MIDWEEKS: GRANDE STANDS TALL

Ariana Grande will challenge Drake for #1 on our SPS chart this week; the result will depend on how well Drizzy's streams and track sales hold up in his fourth week. On the sales chart, another battle for #1 could be brewing, the third in as many weeks. While we’re it to giving Grande for now, Blake Shelton has emerged as a formidable challenger.

You’ll note that the SPS number is now first in the projections. Here are this week's key debuts:

Ariana Grande (Republic) 150-160k SPS, 120-130k album
Blake Shelton (Warner Bros. Nashville) 130-140k SPS, 120-130k album
Bob Dylan (Columbia) 36-42k SPS, 35-40k album
Eric Clapton (Bushbranch/Surf Dog) 25-28k SPS, 24-27k album

The week’s other two top debuts will be of interest to attendees of Old-Chella, who are undoubtedly already procuring their drugs for the event. If only the Costco pharmacy line weren’t so long.