Could we have a new Glee-esque chart dynamo on our hands? It sure looks like it.
The soundtrack to the Fox smash Empire is this week’s newly crowned Billboard 200 chart champ. In earning the peak position on the coveted American chart, Empire also relegated Madonna’s Rebel Heart to #2 status in its debut week.
Moving 130,000 equivalent album units, Empire is the first TV soundtrack since Glee to open at the #1 spot. The Lee Daniels co-created drama has been a hit on the viewership side of things too. The addictive Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson headlined series has seen its ratings grow every week in The States.
Madonna’s second place finish comes courtesy of 121,000 units moved. Rebel Heart marks Madge’s 21st Top 10 album and it can boast besting Empire in the traditional album sales department. Her silver medal status on this week’s Billboard 200 makes Rebel Heart the first Madonna album since Ray of Light to not debut at the #1 slot.
