Numbers

First week sales totals for Taylor Hicks new single "Do I Make You Proud" are finally in. You done good, Taylor. I have to be honest though, I'm glad my guy Clay still holds the record for first week sales.

Every time I see Clay Aiken referred to as 2nd place finisher or runner up, and then see his sales numbers, I'm reminded of the old Avis marketing campaign. "We're number two, we try harder." Avis clearly took advantage of their position.

Being number two has put Clay Aiken in a unique position. Everyone expects the winners to do well. The also rans are usually forgotten. Not Clay. He has proven that you don't have to win the contest to be a winner.

So far Kelly Clarkson is one CD ahead of him and her sales from the Breakaway CD have been excellent. Clay's receipts from touring on one CD are greater than Kelly's, who is touring on two CD's. I expect that once Clay's second CD is released, his sales numbers will be right up there with Kelly's and he'll once again prove you don't need to be the winner to do well.