Clay Has Strong Showing for 2005: Reuters

Short, complimentary article about Christian/Gospel music from Reuters/Billboard.

'Idol' worship shapes Christian, gospel genres
Sat Dec 17, 2005 3:58 PM ET11
By Deborah Evans Price

NASHVILLE (Billboard) - The power of the "American Idol" franchise is clearly evident at the peak of this year's Christian and gospel music charts.

"Idol" winner Ruben Studdard took the No. 1 spot on the Top Gospel Albums chart with "I Need an Angel" and also reached the summit of the Top Gospel Artists recap.

Clay Aiken's "Merry Christmas With Love" claimed the No. 1 title on the Top Christian Albums chart. Aiken also took the No. 2 spot on the Top Christian Artists list.

SoundScan data combine Christian and gospel sales stats, and the 2005 findings show the religious music biz in a slump. From the beginning of 2004 to November 14 of that year, 33.1 million units were sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan. During the same time period in 2005, sales were down to 28.9 million.