Scotty McCreery Scores Best 'American Idol' Chart Debut in Eight Years

(The New York Post) - Scotty McCreery proved Wednesday that “American Idol” winners really are relevant musicians.

The debut album from the most recent winner of the TV talent show, “Clear as Day,” scored the No. 1 spot on both the Billboard Top 200 and Top Country Album charts after selling nearly 197,000 copies in its first week.

This makes him the first “Idol” winner to debut at the top of the Billboard 200 in eight years -- Season 2’s Ruben Studdard was the last one to pull off the same feat back in December 2003.

In comparison, 2010’s winner, Lee DeWyze sold 39,000 of his debut, “Live It Up,” for 19th place on the Billboard 200, while 2009’s winner, Kris Allen, sold 80,000 copies, which was good enough for the No. 11 spot.

McCreery, who just celebrated his 18th birthday, is now also the youngest male singer in history to top the Billboard 200 chart with a debut album, according to his record label.

“Everybody hopes for the number one, but you never really expect it,” McCreery said. “It’s a very good birthday present! I can’t think of anything to top it!”

Read more: The New York Post