Unless something dramatic happens, Katy Perry will be #1 on the Billboard 200 this week with her new album ‘Witness.’
However, after experiencing the bumpiest of rides pre-release, all eyes are on what numbers the set will deliver first week.
Initial forecasts had the ‘Chained To The Rhythm’ led LP on-course to open with 200-225k SPS / 175-200k in pure sales.
However, the predictions have since been revised down.
Per Hits Daily Double, Perry’s 4th studio effort is now set to debut with 180-195k SPS / 160-175k in pure sales.
The news comes as the star wrapped an ambitious Big Brother style live stream designed to promote the project. Stationed in the “Witness House” for three days, the singer was shown rehearsing, hosting “visitors,” doing interviews, having therapy and yoga sessions, and even sleeping.
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Sure, the numbers aren’t what they should be for an artist who has theoretically become bigger since her last era (see: Super Bowl, benefits of mega hits, and the like).
However, the figures are still respectable. Surprising too, given how few showed interest in its preceding singles.
Moving forward, it’ll be interesting to see whether she opens strong and sells consistently or if everyone who wanted the album buys it in its first week and then….*crickets.*
Stay tuned.