‘Idol’ Clarkson Expected to Dominate the Singles

The Dixie Chicks hold onto the No. 1 spot on the nation’s album charts, but industry attention is on next week’s singles charts, which “American Idol” singer Kelly Clarkson is a cinch to dominate.

Her label, RCA, is making no predictions for the single, which was released Tuesday, but some retailers are saying the record could sell 150,000 copies. That’s massive in a singles market that has shrunk so much in recent years that a single can be No. 1 by selling just 4,600 copies--which is what Nivea’s “Don’t Mess With My Man” sold to top this week’s chart.

Both songs on the Clarkson single, “Before You Love” and “A Moment Like This,” are power ballads that show a lot of lung power but not much convincing character. The test will be when her album is released late this year or early next year. RCA, meanwhile, will release “American Idol: Greatest Moments” on Oct. 1. It includes studio versions of songs from the TV show.

To hold on to No. 1, the Dixie Chicks’ “Home” album sold 214,000 for a three-week total of 1.3 million. The rock group Disturbed’s “Believe” album will challenge for the top spot next week. The other spots on this week’s Top 10 album chart are held by Avril Lavigne, Eminem, Nelly, Toby Keith, Bruce Springsteen, Norah Jones, Coldplay, Clipse and James Taylor.