First Week: Daughtry Beats Taylor Hicks

Thursday, December 21, 2006, 10:24 AM | American Idol 5, Chris Daughtry

Taylor Hicks debuts at #2 on the Billboard 200 with 298,000 copies. This is less than the first week sales of Carrie Underwood’s debut CD, and Chris Daughtry’s. Both CDs are still in the Top 10 with Some Hearts at #6 (57th week, 199,000 copies) and Daughtry at #7 (17% increase from last week with 181,000 copies). Fantasia’s self-titled sophomore CD debuts at #19 with 133,000 copies.

‘Soul Patrol’ vs. rock star as real `Idol’ (Miami Herald)
Young Jeezy, Hicks Enter Atop The Billboard 200 (Billboard)

Affiliate links:
Daughtry on Amazon.com
Taylor Hicks at Amazon.com
Fantasia on Amazon.com
Elliott Yamin – This Christmas on iTunes
Ace Young – Scattered on iTunes

Rickey’s American Idol store on Amazon.com

Discuss!

39 Comments for First Week: Daughtry Beats Taylor Hicks

1

I really don’t think it should be a competition after the show is over, but it is interesting to know the 1st week sales comparisons. I think it’s great that Taylor is staying true to his jazzier style – I do wonder how marketable that is. Country, rock and top 40 are a little more mainstream so you see Carrie & Kellie, Chris and Kelly doing very well. The true test for this year’s contestants is yet to come. What happens in the long-term?

I wish all AI contestants (well, except for one that I don’t care for) good luck. May they be successful so the show is successful so it continues and we can have fun watching it!

Daisy on December 21, 2006 at 10:45 am
2

Amen to what Daisy said!

soup on December 21, 2006 at 11:48 am
3

Taylor’s first week was great, considering his single hasn’t been released and has not been played once on the radio.

Chris has a single and gets radio airtime all day long.

I think things will change once Taylor releases his single and hits the radio.

candy on December 21, 2006 at 12:20 pm
4

my only question is when is ELLIOTT’s cd coming out?!?!?!

june on December 21, 2006 at 12:59 pm
5

Candy,
I haven’t heard Chris’ single on the radio yet (although I have been pumping Christmas tunes constantly for weeks!). Just like Taylor, his single wasn’t released until a few weeks after his CD was released. (December 5th for the single, November 21st for the CD).

Daisy on December 21, 2006 at 1:19 pm
6

Chris’ single was being played during promos for the Prison Break finale. Which was just before his cd was released.

But I agree with what Daisy posted…even the ((except for one that I donâ€šÃ„Ã´t care for)) xP

V on December 21, 2006 at 5:14 pm
7

Personally, I was happy that Chris’s first week beat Taylor’s first week. (Taylor is a hard sell. Blues, soul, jazz music that he does just doesn’t sell well. It’s respected but not a big seller.)

BUT, I’m way happier that Chris’s album has been doing so well on the charts. He’s almost at a million and that was what I was wishing for!!! So now I’m hoping he goes double or triple platium!!!

AZIdolFan on December 21, 2006 at 5:46 pm
8

I don’t think Taylor will be hard sell to anyone who gives him a chance. He has already won over 3 “critics” that I personally know of. One was a rather scornful 50-something man who initially refused to listen to even one cut, deeming anything that American Idol produced to be “pop culture trash.” He had to admit that it was a great CD and said it would be fun to take on a road trip.

The other two critics were a 27-year-old female and a 31-year-old female, the latter of whom was the only one open-minded enough to listen without protest. She had seen Taylor on American Idol and was curious to see what he would produce if left to his own devices. She commented on how much better he sounded than he had on AI (better material, for sure).

The biggest protester (the 27-year-old) asked to hear the entire CD again. She doesn’t watch American Idol, and thinks it’s a really cheesy way to become a star. Usually more reserved, she got up and danced to the music. Every one of these critics couldn’t sit still when listening to this CD. It is definitely a fun CD, and one which I see as having a lot of cross-generational appeal. And that’s why I think Taylor will outlast them all.

soup on December 21, 2006 at 7:31 pm
9

This will sound immature, but oh well. I’m glad Chris beat him, i’ve disliked Taylors voice the minute I heard it.

Matt on December 21, 2006 at 7:45 pm
10

Gotta agree with Matt. Open minded or not, petty minded or not, I am glad that Chris is experiencing success.

Lotus on December 21, 2006 at 8:12 pm
11

So am I, but it doesn’t need to diminish Taylor.

soup on December 21, 2006 at 8:16 pm
12

Rickey, what happened to the Carrie Love you used to have? Carrie out sold Chris this week and wasn’t much behind Taylor considering. I mean you have everyone else up there including Fantasia, wheres Carrie? I can understand no Pickles but no Carrie? Whatever.

Pardon Me on December 21, 2006 at 9:09 pm
13

DAUGHTRY RULES!!!!!!!

Me on December 21, 2006 at 9:41 pm
14

Carrie had the Oprah touch so it’s rather unfair in a way (even though that obviously means she’s the bigger star–appearing on Oprah and all). Plus, she had one year of fame in the bag. I think we all know Rickey loves Carrie even though he doesn’t say it in every post.

I also heard that some Soul Patrols bought 10-18 CDs (probably X’mas present for everyone in their family), so I think in terms of loyalty they most probably beats the rock brigade. But on the other hand, DAUGHTRY was out just in time for Black Friday. That’s probably another factor why the band outsells Taylor Hicks.

But I’m glad Chris first week sales is better than Taylor. It’s a bit of consolation prize for him and his fans because I do feel he deserves better than the 4th place in the competition.

Laura on December 21, 2006 at 9:46 pm
15

Yes, Matt – you do sound immature… just because Taylor isn’t your cup of tea doesn’t mean he’s a great musician. Taylor and Chris are not in competition anymore. They sing different music which appeals to different people. Chris may sell more records – it was no secret to anyone — Taylor included, that Chris had more maintream appeal. But mainstream isn’t the only music out there that is deeply loved and I give credit to Taylor for staying true to who he is – the sale of records does not determine true musical success.

MinC on December 21, 2006 at 9:46 pm
16

Wow. 6,000 more. Big deal. *rolls eyes*

CG on December 21, 2006 at 9:49 pm
17

Taylor’s album is a train wreck. Really bad. It’s not “Jazzy” at all. He didn’t stay true to his roots at all, and that’s why it is so bad. The last track on the album is outstanding, however. Had the whole album been like that, I’d have given it 5 stars. But, I’m sure the Taylor-mates, like Claymates, will bring him to platinum 2 or 3x over anyway.

I agree, there shouldn’t be competition after the show is over. Everyone should just appreciate the fact that they got a chance to see the beginnings of a new star in the making, and just support them.

But I do have to say, Chris Daughtryâ€šÃ„Ã´s album has the potential to be a chart buster and an award winner. It truly is an outstanding pop/rock album and should earn him an AMA, VMA, or perhaps even a Grammy.

tricia on December 21, 2006 at 10:37 pm
18

Nice Christmas gift from Kat
at
http://www.katharinemcphee.com

‘O Come, All Ye Faithfulâ€šÃ„Ã´

Great vocals!

Rick on December 22, 2006 at 1:03 am
19

Something I don’t understand is, Katherine BEAT Chris.

So, why is it that Chris fans are so happy to see Taylor do bad, instead of Katherine and/or Elliot who actually beat Chris.

Remember yall, it wasn’t Taylor and Chris, it was Katherine and Chris, and more people voted not for Chris.

I don’t get it.

candy on December 22, 2006 at 5:09 am
20

Question? At what point did I say Taylor wasn’t a great musician? and I never said he couldn’t sing, I said I’ve never liked his voice and thats an opinion i’m open to.

Matt on December 22, 2006 at 6:21 am
21

Congratulations to both Chris and Taylor on great sales. How wonderful AI could have two artists sell so well after a successful season.

But for the people who believe the competition is over once the show is done, I only have one question to ask: if there is no competition in the music industry, why do they go out of the way to rank sales numbers every week? Sorry, but competition and comparison are a part of the human condition, and a huge part of American life.

I also want to add that it is great hvaing RICKEY back again. Hope your tripi was everything you wanted and needed it to be!

richie on December 22, 2006 at 9:31 am
22

Richie, I am not against competition. It’s a major part of life to have performance-based-incentives like awards and Billboard charts.

I was trying to diffuse the coming onslaught of Chris vs. Taylor posts that are unnecessary. I’m a Chris fan. Am I glad he out-sold Taylor? Sure! But, I wasn’t going to start bashing Taylor for that. I’m aware that out-selling on your initial sales doesn’t mean you are the best or will last the longest.

Daisy on December 22, 2006 at 9:42 am
23

Candy, unless I’m missing something Taylor, Kat and Elliott all beat Chris. That’s why he was 4th and they were 1st, 2nd and 3rd. How do you isolate Kat as the only one who beat him? Obviously Taylor and Elliott had more votes than Chris, too.

It’s also inevitable that when you win something (anything! from sports to a singing competition) you become the benchmark, the measuring line. That’s why there are comparisons between Taylor and Chris. Also, Elliott and Kat don’t have albums released yet, so how can we compare?

Daisy on December 22, 2006 at 9:46 am
24

Daisy, I understand what you were saying, but just have to remeber that instead of competing with 12 other people for votes, the ‘idols’ are now competing with thousands more for the ‘music dollars’ of the public at large. Yet how many years later are people, including the media, still comparing Clay & Ruben?

However, it would be nice if more fans would take your lead, and really just appreciate your favorites without haveing to dennigrade or slam the others. I, too, enjoy Chris, and am very happy his sales have gone so well. I bought and enjoy his CD greatly. I am also happy for Taylor, for his sales numbers are pretty damn good, and although I would be buying his effort, I wish him nothing but the best.

richie on December 22, 2006 at 12:25 pm
25

The Daughtry album is very Nickleback-ish and every song sounds the same. Taylor’s album has a variety and it’s fun! In the long run I believe Taylor’s music will go a long way.

Why is Daughtry’s music labeled as “pop” and Taylor’s music is labeled as “rock”…?

telemundo on December 22, 2006 at 3:44 pm
26

Congrats to Chris and Carrie to yet again another great Billboard sales week! Go rule the charts!

karen on December 22, 2006 at 9:26 pm
27

I don’t understand why comparing Daughtry to Nickleback (perhaps the #1 rock band currently – at least they have racked-up some decent rock awards) is a slam but comparing Kat to Mariah or Taylor to Ray Charles is a compliment.

I love the Daughtry CD and if you really think “Shine” sounds the same as “Home” or “Breakdown” sounds like “Feels Like Tonight” you may want to listen again. Yes, they’re all rock-ish, but that’s why his album is labeled in the rock genre.

Daisy on December 22, 2006 at 10:47 pm
28

You DO realize Chris sold less than 5k more than Taylor…right? Lol, it’s funny cause I see a grown man in the pictures but this blog SERIOUSLY has to be written by a 12 year old!

Kim on December 23, 2006 at 12:14 am
29

Daisy, the poster who said that Chris sounded “very Nickleback-ish” probably didn’t mean it as an insult, especially since Nickleback is so successful. These kinds of comparisons are probably the only ones that are really valid, because at least they compare the same genre.

The complaint seems to be that “every song sounds the same.” I don’t really listen to Nickelback so I can’t speak as to whether all their songs sound the same or not, but in listening to Chris’ CD, that was my first impression, too. I’m sure that on further listening, the songs would differentiate themselves, as you suggest.

Before anyone gets their knickers in a twist, let me just say that I really liked Chris on AI. He was initially my first choice to win. Toward the end, however, I got a bit tired of the songs that Simon termed “indulgent.” Indulgent? Why? Just because he got into his own groove? Stayed true to his own style? That’s when I got a better idea of what kind of CD Chris would eventually turn out. The fact that it is not to my taste in no way diminishes Chris’ talent. It means only that my musical taste lies elewhere. Different strokes and all that.

I decided I really liked Elliott when he out-Bubled Michael Buble with “Home,” and so I voted for him, but I have to say that the stuff he is singing these days is not to my taste either, fabulous voice notwithstanding. Maybe we don’t need another Donny Hathaway, and maybe we don’t need another Nickelback. What we need is someone who consistently pushes the envelope and does it better than the artist before him. That’s how a new artist really catches on.

I didn’t like Taylor at all until I heard him sing “Trouble” better than Ray Montagne. Still, it’s not what a person sings on Idol that determines their success in the long run. Although I still like Chris and Elliott, I will probably never buy their CDs. Why? Not because Chris and Elliott aren’t good at what they do, but because I like Taylor’s style of music better. If it is reminiscent of Ray Charles, all the better, as far as I’m concerned. If you like Ray, you might just like Taylor too, unless you’ve made up your mind that you don’t like him no matter what he sings or how well he sings it.

There are so many petty arguments and unfair comparisons of all the idols on this blogâ€šÃ„Ã®people who think that their Idol can only be the “winner” if another person’s Idol is the “loser.” Can’t we just appreciate them all for who and what they are? Well, you apparently can, Daisy. Thanks for keeping it civil.

soup on December 23, 2006 at 1:44 am
30

I just read else where that Taylor sold 303,000.

candy on December 23, 2006 at 7:11 am
31

They both did great but I think Chris will outsell Taylor. That’ll be an idol first. I think it’s because Chris’ genre is more popular and to be honest, IMO, Taylor is not a great singer. That’s the botton line on idol in the end. Only two great voices in Season 5 were Chris and Elliott.

jane on December 27, 2006 at 12:26 am
32

I hope you put up the new numbers when you have a chance Rickey. Its always more interesting to see what the second week sales are after the fans have all run out and gotten their copy.

weedie on December 27, 2006 at 11:34 am
33

Taylor = entertainer
Katharine = ballad diva
Elliott = killer voice
Chris = pop rocker

Which will have the most longevity?

babycakes on December 27, 2006 at 12:19 pm
34

# 31: “Only two great voices in Season 5 were Chris and Elliott.” You’re kidding, right? What about Katharine? She, too, has a great voice in the traditional sense. I’m not crazy about the type of music she has chosen to record, but I would never deny that she has an amazing talent. You can say that “Taylor is not a great singer” and I won’t argue with you, especially since you prefaced your comment with “IMO,” but look at all the not-so-great singers with fabulous careers and unbelievable longevity. Rod Stewart comes to mind. The list goes on and on. Great singers are a dime a dozen. A great voice doesn’t necessarily translate into a great career. IMO

soup on December 27, 2006 at 12:38 pm
35

If comparisons are going to be made, let it be noted that Taylor sold 500,000 in 2 weeks, while it took Chris 3 weeks. So there LOL.

There are many genres of music, and each one has its fans. Some of us like more than one. Whoever said that soul doesn’t sell, come on. It all sells. As to what gets played on top 40 radio, thank god we aren’t bound by that anymore. With sirius, itunes, ipod, amazon, and cds, we don’t have to be dictated to by corporate music or by radio payola. Music is from the heart and soul, it’s whatever moves you. Who cares what they play on top 40? They don’t own music and they can’t mold our souls or tell us what we like.

Personally I don’t care for Chris and I love Taylor’s music. To each their own. But it just seems so petty to make a thread about who beat who one week. They are both going to be successful and their fans can all be happy.

Dominique on December 30, 2006 at 2:57 pm
36

If comparisons are going to be made, let it be noted that Taylor sold 500,000 in 2 weeks, while it took Chris 3 weeks. So there LOL.

There are many genres of music, and each one has its fans. Some of us like more than one. Whoever said that soul doesn’t sell, come on. It all sells. As to what gets played on top 40 radio, thank god we aren’t bound by that anymore. With sirius, itunes, ipod, amazon, and cds, we don’t have to be dictated to by corporate music or by radio payola. Music is from the heart and soul, it’s whatever moves you. Who cares what they play on top 40? They don’t own music and they can’t mold our souls or tell us what we like.

Personally I don’t care for Chris and I love Taylor’s music. To each their own. But it just seems so petty to make a thread about who beat who one week. They are both going to be successful and their fans can all be happy.

Dominique on December 30, 2006 at 2:58 pm
37

Congrats to both Taylor and Chris for their much deserved success. It is interesting to note last weeks numbers at Taylor’s pretty significant drop whereas Chris is staying pretty consistant, outselling Taylor by twice as many albums last week alone. I like both of them but I’ve always thought Chris was much more marketable. Im not surprised his album has already gone platinum and appears to be beating Taylor in record sales.

save ferris on January 4, 2007 at 12:42 pm
38

Interesting last week sales numbers w/ Daughtry outselling Taylor by twice as many records.

save ferris on January 4, 2007 at 12:45 pm
39

Interesting last week sales numbers w/ Daughtry outselling Taylor by twice as many records.

save ferris on January 4, 2007 at 12:47 pm