‘Idol’s’ music biz takeover
By Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
As the music industry suffers double-digit declines in CD sales from year to year, the closest thing to a sure bet has become a television show or three but this isnt about Hannah Montana or High School Musical.
The seventh season of American Idol will no doubt be a ratings juggernaut, especially in these strike-affected times, but the Fox contest has also become a reliable source for insta-celebs, providing the music business with name brands that draw consumers into stores.
From Kelly Clarkson to Carrie Underwood to last seasons Jordin Sparks, the U.S. pop charts have been littered with Idol alum since 2003. We take a look at just how many albums some of them have sold and which artists appear to have the most staying power. And yes, this is a William Hung-free gallery. (Scott Gries / Getty Images)
Clay Aiken
Season 2s second-place finisher, Aiken became a media sensation with his debut album, Measure of a Man. It opened at No. 1 after selling 613,000 copies, a number that hasnt been topped by Underwood, Clarkson or Taylor Hicks. It went on to sell 2.8 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
But Aiken has yet to release a proper second album. His 2004 Merry Christmas With Love put up solid numbers, having sold 1.4 million copies to date, but a 2006 album of covers, A Thousand Different Ways, received a much more indifferent reception. It opened high, selling more than 200,000 copies in the first week, but it stalled immediately. To date it has sold just 522,000 copies.
Aiken will appear on Broadway in Monty Pythons Spamalot. Over the last few months, he has hinted at a new album. (Robert Lachman / Los Angeles Times)
Chris Daughtry
Like Aiken, Daughtry is evidence that you dont need to be an American Idol winner to triumph in the music business.
After placing fourth on the show in 2006, he soon recovered, forming a band and teaming with superstar rock producer Howard Benson, who has worked with My Chemical Romance and Papa Roach, among others.
His earnest, Nickelback-inspired rock resonated with audiences, and his album opened at No. 2 in November 2006 after selling 306,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. To date, its moved 3.6 million copies and was one of the top-selling albums of 2007. (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)
Carrie Underwood
American Idols fourth-season winner seems to have completely broken free of any Idol-related stigma.
Last years Grammy Award recipient for best new artist, Underwood made her album debut with Some Hearts, which has sold more than 6.2 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan -- the kind of numbers the music biz was used to seeing in the pre-download era.
Her second effort, Carnival Ride, released in late 2007, opened at No. 1 with a massive 527,000 copies, and as of mid-January was still in the top 20, having sold approximately 2 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Her latest single, All-American Girl, just entered the singles chart, and shell be touring with country star Keith Urban this year, so dont expect Underwoods Ride to be derailed any time soon. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)
