Ask Billboard
Experts answer your questions. For September 21, 2007
NOVEMBER DIVA FACE-OFF
Dear Keith,
As far as I know Britney Spears, Celine Dion and Alicia Keys are all releasing their new albums on November 13. So my question is: Who do you think will come out on top? I personally want Spears to, but I know Keys' albums sell very well too.
Also, do you think Britney's VMA performance will affect "Gimme More" in a good or bad way?
Thank you,
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
The Nov. 13 release schedule is a packed one. Aside from Spears, Dion and Keys, there are also new sets from Led Zeppelin, Duran Duran, Ashlee Simpson, Nelly, Trisha Yearwood and Aretha Franklin among many others.
Keys' last studio set, "The Diary of Alicia Keys," bowed at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 with 618,000 in 2003. Dion's last proper studio album, 2001's "One Heart," started at No. 2 with 431,657.
As for Spears, it's almost been four years since she last put out a studio album. "In The Zone" debuted at No. 1 with 609,000 in late 2003.
Keys is off to a fast start with her new album's first single, "No One." It bounds from No. 75 to No. 15 on The Billboard Hot 100 this week and was already ranked No. 19 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart.
Dion's single hasn't reached any Billboard chart yet, but it has yet to fully impact radio stations. So, give "Taking Chances" some time.
Spears' "Gimme More" is at No. 59 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart, but it's doing well so far on Top 40 radio stations. Keys is much higher on the Hot 100 Airplay chart because she gets play from a wide array of stations, including Top 40, rhythmic and mainstream R&B stations, whereas Spears only really gets support from Top 40 outlets.
Spears definitely has the curiosity factor on her side, but will all of the tabloid coverage actually turn into record sales? Keys is a solid performer and still very popular and is embraced by a wide array of fans. As for Dion, even if she doesn't get lots of radio support, still has many fans -- the type of fans that don't necessarily listen to Top 40 radio. And don't forget she's spent the past few years cultivating a sizable fan base thanks to her seemingly endless run in Las Vegas.
