Unlikely “Britain’s Got Talent” breakout Susan Boyle is making her presence felt in America, as early album sales projections from Hits Daily Double have Boyle’s “I Dreamed a Dream” debuting to first week sales of at least 600,000.
The projections, an extension of Hits Daily Double’s sales reports from Tuesday, could even prove low if Boyle’s album performs unexpectedly well with Black Friday shoppers. In any event, Boyle will undoubtedly top the Billboard 200 album sales chart in a week that featured new releases from superstars like Adam Lambert, Rihanna and Lady Gaga.
“American Idol” runner-up Adam Lambert is tracking for second place among new releases; pacing for 210-230,000 first week sales, Lambert’s “For Your Entertainment” will more than double the debut album sales performance of “Idol” winner Kris Allen.
Lady Gaga’s “The Fame Monster” EP will do around 180-200,000; the new deluxe release, which adds the “Monster” songs to the dance/pop sensation’s debut “The Fame,” could move an additional 130-150,000 copies.
“Rated R,” the well-reviewed, buzzworthy new release from Rihanna, will open with 180-200,000; though hardly a poor figure, the total is somewhat underwhelming given Rihanna’s level of popularity and proven ability to generate radio hit after radio hit. Predecessor “Good Girl Gone Bad” opened just shy of 170,000 copies, and Rihanna’s celebrity and portfolio of chart-toppers has grown exponentially in the meantime.
Shakira’s “She Wolf” is tracking for 80-90,000, while Jay Sean’s “All or Nothing” and Birdman’s “Pricele$$” are pacing in the 30-35,000 territory.