Following Wednesday’s career-making CMA Awards showing, Chris Stapleton’s “Traveller” enjoyed an immediate — and significant — sales explosion.
It is currently #1 on the US iTunes Album Sales chart. And it has a chance of claiming #1 on the overall Billboard Top Album Sales chart, which measures activity for the entire week between October 30 and November 5.
Essentially a non-factor in the sales race until the 11/4 CMA Awards broadcast, “Traveller,” per a Hits DD projection, could end up posting a tracking week sales total in excess of 100,000. Such a total would almost certainly be enough for #1 on Top Album Sales.
It would also exceed the cumulative sales total “Traveller” had amassed prior to Wednesday’s show.
With album tracks like “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Traveller” also selling like hotcakes, Stapleton’s album is also a clear contender for #1 on the Billboard 200. In addition to pure album sales, the BB200 includes Track Equivalent Albums (10 single sales = 1 unit) and Streaming Equivalent Albums (1500 single streams = 1 unit).
“Traveller” previously peaked at #8 on Top Album Sales and #14 on the Billboard 200.
— Two other country albums are also poised to make significant splashes this week. Released Wednesday night, Eric Church’s surprise “Mr. Misunderstood” is off to a hot start on iTunes. Carrie Underwood’s “Storyteller,” which was already expected to be one of the week’s top few sellers, is enjoying a late-week boost thanks to discounted pricing and her own CMA Awards exposure.
— Prior to the CMA Awards, the NOW 56 compilation was considered the frontrunner for #1.
— In addition to stealing the show while performing alongside Justin Timberlake, Stapleton also won CMA Awards for New Artist, Male Vocalist, and Album.
