I can't at every single one of Gaga's releases being an event. I mean even this jazz side project that's about to debut with 130K sales has the entire forum perched waiting to see if she'll get the #1 or not
Also, Duca, off the the top of your head, can you think of any other time where the Top 3 have been this close? It legitimately seems like the tightest Top 3 in Billboard history.
Difference between #1 & #3: 2,951
Last minutes sales: 2,075 signed copies and 900 copies through HSN after Gaga's call: 2,975
"Billboard (circa tomorrow): Due to a last minute rule change regarding the usage of HSN as a sales platform, Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett's jazz album 'Cheek to Cheek' debuts at #3 despite strong sales that would have secured a #1 opening. Country musician Kenny Chesney is #2 and Barbra Streisand continues to reign at #1."