Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina make post-'American Idol' chart debuts, ink deals with Mercury Nashville
Scotty McCreery might have taken the “American Idol” crown over early frontrunner Lauren Alaina, but both of the country teens have gotten their post-“Idol” careers off to a very good start.
“I Love You This Big,” McCreery’s coronation song that serves as his debut single, entered this week’s Billboard Hot 100 at No. 11.
The ballad faired equally well on iTunes, as it has remained in the top 10 throughout the week and has logged more than 173,000 downloads, according to information distributed by McCreery's new label, Mercury Nashville.
Alaina’s first single, “Like My Mother Does,” debuted at No. 20 on Billboard's chart and has sold more than 124,000 downloads.
Both are still a far cry from "Idol's" heydays of chart domination. Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Fantasia and Carrie Underwood’s post-“Idol” debut singles all entered the charts at No. 1.
However, the two managed to trump Season 9 winner Lee DeWyze’s debut single, a cover of U2′s “Beautiful Day,” which entered the chart at No. 24.
It was also announced that both artists-to-be had inked deals with Mercury Nashville, which has released music from Shania Twain, Sugarland and Julianne Hough, for their upcoming debut albums.
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-- Gerrick D. Kennedy
Photo: Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery. Credit: Michael Becker / Fox.
Its a good start and far better than last year but Lee had the worst start and year yet for a Idol winner. Also this is the first time the coronation were focused on country, while very good songs, just not big hit type of songs.
They are going to need atleast a semi-hit song to get the big sales numbers but country has alot of live shows around the US to provide them a good buffer if needed for awhile.
Posted by: Bloodyscot | June 02, 2011 at 10:40 PM
Hailey has a better voice than these two. Scotty will make it like any other country singer just because of his low voice (that's all he has) n Lauren has an average voice. She showed no feelings when she sang her songs. She won't go far. The only reason they got in 1st n 2nd was because they got the 'southern vote.' ... they sang Country. Why u think Taylor Hicks got in lst ...and his nobody today.
Posted by: mea25 | June 04, 2011 at 01:20 AM
I am sorry, but Howley Reinhart is not that great a singer. All she does is scream and shout. That is not singing. The growling is annoying too.
Posted by: Kat | June 05, 2011 at 05:57 PM
10 facts about me (1)i love american idol (2)i am always singing (3)i am thinking about going into american idol when i am 15 (4)i love scotty mccreery (5)i love football (6)my eyes are amber (7)i love hollywood cas i been there (8)my b day is on september 18 (9)i love icecream (10)i love country music
These facts made me so crazy that i bought 10 extra tickets for the american idols live tour in my city, but i commited my friends to join me during the event. BTW i got the tickets for the event here http://bit.ly/idolstour11
Posted by: Eli | June 07, 2011 at 10:59 AM