'Empire' Soundtrack Strikes No. 1
“Empire” is ruling television and now the charts. The soundtrack to Fox’s hit show is No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
The 18-track compilation takes the top spot with 130,000 units sold in its first week, according to Billboard. It’s the first TV soundtrack to debut at No. 1 since “Glee” in 2010.
EMPIRE Soundtrack is #1!! Thank you to everyone who got the album Love You so much!! #EmpireFam #Blessed pic.twitter.com/h6mQNImoUF
— #YTG ™ (@YazzTheGreatest) March 18, 2015
The Season 1 soundtrack features contributions from the show’s cast including Terrence Howard, Jussie Smollett, and Yazz, as well as music superstars Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Juicy J, Rita Ora, and Estelle.
To promote the project, “Empire’s” Smollett performed “Good Enough” on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and joined his castmate Yazz on “American Idol.”
Madonna comes in at No. 2 with Rebel Heart. The pop queen’s 13th studio album, which features Nicki Minaj, Nas, and Chance the Rapper, sold 121,000 units and earned Madonna her 21st top 10 album.
Billboard 200 Top 10
1. Empire Soundtrack – 131,000
2. Madonna – Rebel Heart – 121,000
3. Luke Bryan – Spring Break…Checkin’ Out – 106,000
4. Fifty Shades of Grey Soundtrack – 72,000
5. Taylor Swift – 1989 – 62,000
6. Sam Smith – In the Lonely Hour – 61,000
7. Drake – If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late – 58,000
8. Ed Sheeran – x – 53,000
9. Maroon 5 – V – 48,000
10. Big Sean – Dark Sky Paradise – 38,000