Mariah Carey had her biggest opening week ever with "E=MC2" last week, selling 463,000 copies to become the year's biggest one-week seller.
With the weakness of this week's new releases, Carey will likely hold on to the top slot, but will she be able to stay ahead of Madonna's "Hard Candy" album, which drops next week? Carey seems ready to give it a try, appearing on "Good Morning America" on Friday with a Times Square concert.
"Mariah's an inspiration, the true definition of a star," said Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid, Island Def Jam Music Group's chairman. "She continues to amaze us with every incredible new album she creates. Now Mariah has added another plateau of success to what has become her virtually unapproachable track record on charts around the world. She proves beyond a doubt that with talent, ambition, and sheer force of will, all things are possible."
Last week's No. 1, Leona Lewis' "Spirit" slips to No. 2 and Miley Cyrus' "Best of Both Worlds" zooms to No. 3 on the strength of her hosting duties at the CMT awards and her "Idol Gives Back" appearance. Country group Lady Antebellum debuts at No. 4 and the "Now 27" compilations rounds out the Top 5.