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.
What a great reminder for all Clay fans. No current or future Idol contestant will ever break Clay's record for first week sales. Idol Found, Game Over.
Clay Aiken is still #1!!!!!
It is very telling how the numbers stack up!
Thanks musicfan!!! Very interesting figures!! It should be interesting to see how these numbers change in the coming months.
I also would like to thank you and the other members of CANN for bringing us news, memories and information. What's it been now, 8 months??? GREAT JOB ALL!!!!
has it been 8 month's worth of informative information, already? and everyday a new article..
CANN is AMAZING!!!
Thank-you so much!!!!!!
I remember the week those numbers were released. I wasn't even actively following him on the interenet and I was in shock with the number!
Clay Aiken's sales are AMAZING! He will always be #1!!!! Great blog and great job at always bringing Clay news to us! Here is to many more years of CANN!!!!!
That was so exciting when those numbers were posted! They don't sell like that now with music downloads. Buyers can pickjust the songs they want.
I've enjoyed the news, writing talents, montages and photos posted here over the last 8 months. This is a wonderful Clay news site, but it's not only the Clay news that is interesting. I enjoyed the articles about the music industry, Universal Music, Decca, and other topics of relevance to Clay. Musicfan always does a thorough job at investigating for accuracy and to back up her articles with source links. Great article about Clay's album debut.
One other note–it never pays to be nasty to other idols. You only end up hurting the idol you adore.
It really is still so remarkable how well Clay's first cd sold and still continues to hold the record. Watching him receive his Double-Platinum award before the first week was even over was incredible. I do think it will be tough to break that record.
Thanks for keeping us up-to-date, and also bringing back all the wonderful reminders of the past 6+ years of Clay's career. So many more years to come too. Can't wait.
Great job CANN for months and months and MONTHS of wonderful information. 😉
Musicfan,
Thank you for another great blog! Clay Aiken fans are very proud of his album sales, and it's a treat to relive the beginning of his career. In fact, it's still fun all six years later!
Have a great week!
Caro
Clay Aiken is a star! His single for This Is The Night/Bridge Over Troubled Water blew the lid off those charts too.
Thank You Musicfan et al! This blog was great to read, a wonderful reminder to all that Clay Aiken IS the best!!
Thanks for the Clay Aiken blog. What a great reminder of such an exciting time.
I remember when the AI2 season ended and I thought we'd never see Clay again. Didn't know about the AI summer tours then. I'm so glad I was wrong. Here we are, 6+ years later and he's still #1 for us.
I can't wait to see what Decca has planned for our guy. Someone asked Clay if his plans would knock our socks off. I have a feeling we're all going to be barefoot. 🙂
Clay's sales of MOAM were phenomenal and he continued to have success in many endeavors, even before AI2 was over. He and Diane Bubel founded The Bubel Aiken Foundation which has now been renamed and has provided thousands of children the opportunity to be included in camps, school activities, etc. This all came about as he worked while in college with Diane's autistic son and becamed passionate about the rights of these children. He continues to work with his foundation, UNICEF, educational activities plus his career.
Thanks for the informative listing of CD sales. Clay Aiken certainly is in a class by himself and I'm so proud to call myself a fan of this remarkable man.
Keep up the good work CANN. I've enjoyed reading your informative articles and news items for these past few months and look forward to more in the coming weeks and months.
Thanks so much for this list. WOW.
What an exciting time that was. I still love MOAM and remember it was the talk of the music world when it was issued. Even Clive Davis remarked the cd's were flying off the shelves so fast they could not keep up with the demand. I remember seeing Clay getting his double platinum award for MOAM on GMA after the first week of sales. What great memories.
Clay Aiken's sales were amazing.
BTW thanks for all the good info and fun stuff for these past few months of CANN!
(how long has it been since CANN started?)
He is going to have a long-lasting music career indeed, Mr. Davis. Just watch!
Clay's first week sales were so amazing!!! No current and probably no future idol will break Clay's record!!! He always will be #1!!!
Thanks for all you do CANN!!
CANN is a great site, there is always something great to read every day.
Looking forward for Clay Decca music!
Gosh, if he had gone on Amazing Race instead it would not be the same…just thinking…
Yes, Clay is no. 1 on the AI Charts for the highest first week sales. That is just phenominal. Those numbers will be hard to beat.
Now, I am looking forward to his new music coming from Decca. I can't wait…and especially can't wait for him to tour again. The man was born to be on the stage. He has the voice, charisma, and camaraderie of a pro…(which, of course, he is).
Clay's debute numbers were very impressive and I'm sure we won't see numbers like that ever again from any other idols.