American Idol Winner Scotty McCreery "Clear As Day" is number 1 in The Billboard 200

Scotty McCreery's Clear As Day enters The Billboard 200 at number 1. This is the first debut album by an American Idol winner to open in the top spot since 2003. Kelly Clarkson, the season 1 winner, bowed at number 1 in April 2003 with Thankful. Ruben Studdard, the season 2 winner, followed suit that December with Soulful. The next five Idol winners made top 10 with their first post Idol albums, but fell short of the top spot. They were, in order, Fantasia's Free Yourself (#8), Carrie Underwood's Some Hearts (#2), Taylor Hicks' Taylor Hicks (#2), Jordin Sparks' Jordin Sparks (#10) and David Cook's David Cook (#3).

American Idol Winner Lee DeWyze Dropped By Label

American Idol winner Lee DeWyze has been dropped by RCA Records. The season nine winner of American Idol was let go following recent restructuring by the company. His contract expired in September and RCA decided not to extend it.

"Live It Up" his first release since Idol, was a commercial disappointment for RCA, with a debut in 19th place on the Billboard 200.

It is the worst selling debut by an Idol winner. DeWyze's previous two albums, released independently, failed to generate much acclaim.

Another Idol alumnus, season 7 runner up David Archuleta, split from Jive Records earlier this year for similar reasons. Both Jive and RCA have been owned by Sony since July.

However, other Idol winners are remaining with RCA, including Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, who are the most successful of the Idol winners.