New URL for the American Idol buzz blog!
Please go to the new American Idol Buzz blog at http://blogs.ajc.com/american-idol-blog/
Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > October > 01 > Entry
10/2: David Archuleta acting debut, Jennifer Hudson 1st week sales to eclipse Kellie Pickler’s, “America’s Got Talent” winner
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
David Archuleta will appear in an episode of Nickelodeon’s “iCarly,” according to people.com. He will play a version of himself. His album is due out Nov. 11 and the “iCarly” ep will air next spring.
Based on one-day sales Tuesday, Jennifer Hudson should open with at least 225,000 copies but an appearance on Oprah today (Thursday) might push that even higher. That would place her No. 2 next week behind Atlanta’s T.I., who should easily break 500,000, according to estimated by Hitsdailydouble.
Kellie Pickler, however, will open much more modestly at around 40,000 copies, about half of what her first CD “Small Town Girl” opened. The problem, I suspect, is the modest performance of first single “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful.” A couple weeks ago, I was close in predicting Pickler’s number, way low on Hudson.
Reviews for Hudson’s album are all over the map.
The Washington Post is mostly positive::
The credits on “Jennifer Hudson” include more than two dozen songwriters and nearly as many producers, a debut-by-committee approach that has record mogul Clive Davis’s fingerprints all over it. Davis, the album’s lead producer, never met a demographic he didn’t want to court, but his vision, such as it is, works against Hudson by preventing her from establishing a clear artistic identity on the very album that bears her name.
Still, the woman who coulda — and shoulda — been a contender shows plenty enough on her debut to reinforce that she’s a major talent whose career will be worth following.
Chicago Sun Times gave it just one star, blaming Clive Davis for the album’s problems.:
Now, after an inexplicable and unconscionable delay in this accelerated era of five-second attention spans, Hudson finally has delivered her self-titled major-label debut, which arrives in stores today. Sad to say, not only is it not worth the wait, but in typical “American Idol” fashion, it’s an overworked, overwrought, shamelessly pandering piece of pop product unworthy of her considerable talents and largely devoid of the personality that made us love her in the first place.
The Dallas Morning News liked it more or less.
For a mass-appeal project targeted to sell millions, the Chicago native doesn’t embarrass herself. She satisfied all the honchos and sounds like she’s artistically committed, too.
The Boston Globe gets a kick out of her more than most of the songs.
Despite its flaws, Hudson’s debut comes on much like her “Dreamgirls” character, with admirable self-assurance and real-girl sensuality. Every song may not be a winner here, but the woman who sings them sure is.
- The “America’s Got Talent” winner Neal E. Boyd is apropos He’s highly skilled at opera, has an amazingly humble attitude and has underdog written all over him. Heck, he’s an insurance saleman! I actually preferred Nuttin’ But Strings but Boyd’s victory is not surprising. He cried alot and cried again when he won, of course. Congratulations, Boyd! “What has happened to my life!” he said. Personally, I think Nuttin But Strings broke new ground and could do a great Vegas show but Boyd truly touches the heart. And an opera singer won in the U.K., too.
Here he is from his audition:
-Here are how some singles are doing on Radio & Records charts:
Jordin Sparks sees her single “One Step at a Time” move up to No. 3 on the top 40 chart. Download sales: 45K for the week, 747K total. Her album had its worst week yet with 5K sold, ranked No. 114 and 922K total.
David Archuleta moves up to No. 14 from 15 with a decent increase in airplay for “Crush.” It’s still the top “Idol” download at No. 12 and 567K total.
Daughtry slips back to 21 from 20 with “What About Now” but actually gains airplay so all is not lost yet for his fifth single. His album falls to No. 65 with 8K sold and 4.24 million total.
David Cook with “The Time of My Life” falls to 36 from 33. No sign yet of “Light On,” which should appear on the chart next week. It sold 15K in downloads, 915K total.
Jennifer Hudson has gained momentum with “Spotlight” jumping from 10 to 6 on the urban chart. Downloads are 13K and 145K total.
Carrie Underwood edges up to No. 6 from No. 7 with “Just a Dream” on the country chart. Download sales: 22K last week, 228K total. Her album “Carnival Ride” is the top seller of the week among “Idols” with 9K sold and 2.35 million total.
Bucky Covington gets to No. 16 from 17 in his 23rd week with “I’ll Walk.”
As noted earlier, Kellie Pickler is at No. 26 from No. 27 with “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful.”
Kristy Lee Cook moves up to No. 41 with “15 Minutes of Shame” but is losing airplay. Her album plummeted from 49 to 153 with sales of just 4K. It won’t last another week on the top 200. B-bye.
Josh Gracin takes a small jump to No. 48 form 54 for “Unbelievable (Ann Marie)”
And here’s a thank you note from David Cook for the early reaction to “Light On.”
Comments
By Idol Fan
October 2, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this
Yes from what I can tell Jennifer is getting about 5 times more airplay than Kellie, which accounts for most of the large sales difference. Top 5 singles are hard to beat for generating sales. Kellie deserves them but so far she hasn’t gotten one. Country radio plays 80% male artists and she needs more airplay promo to break top 5. I believe Best Days of Your Life and her other best pop/rock crossover songs could also make top 5 on pop radio if released and promoted there. They are better than many songs played on pop radio.
R&B is a larger genre than country in airplay and sales
Jennifer’s lead single is getting a lot more airplay - #6 and climbing on urban radio with a weekly audience of 27 million, #1 on urban AC radio w/weekly audience of 20 million, and #46 on rhythmic radio w/weekly audience of 6 million. Kellie’s single is #24 on country radio w/weekly audience of 10 million. So Jennifer has about 5 times as large of a radio listener audience and potential album buyers.
Jennifer’s album ranks higher on Amazon (#2 vs. #27) and itunes (#3 vs. #13). And based on the number of tracks, JH price is a better value, 3 more tracks for the same price.
Jennifer is more popular based on her big screen success and awards. I imagine this is one reason why they signed her to make an album years after she was on Idol. Her album has some big music names on it too.
By JTesla
October 2, 2008 2:38 AM | Link to this
Thanks for all the numbers.
By Nana
October 2, 2008 5:05 AM | Link to this
Good Morning.
Quite an impressive numbers. Kellie’s will pick up.
No surprise last night that Neil E Boyd won AGT. I was surprised that Eli placed 2nd. Wished Donald had placed higher, but still feel like he will end up in the music field in some capacity.
Be safe and drive careful on your way to the office or where ever.
By linny @ home
October 2, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
Congrats to Neal E Boyd — truly a pure talent! best thing about the awards show was NOT Leona Lewis, but the surprise cameos for each of the 5 — and yes, i think Andrew Lloyd Webber will be calling Donald soon! I too was surprised that Eli was second, felt sure he’d actually be the lowest so that tells you how much I know, LOL!!! see you at work!
By Nana
October 2, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
I hope Webber does contact Donald and offer him a contract. If Donald ever puts one out, I here to say that I will be in line to purchase it. Although I really do like Neil, there is just something about Donald that rips my heart, and no need to mention his talent. It speaks volumes of its own. So as the results goes from last night, I was disappointed that Donald came in 4th. I was really pulling for him. Oh well, you can’t always have what you want
In Idol news, heard this morning on my way to the office that Kellie Pickler will be a guest next week on Live with Regis & Kelly (just didn’t catch the date) and will be co-hosting with Kelly Ripa one day soon. As soon as I find out that date, I will be set to record that program. That should be a very interesting and fun day. One Kelly is just as funny as the other.
By Lara
October 2, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Good morning blogsters and happy Friday eve! At least that promo picture of J Hud is really her, but why can’t people smile in pictures anymore?
Great update, Rodney, thanks!
By flats
October 2, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
Good morning fellow americans.
By flats
October 2, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
Reach your goals and keep up with college balls!
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
October 2, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
I know “joke” day was yesterday but I didn’t get this one in the email until today, so i beg your indulgence:
With all the turmoil in the market today and the collapse of Lehman
Bros and the acquisition of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America the
stage is set for more mergers and acquisitions.
For all of you with any money left, be aware of the next round of
corporate consolidation so that you can get in on the ground floor
and make some BIG bucks.
Watch for these later this year:
1.) Hale Business Systems, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Fuller Brush, and W R.
Grace Co. Will merge and become: Hale, Mary, Fuller, Grace
2.) Polygram Records, Warner Bros., and Zesta Crackers join forces
and become: Poly, Warner Cracker
3.) 3M will merge with Goodyear and become: MMMGood
Zippo Manufacturing, Audi Motors, Dofasco, and Dakota Mining will merge and become: ZipAudiDoDa
FedEx is expected to join its competitor, UPS, and become: FedUP
Fairchild Electronic s and Honeywell Computers will become:
Fairwell Honeychild
Grey Poupon and Docker Pants are expected to become: PouponPants
Knotts Berry Farm and the National Organization of Women will
become: Knott NOW!
And finally…
name: TittyTittyBangBang
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
October 2, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
wow. just had a post go “missing” too… whazzupwitdat?
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
October 2, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
ok ok, so it wasn’t lost, just out there wandering around and finally came home…sheesh!
later gang, not sure when!
By Nana
October 2, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
With that one linny we will make an exception. Loved number 6 about Victoria Secret and S&W.
By Harmony
October 2, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
I have an update on my cousin that was electrocuted. He was released from the hospital yesterday after being there since August 5th. He has to go to rehab daily and has to be watched closely to make sure he doesn’t fall and hit his head in any way.(part of his brain was removed)The unbelievable thing is that he can walk,talk and remember things. He does not remember being electrocuted, the last thing he remembers is falling off the ladder. He doesn’t have any perception of the amount of time that has gone by and was surprised that he has missed all those days of work. He has no clue that he actually died that day and was given zero odds of surviving. All I can say is that it was definely not his time to go and thank all of you for your prayers. MIRACLES can still happen!
By kellyfan
October 2, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Hey y’all…
Loved those mergers…lol. Oh, Rodney Carrie’s been announced to host the CMAs. She’s moving up, huh? :)
By Big Jim and the Twins
October 2, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
I think I can produce a stool sample that has more talent than any of the people mentioned in this blog.
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
October 2, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Well, BJ, your name certainly is appropriately descriptive, and, it would seem, accurate. You’re obviously a DlCK. but hey, even YOU have a right to an opinion, however crass, crude, rude and mean-spirited it is!!! right gang?
By Nana
October 2, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Harm - what wondeful news about your cousin. Prayers are answered always. God has something else good planned for him. May he continue to improve daily.
Big Jim - what a waste of a post. Rodney’s post covered a variety of music, so you must not like any type that he spoke about. Just who do you like and what type music? Maybe Rodney can post something to your liking. And I had no idea that stool had talent.
By Nana
October 2, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Right there with you linny. No excuses for rudness.
By Big Jim and the Twins
October 2, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
I’m just saying that the pungent smell and brown stains my stool leave, makes a better longer lasting mark on the world that the artist listed above.
By Nana
October 2, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Big Jim, your last post was more gross and descriptive than the first. I guess you answered my question on what you liked and whom. You and your stool. Enjoy the smell and stains.
By Just a question
October 2, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
This is off the subject, but just how did Forrest Park get a 420lb Asst Police Chief? Don’t they have to pass physicals and other physical test?
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
October 2, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
testing… i’m having problems posting…
By linny ,,,=^..^=,,,
October 2, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
JAQ - while a valid question, perhaps the wrong place to ask it… i don’t think we even have anyone in forest park, and not even very close, that normally “hangs out” here…
Nana - your musical taste observation is right on, considering Rodney posted about everything from opera to country to rock to musical theater to pop (including modern bubblegum), perhaps only missing jazz… let’s just agree that SOME people not only have no taste, they have no class, and ignore it henceforth? a truly odiferously obnoxious entity, i’d guess.
By Nana
October 2, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Headed home for the day. Everyone have a great evening. Be safe and drive careful.
linny: Agree!!!
By JTesla
October 2, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
“Big Jim and the Twins”… classic.
By Woodpappy
October 2, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
OOOH, I guess Rodney wouldn’t let my reply to Big Jim go through….That’s probably a good thing tho….