American Idol Continues to Dominate Everything, Everywhere

The American Idol franchise has no immediate threat of loosing traction; by all indications, it's just gaining speed. The end-of-series finale is now the third most-watched television event every year, behind the Superbowl and the Oscars. The show has produced superstars such as Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, and given a huge boost to dozens of other aspiring artists. With the fifth series under it's belt, American Idol continues to break more records - and more record contracts.

TicketsNow, one of the top online distributors for tickets for stadium events, announced that the American Idols Live tour has dethroned Wicked from the top spot on the index of best selling events. American Idols Live now accounts for 6.30% of overall ticket sales, leading in the concert category with 17.05% of sales. The Idols are even outselling big name acts, such as Tim McGraw, Madonna, Kenny Chesney, and Shakira.

At the record store, the compilation album for the fifth season, "Encores," has become the best-selling American Idol finalist album to date. For one week, the album was on the Billboard 200 Chart at number three overall. The album scanned 153,902 copies in it's first week alone. All compilation albums have peaked on the top 10, making American Idol a more succesful soundtrack franchise than Star Wars, which had four top 10 albums out of six soundtracks. (According to the press release, at least.)

Season five finalist Chris Daughtry entered the Hot 100 at No. 43 with his cover of Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive." Next up was Taylor Hicks, at No. 69, with "Taking It to the Streets." On the Hot Digital Tracks, Daughtry's song debuted at No. 16, with Hicks coming in at No. 38. Elliot Yamin's "Moody's Mood for Love," Katherine McPhee's "Think" and Ace Young's "Father Figure" round out the top five downloaded Idol artists.

While American Idol continues to dominate television, tours, and record sales in the United States, Simon Cowell is hoping to bolster the presence of The X Factor a little bit more next season in the UK: Paula Abdul has signed a deal to be a judge alongside Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Simon Cowell for the next season fo the hit program. (The X Factor is like American Idol, only it includes other entertainment acts, like comedians and performers, and not just vocalist.) The show has a minimum age limit (16), but no cap, so anyone from 16 to 110 can perform on the show.

As Idol continues it's steady takeover of the world, we'll keep you up-to-date on any interesting details or numbers that may emerge.