Jennifer Hudson’s First Album Debuts at No. 2

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Jennifer Hudson’s First Album Debuts at No. 2

October 12, 2008 04:00:53 by Paulene Hinds

The wait is over! Former American Idol contestant, Jennifer Hudson has finally released an album and by its debut, we are loving it. Hudson’s self-titled debut album has debuted at No. 2 on this week’s The Billboard 200 album sales chart, selling 217,000 units during its initial week of release, according to Nielsen Soundscan data.

Her first single from the self-titled album has climbed to No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs Chart. She performed this song on Dancing With The Stars this past Tuesday night.

Hudson’s album represents the biggest first-week debut album sales for a former American Idol finalist since Taylor Hicks’ self-titled debut sold 298,000 units during its first week of release in December 2006.

Hudson has been a rising star since finishing seventh on American Idol in 2004. First she landed the role of Effie in the film adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls. Last year, she won the best supporting actress Oscar award for the performance.

While filming that role, she signed a contract with Arista Records and besides debuting her new album this month, her newest movie, The Secret Life Of Bees will be released in theatres on October 17.

In addition to Hudson’s album, this week’s The Billboard 200 chart also featured the debut of another Idol alum’s new album. “Kellie Pickler,” the self-titled sophomore album debuted at No. 9 on the chart after selling 43,000 units in its first week of release.

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Photo Credit: ABC

Topics: American Idol |

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