the music that made Jackson such an icon.

All this attention has brought the focus back to the man’s talent and true genius in terms of creativity and innovation. Michael Jackson created a new genre – a mix of soul, rock, R&B, and disco, adding new elements that gave his songs a unique flavor. He inspired an entire generation of pop artists who used Jackson’s example to create their own music. He was a consummate performer and a first-rate choreographer who borrowed dance steps from the masters (James Brown, Elvis Presley, even Fred Astaire) and combined them with his own, creating something startlingly new.

Michael Jackson may have peaked too soon. His later years were full of personal and financial debacles, and his music became a footnote. But his death reminded us why we loved him in the first place. Since his death, every major music outlet is reporting sales of Michael Jackson music and videos are off the charts. The day he died, Amazon.com sold out its entire inventory of Michael Jackson and Jackson 5 CDs and DVDs, and his albums have dominated their top-seller charts ever since.

According to Billboard, in the four days following his death, 415,000 of his albums were sold. Number Ones, The Essential Michael Jackson, and Thriller each sold over 100,000 copies and charted in the top three of Billboard’s Top Pop Catalog Album Chart. Downloads of his singles dominate the digital charts as well.

It appears that this trend will continue for a second week. Billboard reports that in the first two days of the new tracking week (June 29-30), over 110,000 Jackson albums were purchased, putting him on track for yet another week on the charts.

And there’s even an Idol connection. CNN reports that Jennifer Hudson is among the performers who will sing at Jackson’s memorial on Tuesday. Jennifer is no stranger to loss and, hopefully, her example will comfort the Jackson family and the millions of fans who will watch the proceedings.

Idol Albums on the Charts

Michael Johns’ Hold Back My Heart sold 5,000 copies in its first week, and debuts at #97 on the Billboard 200 and #12 on Top Independent Albums.

Kelly Clarkson’s All I Ever Wanted is the top charting Idol-related album this week, moving up 4 spots to #58 on the Billboard 200. Carrie Underwood’s Carnival Ride is in second place, dropping four spots to #59. The album is up two spots to #15 on Top Country Albums.

Kellie Pickler is #76 on the Billboard 200 and #17 on Top Country Albums.

David Cook drops seven spots to #87 on the Billboard 200. David’s album also appears on Top Rock Albums (32). Daughtry is #91 on the Billboard 200, #34 on Top Rock Albums, and #14 on Top Hard Rock Albums.

Jennifer Hudson is #64 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Ruben Studdard’s Love Is is #49. Mandisa’s Freedom is #27 on Top Christian Albums and #35 on Top Christian and Gospel Albums.

Idol-related singles

Kelly Clarkson’s “I Do Not Hook Up” remains the top-charting Idol-related single this week, but Jordin Spark’s “Battlefield” continues to climb the charts and is within three spots of overtaking Kelly’s single. Daughtry’s “No Surprise” is in third place this week, followed by Kelly’s “My Life Would Suck Without You” and Kellie Pickler’s “Best Days Of Your Life.”

Here’s a comprehensive list of all the Idol singles on this week’s charts in order of their appearance on the Hot 100.

• “I Do Not Hook Up” (Kelly Clarkson): Hot 100 (27), Hot 100 Airplay (22), Pop 100 Airplay (8), Mainstream Top 40 (9), Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks (15), Hot Digital Songs (66)
• “Battlefield” (Jordin Sparks): Hot 100 (30), Hot 100 Airplay (55), Pop 100 Airplay (19), Mainstream Top 40 (19), Hot Digital Tracks (37), Hot Digital Songs (40)
• “No Surprise” (Daughtry): Hot 100 (39), Hot 100 Airplay (48), Pop 100 Airplay (32), Hot Adult Contemporary (27), Mainstream Top 40 (23), Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks (9), Hot Digital Tracks (49), Hot Digital Songs (54)
• “My Life Would Suck Without You” (Kelly Clarkson): Hot 100 (44), Hot 100 Airplay (32), Pop 100 Airplay (23), Hot Adult Contemporary (18), Mainstream Top 40 (13), Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks (13)
• “Best Days Of Your Life” (Kellie Pickler): Hot 100 (46), Hot Country Songs (14), Hot Digital Songs (61)
• “Come Back to Me” (David Cook): Hot 100 (73), Pop 100 Airplay (68), Hot Adult Contemporary (24), Hot Adult Top 40 (8)
• “Here Comes Goodbye” (Rascal Flatts, co-written by Chris Sligh): Hot Adult Contemporary (17)
• “No Boundaries” (Kris Allen): Hot Adult Contemporary (19)
• “If This Isn't Love” (Jennifer Hudson): Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (24), Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (24), Hot Adult R&B Airplay (8)
• “Light On” (David Cook): Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks (13)
• “Heart On My Sleeve” (Michael Johns): Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks (28)
• “Giving Myself” (Jennifer Hudson): Hot Adult R&B Airplay (26)
• “Together” (Ruben Studdard): Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (8), Hot Adult R&B Airplay (15)
• “What About Now” (Daughtry): Hot Adult Contemporary (4)
• “I Want My Life Back” (Bucky Covington): Hot Country Songs (34)
• “My Deliverer” (Mandisa): Hot Christian Adult Contemporary (13), Hot Christian Songs (14)

New Idol Albums on the Horizon

Daughtry’s sophomore album, Leave This Town, drops July 14 followed by Jordin Sparks’ second album, Battlefield, which will be released July 21. Brooke White’s High Hopes and Heartbreak will also be released on the 21st.

Phil Stacey’s second album, Into the Light, is scheduled for release on August 25 and Season 6 runner-up, Blake Lewis’ Heartbreak on Vinyl drops October 6.

Still no word on release dates for any of the Season 8 Idols. But we’ll let you know as soon as there is any news!

Donna Reynolds has been writing about 'American Idol' for Foxes on Idol since 2003. She has just published her fourth book, Idol Thoughts: Season 8. In addition, she covers the Central New York music scene for various sites and recently launched Music in the 'Cuse, which features a daily update of the best in CNY entertainment. While entertainment sustains her emotionally, she earns her daily bread as a technical writer for a large international company. Donna loves mail, so shoot her an email at foxydonna@earthlink.net or follow her on Twitter.

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