Kris Allen May Not Sell 100,000 Copies On His First Week

Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 03:22 PM | American Idol 8
Tags: Kris Allen, Sales Estimate

The headlines will be merciless next week for Kris Allen, so just a heads up. Estimates for album sales this week have already come up, and Kris Allen is underperforming for an American Idol winner. He is poised to be the worst-selling Idol-winner for the first week since Jordin Sparks debuted at #10 on the Billboard 200 in 2007 with 119,000 copies.

Here are the estimates from Hits based on first day sales:

John Mayer, 275k-300k
Norah Jones, 150k-160k
50 Cent, 140k-150k
Casting Crowns, 140k-150k
Andrea Bocelli, 140k-150k
Justin Bieber, 110k-120k
Kris Allen, 75k-80k
Leona Lewis, 60k-65k

I think 50 Cent will debut with higher numbers, and anything can still happen in one week.

But I don’t know what to do about Kris Allen. Season 8 is turning out to be a friggin’ disaster.

Here’s a link:

Download: Kris Allen
Download: Kris Allen (Amazon)

80 Comments for Kris Allen May Not Sell 100,000 Copies On His First Week

1

He isn’t selling well for the same reason why he wasn’t asked to perform at the AMA’s nor asked to be on the cover of Rolling Stone nor asked to be on Oprah. I think the “lack of praise” from the worlds most successful & talented musicians says it all.

Accept it.

HelloKitty on November 18, 2009 at 3:36 pm
2

That can’t be right.

Out of Lurkdom on November 18, 2009 at 3:42 pm
3

OH MY GOD, THE SKY IS FALLING, THE SKY IS FALLING.

concerntroll on November 18, 2009 at 3:45 pm
4

Who cares? As long as Kris and his fans are happy with the album thats all that matters. I love his CD.

Angela on November 18, 2009 at 3:49 pm
5

who cares kris allen is boring as hell

brian on November 18, 2009 at 3:49 pm
6

I’m not surprised at all.

Mateja on November 18, 2009 at 3:53 pm
7

yawn.

Maria on November 18, 2009 at 3:53 pm
8

Before you say Season 8 was a disaster, how about letting the others come out with their albums and see how they sell. Take a cue from MJ. She says things the “right” way. Need some tact.

stacy on November 18, 2009 at 3:55 pm
9

LOL. I think the spin his “stans” put on this is hilarious.

I don’t have anything against Kris as a person, but I tried to listen to his CD, but I had to stop as I felt my eyelids grow heavier and heavier.

Lauren on November 18, 2009 at 3:57 pm
10

“Who cares? As long as Kris and his fans are happy with the album thats all that matters. I love his CD.”

Thanks Angela. Idol expectations are stupidly high and who knows he may surprise everybody. He surprised us all before.

Out of Lurkdom on November 18, 2009 at 3:58 pm
11

“estimates” Rickey…”estimates”

Leah on November 18, 2009 at 4:00 pm
12

hey as long as he sells enough to stay in the business Im happy. I love his music. He isn’t the flashy kind of artist who busts out humongo sales anyway imo. Of course, maybe we should have went the other route and bought 4 copies each huh Kris fans lol

Kathy on November 18, 2009 at 4:00 pm
13

“estimates” is a guess.

Leah on November 18, 2009 at 4:01 pm
14

It’s not season 8 that is turning out to be a disaster! It’s Kris Allen, the winner, who is turning out to be a DISASTER and a DISGRACE!! Adam Lambert will show him how it’s done in a week with his album sales. Just wait. Season 8 is all right; Season 8 actually pretty awesome with the superstar ADAM LAMBERT!!!

jon on November 18, 2009 at 4:11 pm
15

do you guys thing Kris even really cares if he sells 100 000 albums or not? He’s doing music primarily because he loves music. He’s not just in it for the money and fame, he’s a low-key regular guy. That’s why his fans love him. He’s not going to sell himself short or try to be someone he’s not. He has a record deal and he’s working with it and keeping his fans happy, that’s all that matters

actually on November 18, 2009 at 4:34 pm
16

I agree with the first comment. Kris did not get enough of star treatment. I predicted this.

Lia on November 18, 2009 at 4:41 pm
17

Kris’ album in #8 on iTunes while the Kris Allen Pass is #11. Those two will probably be combined for the final sales pushing him higher on the chart

musicfan 260 on November 18, 2009 at 4:51 pm
18

I don’t like the numbers, but can you imagine what they would be if he hadn’t won AI… it would be aweful. But as long as his fans, US, listen to his music and go to his concerts, he’ll be fine.
WE LOVE YOU KRIS!!!!!!

Javi on November 18, 2009 at 4:55 pm
19

I believe the sales figures is wrong. What about those people who purchase the I Pass for Kris Allen. It was never counted.

Elizabeth on November 18, 2009 at 4:55 pm
20

Have faith Rickey!! We can pull this out yet!! But really, none of the recent idols sold like the first ones did. sad. music business is tougher these days.

whatyou4 on November 18, 2009 at 5:01 pm
21

@ Rickey: Whose side are you on anyway. Did you ever published the fact that Kris Allen has to scramble last minute for his materials. Since Kris Allen is so talented, he wrote his music for a short period of time. You should give him credit for that. Not unlike Adam Lambert was so priviledged that while he is still competing in American Idol, were provided big names songwriters to write music for him. These big names were paid big bucks to write music. Besides, I love Kris Allen’s music which is wonderfully made. People call Adam Lambert exciting, glitsy and flashy, just like being high in dope. Nehhhhh! dont want to be in that side of the road with him. Remeber what they always say: SIMPLICITY IS BEAUTY!!! Yey Kris Allen, I love you!

Elizabeth on November 18, 2009 at 5:04 pm
22

At least he’ll never have to go through life looking like Liza Minnelli.

Check this out, ya’ll should be proud!:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Sparkle%20Cow

kassandra on November 18, 2009 at 5:23 pm
23

LOL Justin Bieber. who would buy that album? XD

Rest assured Rickey, I bought and am enjoying Kris’ album. =]

bwatt27 on November 18, 2009 at 5:25 pm
24

Yeah, who wants to go through life looking like Liza Minelli, when they can look like a chimpanzee….

At least everyone knows Liza Minelli can sing. Chimps? Not so sure.

Lucy on November 18, 2009 at 5:30 pm
25

OBVIOUSLY – he shoild NOT have won..I can’t even be bothered listening to it – he was boring on the tour.

jaysjen10 on November 18, 2009 at 5:32 pm
26

sorry typo – should NOT have won

jaysjen10 on November 18, 2009 at 5:35 pm
27

Maybe the illegal downloads are hurting him after all.

Oh well. I could care less. My life will be the same whether or not Kris Allen is a commercial success. LOL

Thornton Mulchwegger on November 18, 2009 at 5:41 pm
28

Kris is going to sell less than Justin Bieber… who is Justin Bieber? lol

PhDude on November 18, 2009 at 5:46 pm
29

Well, Adam seems to be hot for chimps. Perhaps when Kris’s career crashes and burns, the Glittery Rock God Reincarnation of Elvis and Freddie can use the fabulous wealth he shall earn from his smash hit CD to put Kris up as his twink chimp concubine.

kassandra on November 18, 2009 at 5:49 pm
30

It’s interesting that people are still expecting Adam Lambert to sell huge amounts of albums. Well, maybe he will. Let’s see what happens.

PA on November 18, 2009 at 5:50 pm
31

Season 8, no matter how bad it gets, won’t be as bad as season 9 will be. They added Ellen Degeneres, whom I think is great, but she is not a musician, singer, or dancer. She has noting to do with this show, turning it into a true amateur talent show that is meant to be a spectacle, not a serious search for talent. Take a lesson from SYTYCD, AI. THAT show has integrity–and every judge IS or has been a well respected professional in dance. AI is officially a joke. MOVE ON.

howl on November 18, 2009 at 5:50 pm
32

Kassandra, you make me LOL. LOL

Can we be best friends?

Thornton Mulchwegger on November 18, 2009 at 5:51 pm
33

We all saw during Idol he always pulled out the votes, and we never expected it till the top7 week. Now, with the sales, I say, you are all underestimating Kris Allen with the sales. This is a prediction, not a fact. So wait and see! The week is not over yet, anyways.

newbornstar on November 18, 2009 at 5:52 pm
34

Kris Allen = FLOP!

you84 on November 18, 2009 at 6:03 pm
35

I think it may be a little too early to gloat.

PA on November 18, 2009 at 6:08 pm
36

Nah, Adam can do way better than a chimp, especially one who sounds like he needs to blow his little monkey nose so we can understand his vocals.

Lucy on November 18, 2009 at 6:11 pm
37

I don’t know much about Season 8, but this certainly is interesting.

PA on November 18, 2009 at 6:12 pm
38

Really guys, I think all that matters is Kris is making an album and people are gonna buy it and like it, I don’t think a platinum album is the only way Kris Allen and his fans can be happy. As long as Kris is happy with his album and people are happy to listen to it is HUGE! It is good music and Kris will do fine with or without big bang numbers. JMHO.

jen on November 18, 2009 at 6:14 pm
39

IT’S JUST A PREDICTION!!! stop with the annoncements about “worst selling idol”.. wait for the real number.

Elijah on November 18, 2009 at 6:28 pm
40

Season 8 is not a fail, rickey. Kris Allen is a fail. Adam Lambert saved Season 8. He is the superstar and Season 8 is great because of him. Just because Kris Allen stinks, doesn’t mean that the entire Season 8 stinks. Sorry you’re on the wrong side! Go, Lambert, go!

jon on November 18, 2009 at 6:32 pm
41

my time table for him to go country was 3 years, i guess that should be moved up.

you can say estimates all you want ppl, but even if he gets 200,000 it wont do much after that. Theres nothin on this album that will play on radio and bring in non AI fans.

YAWNNN on November 18, 2009 at 6:44 pm
42

It’s just an estimate, but they have always been close. A lot of time, the real number comes out even less thatn what they predicted.

jebster on November 18, 2009 at 6:45 pm
43

Why certainly Thorton. Just as long as you do not have smelly and foul tasting private parts. Adam does not like this and I wish to emulate him.

Lucy, why the chimp hatred? Are you not a missing link? Also, how old is his bassist and did Adam find him watching a Bel Ami barely legal dvd?

kassandra on November 18, 2009 at 7:09 pm
44

howl is correct. Ellen added nothing to SYTYCD and was so distracting with her constant jokes. The only redeeming thing she did was stick up for the kid Nigel ridiculed for his facial features. Ethan? I give her mad props for what she said and so sincerely.

Kristine on November 18, 2009 at 7:17 pm
45

Perhaps, Kassandra, I have just have chimp hatred just as you have Lambert hatred. You did start the insulting. What has he done to offend you so much, except to have so much more charisma, personality, vocal talent, and popularity than Kris??

Lucy on November 18, 2009 at 7:23 pm
46

okay, lets be honest here, he got really bad press about his debut single and on top of that, the reviews for his album had a common theme “good for being rushed” who the heck wants to buy a rushed album?!

plus, kris didn’t have the power house writers like adam did. so its understandable that he would debut with low numbers…

jordin must be jumping for joy at the fact she no longer holds the title for the lowest idol winner first record sales. lol

ah on November 18, 2009 at 7:26 pm
47

Well, Kris is Mayer-ish and look where he is. #1. Kris just needs time to build a wider fanbase other than his Idol fans. Coming out on a week such as this one, I didn’t expect him to be on top. I only bought John Mayer and Kris’s albums.

Melanie Nicole on November 18, 2009 at 7:40 pm
48

75-80k is the new revised number. Go Kris!

Esitmate Revised on November 18, 2009 at 7:41 pm
49

wow you people are truly sad with a lot of these comments… and why does he need to sell huge numbers in his first week? it means absolutely nothing in the long run…

btw in response to this comment:
“Kris is going to sell less than Justin Bieber… who is Justin Bieber? lol

PhDude on November 18, 2009 at 5:46 pm”

i don’t get if this is supposed to be a clever insult or what but just because you don’t know who justin bieber is doesn’t mean he’s not all over the radio… with multiple singles at this point that teens are going crazy for

Kyle on November 18, 2009 at 7:43 pm
50

Sorry that’s wrong. 85 TO 90K. Oh yeah. Kris made the Billboard Hot 100.

Esitmate Revised on November 18, 2009 at 7:44 pm
51

yeh he was already in it but moved up 22 spots

Kyle on November 18, 2009 at 8:05 pm
52

Well, it’s a good thing he won because I really feel like if he’d come in 2nd place instead he might not even be making an album. Kris Allen is just not that exciting…sorry. Can someone tell me the discernible differences between him and David Cook because I don’t know. The difference is David did this whole soft rock singer-songwriter thing first. I think Kris is a nice sweet guy and wish him the best but after 45 seconds of each of his songs on the AOL stream I pressed the next button.

While his blend of soft-rock pop might be popular with the young girls and college co-eds I need a little bit more to get me to drop $10.

Hannah on November 18, 2009 at 8:42 pm
53

Kris does not need saving. Have some respect for him. He knows the risks involved, he is his own man and I feel certain he would rather succeed or fail on his own merits. It is sad that so many folks want to speculate on what will happen when no one really knows.

R on November 18, 2009 at 8:57 pm
54

Kassandra – I love both, Kris and Adam, but you did tickle my funny bone with your post. I was laughing until I cried, and I am home alone tonight. A most enjoyable laugh. Thanks

R on November 18, 2009 at 9:02 pm
55

More hatred from *d*m “women are smelly” L*mb*rt’s douche bag (so appropriate!) fans.

With the EXTREME, non-stop press, if Lambert can’t crack 500,000 and the #1 spot, he and the haters who worship him are EPIC FAIL. And I will LMFAO @ all you all.

No one expected Kris to explode onto the scene. It’s not him, it wasn’t him on the show. He’s laid back.

The lead single isn’t what I would’ve chosen from his album.

Does Adam douche? on November 18, 2009 at 9:22 pm
56

He would not win AI if the people didn’t vote for him. Unless, of course, the show is rigged.

Have a lil faith

Anne on November 18, 2009 at 9:22 pm
57

For me, his album is very listenable and better than I feared. I wish him the very best.

Even if he’s cut from his label next February, Kris will be happy in his life and that makes him wonderful.

druzilla on November 18, 2009 at 9:27 pm
58

These numbers are stupid and I’m sick of how these are all anyone cares about anymore.

I don’t care if he sells 2 CDs. Who cares if he’s a small artist? As long as he grows as an artist and gets to do what he loves.

These statistics are stupid. Because all the GOOD music these days (Death Cab for Cutie pre-Twilight, Sondre Lerche, etc) don’t sell much, but that doesn’t mean their music isn’t good.

These days: Lady GaGa, Jason DeRulo, Britney, MILEY, all the pure SHIT… is selling tons. It means nothing. Shit sells. So, I don’t really care if Kris sells or not… shitty stuff is selling anyway.

Rachel on November 18, 2009 at 9:30 pm
59

before u pass off season 8 as a disaster…. remember 2 words: ADAM LAMBERT. now reconsider if its a disaster. i DONT think so! good luck kris! hope the album still manages to reach gold status!

regina on November 18, 2009 at 11:02 pm
60

The original goal of AI (as with X factor) was to make a “winning” pop star. So far they’re batting about 50% if you consider 9 seasons and 4 top stars (Carrie, Kelly, Daughtry, Jennifer). What’s going to happen is this: If — and that’s a big IF Glambert doesn’t sell better than 100K (notice how much publicity he’s getting!!! leading up to the release), then AI can kiss away their “making stars” theme. One of the reason people watch — besides the music and the guest stars — is to be involved in the choosing of the next BIG STAR. Not that the format of the show isn’t a good one, but let’s be truthful here: To launch the career of a “new” star takes millions of dollars, no matter how much talent the singer has. The singer, too has to get out and sell themself.

19R/E will be taking a long look at their promotions….and the judges will take a longer look at the singers they choose because the heat is definitely ON.

I don’t believe Glambert is going to see too much more, and that’s why the PR peeps have him all over the media. If his sales come in less than 100K, it’s over folks….at least for boy winners in the future.

Marie Ruffin on November 18, 2009 at 11:10 pm
61

The estimates are accurate, these people are ALWAYS right, extremely reliable but they changed the estimations for the first week sales, it is now 85k-90k so Kris still has a chance at getting 100k I guess.

What happened to Kris selling more than all the other people that were releasing on the same day as Kris Rickey?

Don’t make unrealistic predictions people, that goes for Adam Lambert fans too.

I love Adam but I also love Kris an you know what? Both their album are amazing, but Kris doesn’t have memorable songs on the album IMO, Adam however does, and I’m not being biased. I really do love both of their albums and wish them the best because I would hate to see EITHER of them fail.

melissa on November 18, 2009 at 11:10 pm
62

And can somebody explain to Simon what happened to Leona?

Maybe she needs to move overseas and start promoting herself?

Marie Ruffin on November 18, 2009 at 11:15 pm
63

@melissa – I already conceded that he won’t last week. Try scanning through the Kris Allen posts, it’s there somewhere. Thanks.

Rickey on November 18, 2009 at 11:17 pm
64

Jordin might’ve only sold 119K the first week, but it did go platinum. Kris will not. Jordin’s CD had some hits. Please – name ONE HIT on Kris’ CD, which I gave 5 listens today, as I was cleaning and driving. While in the car, I was literally YAWNING! the best song is Heartless, which already was an itunes release, so that won’t be a hit, either. OH WELL. I’m willing to be open minded though. NAME SOME HITS off Kris’ CD.

DJ Jayito on November 19, 2009 at 12:22 am
65

Yup – I agree with Melissa. Kris’ CD is mostly “OK” but a bit boring. Very uninspiring.

DJ Jayito on November 19, 2009 at 12:23 am
66

amazon.com isn’t even remotely scientific, but if Kris sells 100K – when he was continuously outside the top 20, then adam will have to sell a good bit more, being continuously inside the Top 10, most of which was inside the Top 5.

DJ Jayito on November 19, 2009 at 12:24 am
67

Jordin might’ve only sold 119K the first week, but it did go platinum.

Didn’t it take Jorbacca a year, a boatload of payola, pimping her with girlfriend beater Chris Brown, and then pimping her as an opening act with successful acts? Her famous father is friends with Randy Jackson. Wake up. She was a plant and so is Lambert.

kassandra on November 19, 2009 at 12:43 am
68

BTW, thank you kindly R

Kris may actually make more real bottom line money in the long run. Having to spend a fortune on money pits is not good business. Lambert and his insane fans have already alienated many not so invested fans to the point that they are posting that they are disgusted and will not buy his CD. Read beyond the rabid tard sites and catch a clue that there is a real world out there.

kassandra on November 19, 2009 at 12:59 am
69

Sorry to say, but his Band is what is saving Kris Allen. If it wasn’t for the great back up, he wouldn’t have sold this much. Kris is a sweet guy, but it takes more than that to earn listeners interest. You can’t see his face on the radio. I heard his single in the car today and OMG! I could hardly understand the words and that goes for the GMA performance too.He bounces around like he has ADD and doesn’t connect with the audience. His Bass player has more going for him than Kris does…..sorry but that’s MHO.

mistyluv7 on November 19, 2009 at 1:22 am
70

melissa, I didn’t see anyone predicting Kris would be the #1 album this week.

DJ Jayito, we know you hate Kris and believe the other guy should’ve won. No need to LIE about listening to his album. If you had half an ounce of integrity would know that “Heartless” on the album is not the version that was released to iTunes from Idol.

druzilla on November 19, 2009 at 3:25 am
71

if Kris Allen had no intentions of being famous because he’s the “laid back” kind of guy like some of you guys keep on insisting…that wouldn’t make much sense after deciding to be on America’s biggest television show.

The fact is…he wants to be as famous as Adam, but unfortunately he doesn’t have the personality and wit (and talent IMO) to back him up.

pav on November 19, 2009 at 5:33 am
72

well lets just all by david archuleta’s Christmas from the Heart!! it’s the better than any of this nonsense.

Salley on November 19, 2009 at 7:29 am
73

I can wait for Adam to fail so all this horrible people here can shup up, you are all small and mean, leave the kid alone you crazy fuckers, that is way all the glanberts have a bad name, and radio people hate you all.

euzinha on November 19, 2009 at 7:53 am
74

Don’t care about Kris and Adam, I hope Danny can do better.

Paco on November 20, 2009 at 11:54 am
75

Wow what a bunch of inaccurate and rude comments: Elizabeth – Adam didn’t have a recording contract while he was on Idol so nobody was paid to write him any songs, if they chose to do that of their own accord that’s out of Adam’s control. Kris and Adam were signed on the same day so they both had equal amounts of time to record their albums.

actually – I am sick and tired of ppl insinuating that Adam is only in it for “money and fame” or that he is selling out or putting on some kind of act..Adam has been a passionate artist since he was a young boy and has worked his BUTT off to get where he is today. He believes deeply in his craft and it just so happens that he’s going to be successful so what is wrong with that? Don’t you dare question his integrity because, after all these years of trying to make it in the business, he finally has!!

kathy – that’s very sweet that you will remain happy as long as Kris sells enough albums to stay in the business…but the reality is if he doesn’t sell enough records he will be dropped from his label and join a long list of winners and runner-ups who were initially signed by 19 and later dropped (Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks, Bo Bice, Blake Lewis to name a few) which will relegate Kris to the ranks of searching for label before he can make a 2nd album. Winners get contract by default, most runners-up (if not all) get contract as well…but 19 Entertainment is in the business of making money and if the albums don’t perform the artists are dropped from the label. Simon Fuller knows talent he’s one of the most successful producers in the world. He signed Chris Daughtry the day after he was voted off the show and would have snagged Adam up as well had he been eliminated sooner. So don’t wish too much bohemian ecstasy on Kris unless you really want him to have to move back to Arkansas. And as far as Adam’s fans buying multiple copies of his album…I don’t know anyone who has bought more than 3 and they are all different incarnations of the album that come with different extra stuff. And pardon me for stooping to your level for just a second but you really should have thought about how many albums you were going to have to buy to back up all those text votes for Kris. Don’t get me wrong I like Kris, I bought LLWD and I like it it’s on my regular playlist but I haven’t listened to the rest of the album and probably won’t buy it. I would probably buy Allison’s b4 Kris’. I’ve heard repeatedly that it is kind of boring and adult contemporary sounding music and I don’t care for that sleeper kind of sound. I’m an Adam fan and I’m not going to apologize for it! His album is eclectic and contains some of the most exciting, original material I have ever heard in my life. It will soar to new heights after his AMA performance Sunday night. Love you Adam! You are a star!!!

number8gurl on November 20, 2009 at 1:15 pm
76

ok kris allen rocks. i don’t care what anyone else thinks, i love every song on his album, seriously, not just cause i think he is awesome. people need to get over the american idol stuff, kris won and you just need to deal with it. adam wasn’t mad, so why should you be. kris allen will do great and for all you adam fans that talk bad about kris, i don’t think adam would be very happy with you. him and kris have been really good friends and he wouldn’t appreciate you talkin bad about kris. we love you kris!

kayla_gokris on November 23, 2009 at 2:39 am
77

@number8gurl
Adam may not have a recording contract while competing at American Idol, but he was expected to win, so his Label production did hooked up with major big bucks songwriters to collaborate with writing Adam Lambert a song. Do you think songwriting happens overnight? You are kidding right? Be real and smell the coffeeeeeee!

Elizabeth on November 23, 2009 at 3:12 pm
78

Hey, if Kris Allen’s fans spent as much time, money and energy on buying his CD and supporting their guy as they do blasting Adam Lambert, maybe he would be doing better. HDD reports with almost 70% of sales recorded that he is a little over 54,000 in sales. That is right on target for the 75-80k number that was projected. The worst debut EVER by an Idol winner. Kris himself seems like a very nice, if bland kind of guy, but his rabid fans are disgusting.

Hannah on November 24, 2009 at 2:44 pm
79

Hits Daily Double final numbers for Kris Allen:

84,846

Just as predicted, the worst debut for an American Idol winner EVER.

Hannah on November 24, 2009 at 4:46 pm
80

I agree that Kris didn’t get that star treatment and Adam did, but that’s because ADAM deserves it WAYYY more. There are over 1,080,000 more search results for Adam Lambert!!! No one else has the AMAZING talent like Adam!!!So Kris, GO PUT THAT IN YOUR JUICE BOX AND SUCK IT!

Kaitlyn on December 11, 2009 at 10:22 pm