Fantasia Barrino
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Between the middle of this September through the middle of November, "American Idol" contestants are scheduled to release a total of eight albums. Three of last season's stars are releasing on the same day: Nov. 14.
The last "Idol" contestant to release an album, Carrie Underwood, has sold a tremendous 3.2 million units.
According to RCA Music Group, it is estimated that between 400,000 and 500,000 units are sold based upon wanting something as a momento of being on "American Idol." Any sales above those figures determines whether the artist has an audience or not.
The first release will be by Mario Vazquez, who was signed by 19 Recordings, which has rights to sign up any of the shows 12 finalists.
Clay Aiken has a new release set for Sept. 19. His first album, "Measure of a Man," sold 2.8 million copies.Following that up will be Ruben Studdard on September 26. His debut album, "Soulful," came in with 1.8 million copies sold.
On October 17, Fantasia Barrino will present her second offering. Her first release, "Free Yourself," sold 1.7 million.
Last years champion, Taylor Hicks, along with Katharine McPhee and Kellie Pickler, will all be releasing albums on November 14. Chris Daughtry will also be releasing one that does not have a specific date set yet.
The last time "American Idol" contestants released albums in the same time period, Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway" wa the big winner as it sold 5.4 million copies in the U.S. according to Nielsen SounScan.
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