Billboard's Fred Bronson: ATD Enters Billboard Charts

Fred Bronson of Billboard's "Chart Beat" has some great news for us this week. Fred, who is a music chart expert and professional journalist, says the following in his online article, "Chart Beat":

'DAYS' OF 'CHANGE': As I write this, I've just picked up my car from the local auto dealer where I take it for its annual check-up. My route home took me past a house where the two artists who have new songs debuting on this week's Adult Contemporary chart once lived.

Coincidence? You be the judge.

Opening at No. 25 is "Change" (Curb/Reprise), the sixth chart entry for Kimberley Locke, third place finalist on season two of "American Idol." Her former roommate and former rival on the TV series, Clay Aiken, bows at No. 29 with his 14th chart entry, "A Thousand Days" (RCA).

I don't know who lives in the house now, but I wonder if they realize their connection to this week's AC tally? I could always post a copy of Chart Beat on their door and see if they figure it out. Maybe you should check your door right now, just in case it's you...

Chart Beat is "the latest news in the world of Billboard's definitive sales and airplay charts." This is great news, as it not only includes sales of "A Thousand Days" but also how its doing in radio airplay!

As you scroll down in the above mentioned article, you will see two more comments about Clay:

This is the first week there have been two debuts in the top 15 since June 28, 2003, when Clay Aiken entered at No. 1 with "This Is the Night" and Studdard had his No. 2 debut with "Flying Without Wings."

AND

Daughtry rewrites chart history, as he becomes the first "Idol" finalist not to finish in the top two spots to have a No. 1 album on The Billboard 200. He is also the first contestant since season two to top this chart. The only other "Idol" singers to have No. 1 albums on The Billboard 200 are Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard. Fantasia, Diana DeGarmo, Carrie Underwood, Bo Bice and Taylor Hicks did not reach No. 1 with any of their albums.

Note that its been 3-1/2 years since two songs debuted in the top 15, and Clay was one of those songs! Also, Clay is one of three idols, and the only runner up, to have a #1 album on The Billboard 200 until this week. There is no question in my mind of the talent and the staying power of Clay Aiken!

Watch in weeks to come. I'm looking to write many more stories on this subject as Clay's position rises on the charts!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, All Is Well, Merry Christmas With Love, Invisible