I don't know if it was already posted - if so, please mods, delete - but I just read on HITS Daily Rumor Mill:

BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND: The entire industry is breathing a sigh of relief at the appearance of a pair of potential blockbusters from Bob Dylan’s Columbia labelmate Beyoncé (whose B'day is expected to bow at around 600k) and Jive’s Justin Timberlake (whose FutureSex/LoveSounds could surpass 700k), with hopes that they'll drive traffic and create some much-needed momentum going into the fourth quarter. (9/8a)

I can't say I'm surprised. I had predicted around 550k for him, but after Beyoncé's huge first week, I changed my prediction for 700-750k, what can easily really happen, I guess.

Wow, that would be amazing. We need some crazy debuts again.
!!!

I always thought that he would debut high. Hopefully he won't have the same affects as some of the other people who had huge opening weeks.

Couldn't agree more!

That would be so phenomenal. I was even suprised at Beyonce even though she clearly had the two singles supporting it but Justins doing it with only SexyBack. I'm suprised he'll beat Christina as well but i'm happy for him <3

Well, you shouldn't be. In 2002 Justin sold 440k+, against Christina's 330k with Stripped.

No suprise; the man is an icon to our generation in terms of pop culture.

Is it out yet? What are they basing this number on...pre-orders?

If an HQ version of John Mayer's album doesn't leak I might have to buy that instead.

but then again, didnt xtina sell more than justin in the long run?

clearly in this case, FSLS will sell more than B2B by a long shot

Yeah, Stripped sold 3.9 million and Justified 3.6, I guess. But then again, as far as I understood, Hot Shades was referring to first week, no?
And I agree with you, I think this time Christina won't sell more than JT.

icon??

To our generation? I think he is.

If JT is an Icon for our generation then I feel very sorry for our future. No offence to JT, he makes great music but comparing him to any of the "old school" icons will show a very huge downfall

In contemporary US (I don't know about the world, but he's huge from my view in terms of popularity), Yes, he is, just like Britney Spears and Mariah Carey. His name is mentioned more than other artists such Shakira.

I think it's too early to be calling icons since people still debate over Whitney, Celine, Janet, and so on. Justin right now is almost as popular as New Kids on The Block was and they sold like 70 mill albums. But they aren't really remembered now and will be lost with the next generation. So people should just wait.

I don't think he'll sell that ,much. Lets wait for the first day estimates.

and only janet is expected to surpass 150K

I'm really happy that Beyonce & Justin are bringing life to album sales. That's really great.

Like her or not Janet has an established fanbase that will support her regardless. Kind of like Madonna. Whether or not her album will have a long standing position at the top of the charts is debatable. She'll probably debut big and fall like everyone seems to be doing lately.