WEEK IN PREVIEW: THERE’S A NEW POSSE IN TOWN

Five weeks at #1 just isn’t something you see that often any more. But for Usher and his massive hit album Confessions (LaFace/ZLG), it was a breeze. And the album’s run at the top might have continued, if not for a certain platinum-blonde rap superstar and his Detroit homies.

That’s right, Eminem and friends, otherwise known as D12, are taking over. As the tallying of retail reports continues this morning, D12 World (Shady/Interscope) appears likely to register the anticipated 550k on this week’s chart, making it the dominant best-seller.

Also making her chart debut this week will be Diana Krall. As predicted, The Girl in the Other Room (Verve), featuring songs written with Mr. Krall, a.k.a. Elvis Costello, will likely have sold 130k by the time the counting’s done. That should be good for a solid Top 5 slot.

And, as is always wise, look out for the latest American Idol project, Season 3: Greatest Soul Classics (RCA). After streeting last Tuesday, most were betting this puppy would log 50k in first-week sales. But a mention of the album on Wednesday’s Idol show appears to have goosed that number closer to 60k.

Put them all together, and one thing’s certain: There'll be a lot of records in the Top 5 this week.