During the last week, there have been some of the most unusual rumors being circulated about Clay Aiken and the first week sales of his debut album, Measure of A Man.

There is no doubt that Clay’s numbers were remarkable.  It wasn’t just the fans that were impressed; the music industry was in shock.

I am posting a copy of the latest list of Debut Album Sales for Idol Contestants.  It really reminds all of us just how amazing the numbers were for Clay.

Below the chart is the Press Release issued by BMG about Clay’s sales.  I think they were rather excited about the sales.

In a few months, the Season Eight Idols will be presenting their albums to the public.  It will be interesting to see where they fit into the list.

Source: Billboard

STRATOSPHERIC FIRST WEEK SALES SEND CLAY AIKEN’S DEBUT ALBUM TO NUMBER ONE ON THE BILLBOARD 200

Measure Of A Man Is Double Platinum; Sells Extraordinary 613,000 copies the first week.

*** *** ***

Aiken Has Second-Highest Sales Figure For a Debuting Solo Artist in the SoundScan Era

Measure Of A Man, Clay Aiken’s much-anticipated debut album, is already double platinum and had an extraordinary first week at retail, with sales of 613,000 copies and a smashing debut at No. 1 on The Billboard 200. Aiken has the third highest first-week sales figure of 2003, and the second-highest first week total of any debuting solo artist in the SoundScan era. Measure Of A Man sold more copies than any other album by a debuting solo artist since Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle in December 1993.

“Clay Aiken is truly a major talent who will have a long-lasting music career. He has an extraordinary voice and very special natural charisma, which have clearly captivated millions. Clay’s debut album’s explosive sales is almost without historical precedent and we’re all over the moon about his album’s startling success.” Clive Davis, Chairman and CEO- RCA Music Group

The immediate success of the CD is the latest achievement in an amazing year for the 24-year-old native of Raleigh, North Carolina. On Oct. 14, 2002, he auditioned for American Idol for the first time. One year later to the day, his album Measure Of A Man was released by RCA. In reviewing Clay’s album as “the best pop album of 2003” Billboard magazine went on to say, “Every song, every note is brimming with glory. Throughout, the timeless production focuses squarely on Aiken’s immense talent. In another radio era, this album could be the Thriller of the day, spawning hit after hit. Measure of a Man is an utter triumph.

The album was recorded in Los Angeles, Miami, and London under the close supervision of album producer Clive Davis, American Idol creator Simon Fuller, and RCA executive Steve Ferrera. Among the songwriters and producers who contributed to the album are Steve Mac, Clif Magness, Desmond Child, Steve Morales, and Rick Nowels. In addition to original songs like I Will Carry You, No More Sad Songs, and I Survived You, the album contains Aiken’s current hit at radio, Invisible, and his platinum single, This Is The Night.

“I am so proud of Clay. He is an inspiration to everyone around him. He is immensely talented, hard working and intelligent, yet still self-deprecating. Such enormous and remarkable success could not be happening to a more deserving person.” Simon Fuller, Clay Aiken manager, creator and executive producer of American Idol.

Shipping double platinum and debuting at No. 1 were just a part of the most memorable week in Aiken’s life. He also performed the National Anthem at the first game of the World Series, made his debut on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, and appeared on Good Morning America, The Early Show, The View, and TRL.

As Measure Of A Man continues to fly off the shelves, there’s much more coming up for Aiken. He will perform live on The American Music Awards on Nov. 16. He has been nominated for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist as well as the Fan’s Choice Award. Aiken is also scheduled to appear on The Billboard Music Awards, live from Las Vegas on Dec. 10.

On November 25th, he’ll sing holiday favorites from the RCA album American Idol: The Holiday Classics on American Idol: Christmas Songs, a FOX-TV special airing at 8pm. On Nov. 27th he will participate in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and on Nov. 28th he’ll be one of the stars of Nick At Night Holiday Christmas Special.

Group of Companies was founded by Simon Fuller in 1985 and has achieved over 35 No. 1 singles and 13 No. 1 albums. Fuller also has an impressive tally of over 60 Top 40 albums and 170 Top 40 singles in the UK alone. Fuller created and managed the Spice Girls, who became a global phenomenon under his guidance, selling over 38 million albums. In 1998, Fuller’s 19 launched S Club 7, which has sold 10 million CDs worldwide, while its three television series to date have consistently topped children’s viewing figures, reaching 104 countries. In 2001, Simon Fuller’s 19TV created and produced the television phenomenons Pop Idol and American Idol. Pop Idol launched the singing careers of Will Young and Gareth Gates in the UK, of whom are managed by Fuller and signed to his 19 Recordings record label, while American Idol did the same for Kelly Clarkson in the US where she has sold over 2million albums and had a #1 single with Miss Independent. Clarkson, Justin Guarini, Tamyra Gray, Christina Christian, Clay Aiken, and Ruben Studdard all of whom are managed by 19 Management.

BMG is the global music division of Bertelsmann AG, one of the world’s leading media companies. BMG owns more than 200 record labels in 42 countries including Ariola, Arista Records, J Records, Jive Records, RCA Records and RCA Label Group – Nashville. In addition, BMG’s music publishing operations are the third largest in the world.