Idol News: Crystal Bowersox's Debut Album Sold 58K On Its First Week

The numbers are in: Crystal Bowersox moves 58K copies on its first week and debuts at #28 on The Billboard 200! Not bad.

It's interesting to note that though Crystal Bowersox's Farmer's Daughter debuted lower on The Billboard 200 at # 28 compared to Lee Dewyze's Live It Up at #19, Crystal outsold Lee's debut album by 69%. So, all things considered, I think that's pretty good news for Crystal.

Now, with that being said - no matter how you see it or try to reason with it - Season 9 will be remembered as the worst season of the entire American Idol history and statistically the worst sales EVER from any Idol alumni so far. I mean, who can argue that overall, Season 9 has been a disaster in terms of American Idol bragging rights as a selling machine. Look! The combined first week sales of each season's Idol Top 2 since 2008 were: Season 7 at 460K, Season 8 at 280,000 and Season 9 with 97,000. Obviously, that’s just not a good development for the show in general.

In comparison to the other Idol runners-up though, her debut album numbers makes her slightly above Justin Guarini but a bit short compared to Blake Lewis. Overall, this makes Crystal Bowersox the 21st highest selling first week album debut for an Idol contestant. Again, not too shabby for someone who came out of Season 9, but it's still far from excellent.

RANKINGS AFTER THE JUMP!

DEBUT ALBUM - first week of sales [Runner's Up]

1. Clay Aiken - “Measure of a Man” - 612,859 (# 1)
2. Bo Bice - “The Real Thing” - 226,976 (# 4)
3. Adam Lambert – “For Your Entertainment” – 198,466 (#3)
4. David Archuleta - “David Archuleta” - 183,000 (#2)
5. Katharine McPhee - “Katharine McPhee” - 115,761 (# 2)
6. Blake Lewis - “Blake Lewis” - 98,000 (#10)

7. Crystal Bowersox - "Farmer's Daughter" - 58K (#28)

8. Justin Guarini - “Justin Guarini” - 57,000 (# 20)
9. Diana Degarmo - “Blue Skies” - 47,000 ( # 52)

DEBUT ALBUM - first week of sales [All]

01. Clay Aiken - “Measure of a Man” - 612,859 (# 1)

02. Ruben Studdard - “Soulful” - 416,569 (# 1)

03. Carrie Underwood - “Some Hearts” - 314,549 (# 2)

04. Daughtry - “Daughtry” - 303,677 (#2)

05. Taylor Hicks - “Taylor Hicks” - 298,199 (# 2)

06. Kelly Clarkson - “Thankful” - 297,000 (# 1)

07. David Cook - “David Cook” - 279,578 (#3)

08. Fantasia Barrino - “Free Yourself” - 239,389 (#8)

09. Bo Bice - “The Real Thing” - 226,976 (# 4)
10. Jennifer Hudson - “Jennifer Hudson” - 217,185 (#2)
11. Adam Lambert - For Your Entertainment - 198,446 (#3)
12. David Archuleta - “David Archuleta” - 183,000 (#2)

13. Jordin Sparks - “Jordin Sparks” - 119,119 (#10)

14. Katharine McPhee - “Katharine McPhee” - 115,761 (# 2)
15. Blake Lewis - “Blake Lewis” - 98,000 (#10)
16. Elliott Yamin - “Elliott Yamin” - 90,439 (#3)

17. Kris Allen - "Kris Allen" - 80,000 (#11)

18. Kellie Pickler - “Small Town Girl” - 79,133 (#9)
19. Danny Gokey - "My Best Days" -  65,000 (#4)
20. Bucky Covington - “Bucky Covington” - 60,814 (#4)

21. Crystal Bowersox - "Farmer's Daughter" - 58K (#28)

22. Josh Gracin - “Joshua Gracin” - 57,048 (#11)
23. Justin Guarini- “Justin Guarini” - 57,000 (# 20)
24. Kimberly Locke - "One Love" - 56,894 (#16)
25. Diana DeGarmo - "Blue Skies" - 47,000 (#52)
26. Tamyra Gray - "Dreamer" - 39,091 (#23)
27. Lee DeWyze - "Live It Up" - 39,000 (#19)
28. Allison Iraheta - "Just Like You" - 32,000 (#31)

Music Video: Farmer's Daughter - Crystal Bowersox

Crystal Bowersox's music video for her debut single, Farmer's Daughter is out from her album under the same namer.

I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with this video. I think it's very powerful and moving all at the same time. This is clearly a personal song for Crystal but I didn't expect the video to be this honest. It's kind of refreshing actually. The concept is clear, the imagery is nicely done and it's just lovely overall. Go check this one out. Enjoy!!

Album Review: Farmer's Daughter - Crystal Bowersox

Without question, Crystal Bowersox sounds absolutely great in this debut effort. Actually, the lack of overproduction in this record is a pleasant surprise. The writing holds up, her voice undoubtedly sounds great, and I like the production and maybe the style of the whole record. But will I buy the album? I'm not so sure.

I just can't see myself listening to more than a couple of her tracks over and over again. Some songs, at least to me, never seem to go anywhere. There are not enough strong melodies, no memorable hooks, and some of the songs just don't build to a climax. To be honest, after listening to the album thrice, I still can't recall a single song or even a melody from the album.

This isn't saying that the album is bad though. Maybe this isn't just exactly my preferred type of music. But I'm pretty positive that there has to be an audience for this kind of music. It may not be me, but I think this is a solid effort, regardless.

Here's my track-by-track review:

Frankly, I don't care much for this album opener. Yes, she inhabits the song with natural ease, despite the fact that this track sounds like it was a decade too late. But I think the main deficiency of the song is its general lack of a hook. The chorus is pretty much just an extension of the verse and the title/hook seems merely an afterthought here - offering no memorable change of melody. Plus, it's too twangy for my taste. 5/10

I actually like her cover of this song. Everything seems almost the same with the original but her vocal touches here and there makes her version stand on its own. It has that throwback feel to it and she does sound good singing the track. But at this point, it's already a given that Crystal has the pipes to pull this ditty off, so I'm not surprised. 7/10

Possibly one of the strongest tracks on her record. Starts as a slow and sensuous ballad that transitions into something which is surprisingly much more introspective than I expected. This, to me, is lyrically and thematically an edgy song that represents her perfectly as an artist. It may not be the most radio-ready track on the album, but I'm really glad she fought for this to be her lead-off single. 9/10

The one-two punch of Farmer's Daughter and this actually gets the album going. This track just took my breath away. It starts quiet and slow, but then grows to a more rocking anthem that once the song explodes into a huge, soaring chorus, Crystal's vocal remains controlled and focused, which is pretty impressive. The bridge is amazing and production-wise, it's on point. Absolutely lovely. 9/10

This is quite surprising. On first listen, this song is probably one of my favorites on the album. And it's probably the least Crystal-y. It's a shockingly bubbly song that sounds like it could have been ripped from a Owl City album. Haha. It’s funky, dynamic, and it rides on a tight rhythm section. Nothing revolutionary, but it has a fun vibe. I like it. 8/10

Not quite a ballad, not quite an anthem. But I have to say, this Kara DioGuardi-Chad Kroeger penned ditty isn't that bad. Sure, the song does sound like a Nickelback cover but I really think Crystal's voice adds something extra to this track. To me, this is a terrific example that she can actually extend her repertoire into slightly slicker pop without losing sight of her acoustic/folk roots. 8/10

It isn't one of my favorite tracks in the album but I have to say, this sounds, potentially, the most viable country radio single in this album. I think this has a decent amount of commercial appeal. No, the hook in this song still isn’t strong enough to stand on its own legs, and neither the rest of the song’s lyrics but Crystal is rocking in it hard and she - finally! - let loose. This is actually refreshing. 7/10

The percussion, the rhythm, the vocal, this is musical seduction at it's best. The song rocks as all heck. Enough said. 8/10

If not for Taylor Swift,  I would have wanted Crystal to name her album Speak Now. I don't know. There’s just something very earthy and real about this track. Here, Crystal has a satisfying, clear voice, and that slick, robust production clearly makes the track soar. That said, I'm not so sure about the structure of the song. I find the intro a tad too long. 7/10

My least favorite song on the album. I don't know why, but for some reason it's just grating on my nerves. It's not the lyrics or the production, but the tone of her singing is just strange. The melody strangely reminds me so much of The Carpenters. 4/10

Phenomenal! Arguably, the strongest track on the record. This is the only song that caught my attention when I first listened to the album. Crystal sounds great harmonizing with her husband, Brian. I actually like that they both effortlessly wraps their warm and slightly-raspy voices around the song. The instrumentation with it's lush strings and subtle drums is a nice contrast to the lyrics as well. Oh, and the bridge is nothing short of beautiful. 10/10

Just like Mason, there’s just something about the vibe to the production that I really like. This is actually a refreshingly calm track that boasts a breezy melody and warm vocal. I love how quiet this is, and how she never pushes too hard or tries to make this song bigger than it should be. I like the restraint. 7/10


Of course, opinions about certain albums are relative but I have no doubt that this debut material from Crystal Bowersox is solid. She manages to infuse her distinct sound in this record and that in itself is already an outstanding accomplishment for her. I actually wouldn't be surprised if she gets good reviews from legitimate music critics.

So, even though I'm personally not too crazy about this record, I think that the people who like this type of music will adore this album. Besides, I feel that Farmer's Daughter has more substance than most of the records that was released this year. Just saying.

RATING: 7.4/10

Album: Farmer's Daughter - Crystal Bowersox

Here it is!! Crystal Bowersox's debut album, Farmer's Daughter. Her record drops on December 14, 2010.

Now, Crystal sounds great in this record and I think her fans would love it, but personally, I probably won't buy it because I can't see myself listening to more than a couple of the songs over and over again. Still, this is a very nice debut effort that she should be proud of. I'll be writing a track-by-track review of the album - just like any other American Idol albums - which will be posted in the next coming days. So for the meantime, Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD LINK WILL BE UP FOR ROUGHLY 24 HOURS ONLY!!

1. Ridin' With The Radio

2. For What It's Worth

3. Farmer's Daughter

4. Holy Toledo

5. Lonely Don't Come Around

6. Hold On

7. On The Run

8. Kiss Ya

9. Speak Now

10. Mine All Mine

11. Mason 

12. Arlene

DOWNLOAD

BUY THE ALBUM!

Music: Farmer's Daughter - Crystal Bowersox

Here is Crystal Bowersox's - American Idol 9 runner-up - debut single for her upcoming album off the same name. Her album, Farmer's Daughter will be released on December 14, 2010.

Now, apparently, this song has two versions. This is the old version where there's still not much hint of production mix. The new version sounds better as it turns up the vocals and bass lines but this one isn't too shabby either. At least, you get to listen to the song. It pretty much sounds the same, of course, with different production. I'd say add a little slide guitar flourishes somewhere and this is a country song already. Ha! Enjoy.

LISTEN:

Listen to the final version HERE.

Idol 25 - Crystal Bowersox

25. Crystal Bowersox

Season 9, Runner-up

For the first few weeks, I didn't really care much about Crystal Bowersox. Yes, she's an amazing artist but something about her didn't really connect with me. But, I admit, she managed to make me like her. Really. Let's go back from the start, shall we?

To be honest, her audition was good, although she did look odd and not the typical cookie-cutter American Idol contestant. I didn't care for her that much though as I thought I saw better audition performances. Then, she performed Natural Woman during Hollywood week and I thought it was spectacular. Did I become her fan after that? Not really, but I already acknowledge that she'll be a good contender for the title.

Now, when the semifinals round came, it was not much of a surprise that she slayed all three performances. Crystal was one of maybe three performers who didn’t show any trace of nerves during the semifinals - this is what Crystal does for a living. It’s what she was born to do. I mean, everything about her performances was completely natural and organic. Plus, Crystal showed that she could rocked out on two instruments.

By then, I knew she was the clear front-runner of the season and she didn’t show any signs of faltering or slowing down. If anything, she even got better as the weeks go on and that was a really ominous sign for the rest of the contestants. Crystal was like a snowball rolling down a hill and the other contestants were just harmless twigs in her way. Oh, and Simon was right, this was her competition to lose.

Unfortunately,Crystal, like any other early front-runner, suffered the issue or fate. Yes, she still went out and fought tooth and nail for a victory every week until the Finale but that was made impossible by Lee Dewyze’s ever-growing momentum on the show. Fans of eliminated Idols usually don’t jump on board late in the game but instead, they move to the alternative, and Lee was that alternative.

To me, Crystal probably lost the competition when she allowed Lee to practically be crowned during the Top 3 stage of the competition. I mean, that episode was all about setting up a competition environment for the Finale. They desperately needed a competitor over the past few weeks so Crystal Bowersox wouldn’t run away with it and they were very lucky that Lee Dewyze stepped up to fill that plateau.

But second place is nothing to sneeze at for Crystal Bowersox. So, here's hoping she'll have a decent career after Idol.

Favorite Performance(s): I thought Me and Bobby McGee was phenomenal. Her rendition of People Get Ready was probably one of her finest moments as well and proved that she was a force to reckoned with. But, seriously, Up To The Mountain physically assaulted most performances of that season. I mean, it grabbed every “great” performance we’ve seen over the past few months and slapped them into submission. Haha.

Me and Bobby McGee

People Get Ready

Up To The Mountain

#24 - SAVE!

Idol Sales: Lee Dewyze's Singles Off to a Slow Start

After having a the second-lowest Finale ratings in the show's history, this year's 'Idol' champ, Lee Dewyze, and runner-up, Crystal Bowersox, singles are already lagging in terms of sales compared to previous predecessors.

In total, Dewyze and Bowersox sold more than 400,000 downloads last week with 9 tracks ranked among the week's 200 most popular downloads, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Maybe that's a lot, but it's less than half of what Allen and Lambert sold exactly one year ago or even the Davids after Season 7.

Kris Allen and Adam Lambert sold a total of more than 800,000 downloads with 23 tracks on the Top 200. Archuleta and Cook, on the other hand, sold a whopping 1.26M downloads with 29 tracks on the Top 200.

Now, Billboard reports that Lee Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox have five (5) combined songs on the Billboard Hot 100:

24. Lee Dewyze - Beautiful Day
44. Lee Dewyze - Hallelujah
57. Crystal Bowersox - Up to the Mountain
66. Lee Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox - Falling Slowly
88. Lee DeWyze - The Boxer

Lee Dewyze’s #24 debut for his winner’s single is 9 spots lower than Jordin Sparks, who had the previous lowest winner’s debut on the Hot 100. Good thing, his coronation song bows atop Billboard's Rock Digital Songs survey. With that, all nine American Idol winners have now tallied at least one No. 1 on a Billboard ranking.

Just for comparison - since it will happen regardless - David Cook's Time of My Life debuted at #3 two years ago with 236,000 downloads on its first week outselling last year's winner, Kris Allen's No Boundaries at #11 with only 134,000 downloads. But Lee Dewyze had a more disappointing numbers. His single, Beautiful Day, debuts at #24 with only 95,000 downloads.

Crystal Bowersox, this year's runner-up, didn't do well either. She sold a total of 112,000 copies for all her charted songs as compared to Adam Lambert and David Archuleta, who sold 390,000 and 323,000 copies respectively. 

Here are the comparative figures:

First Week Total Sold by Season 9:

Lee Dwyze: 274,000
Crystal Bowersox: 112,000
Casey James: 14,000
Michael Lynche: 3,000
Aaron Kelly: 2,000
Siobhan Magnus: 5,000
Tim Urban: 2,000
Katie Stevens: 3,000
Andrew Garcia: 1,000
Didi Benami: 2,000
Paige Miles: less than 1,000
Lacey Brown: 1,000
Lee and Crystal Duet: 44,000
Casey and Michael Duet: 3,000

SEASON 9 TOTAL:  467,000

First Week Total Sold by Season 8:

Kris Allen: 479,000
Adam Lambert: 390,000
Danny Gokey: 25,000
Allison Iraheta: 9,000
Kris and Danny Duet: 11,000
Allison and Adam Duet: 22,000
*no data released for the other contestants

SEASON 8 TOTAL:  936,000

First Week Total Sold by Season 7:

David Cook: 942,000 (60% of S7 downloads, 15.7% of all US downloads).
David Archuleta: 323,000 (21.5% of S7 downloads, 5.4% of all US downloads)
Jason Castro: 64,000
Brooke White: 47,000
Michael Johns: 40,000
Carly Smithson: 33,000
Syesha Mercado: 18,000
Kristy Lee Cook: 10,000
Chikezie Eze: 5,000

SEASON 7 TOTAL:  1,482,000 

First Week Total Sold by Season 6:

Jordin Sparks: 123,000
Blake Lewis: 127,000
*no data released for the other contestants
SEASON 6 TOTAL:  250,000

Got to give props to David Cook, who had a really great final week sales two years ago as well as setting a new record for the most debut entries in a week by any artist in the Nielsen Music era, which began in December 1991. Moreover, Cook's numbers that year were far better than the combined sales of last year and this year's winner. Having said that, it was a good feat for Kris to sell over 134,000 copies of a terrible, terrible song and Lee for selling 95,000 copies in a terrible, terrible season. Haha.

Now, as for the other comparisons, here are the sales numbers for coronation singles on it's first week:

01. Clay Aiken - This is the Night (393,000)
02. Ruben Studdard - Flying Without Wings (286,000)
03. David Cook - Time of My Life  (236,024)
04. Kelly Clarkson - A Moment Like This  (236,000)
05. Taylor Hicks - Do I Make You Proud (228,418)
06. Carrie Underwood - Inside Your Heaven (170,528)
07. Fantasia - I Believe (142,141)
08. Kris Allen - No Boundaries (134,458)
09. Bo Bice - Inside Your Heaven (121,423)
10. Lee DeWyze - Beautiful Day  (95,000)
11. Katharine McPhee - Over the Rainbow (74,965)
12. Jordin Sparks - This is My Now (74,303)
13. Diana Degarmo - Dreams (65,000)
14. Crystal Bowersox - Up to the Mountain (49,000)
15. Adam Lambert - No Boundaries (35,984)

• Justin Guarini, Blake Lewis and David Archuleta did not get coronation songs released.
• Katherine McPhee’s Somewhere Over The Rainbow was released as a double A-Side with her coronation single, My Destiny, and since the former outsold the later on iTunes, sales of the commercial single were all attributed to Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

American Idol 9: Up To The Mountain - Crystal Bowersox

Here's the American Idol 9 runner-up, Crystal Bowersox, first single, Up To The Mountain. Enjoy!

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Idol News: American Idol Front-Runner, Crystal Bowersox, Almost Quit

Wow. This news is very very interesting!!

According to TMZ, Crystal Bowersox threw in the towel a little more than two weeks ago and was walking off the show, when Ryan Seacrest did some fast-talking and changed her mind.

Crystal had to be calmed down in the CBS studios parking lot by Ryan Seacrest. She wanted to go back to Ohio to be with her family, whom she missed terribly.

Eonline also confirmed the TMZ report with Ryan Seacrest. Ryan, however, produces E!’s daily E! News program. So, could producers have planted this story to drum up some controversy for a moribund season?

Some suggests the story was planted to prop up Ryan Seascrest on the heels of his weird behavior on Tuesday night’s Idol.

Now, Crystal Bowersox just tweeted what looks like a response to this morning’s report from TMZ that she almost quit the show:

"We all have moments of doubt. As much as I miss my kid, the big picture is this: im doing this for him and my fans. I'm having the time of my life!"

Hmmm.. The story has a planted feel to me. Its two weeks old, according to the TMZ article! Well, Ryan is still, forever and always a weirdo, no matter who he talks into what. Haha.