USAToday: Mariah and J-Lo's new albums aren't selling well

Patrick Ryan,USA Today July 9,2014

What's more elusive than The Elusive Chanteuse? Sales of Mariah Carey's latest, Me. I Am Mariah, which have totaled a mere 97,000 copies since the album's May 27 release.

But Mimi's not the only diva on the block facing sorry sales. Jennifer Lopez, who has been on an all-out media blitz in recent weeks to promote A.K.A. — performing onGood Morning America, gracing the cover of Billboard magazine and scoring a viral video with Jimmy Fallon — has only managed to move 47,000 copies of her newest album since June 17.

So what went wrong?

"The secret is just getting the lead single right," says Andrew Hampp, a senior branding correspondent at Billboard. Like other music veterans Shakira, Britney Spears and Enrique Iglesias — who have all seen diminishing returns on their latest efforts — Mariah and J.Lo, both 44, "didn't have a top-10 hit leading into their releases. If you want a good first week these days, you need a hit."

Of the four singles released so far off Me. I Am Mariah, only one has managed to crack the top 40: the Miguel-assisted #Beautiful, which peaked at No. 15 last summer on Billboard's Hot 100. She's now pushing You Don't Know What to Do with rapper Wale (the two performed the song on Today in May), which has failed to chart.

Pair lackluster singles with an awkward album title, multiple delays in releasing the record, and the fact that it's been five years since she released a non-holiday album (2009's Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel), and low sales are "not surprising really or hard to imagine," says Paul Grein, pop music writer at Yahoo Music's Chart Watch blog.

Though she has pulled off multiple comebacks in the 24 years since she released her self-titled debut, it could be unrealistic to presume that Mariah will have another. After all, her albums aren't expected "to sell as well as they used to," Grein says. "It's just the natural way of things, because new stars are coming along all the time. Ariana Grande is very much in Mariah's sort of wheelhouse, and she has that new-car smell.

"I'd be surprised if Mariah was able to come back. I just don't know where you go from there."

Although she may have been at her hit singles peak more than 10 years ago, J.Lo has proven she's still more than capable of creating a winner — after all, she had a No. 3 smash with the Pitbull-featuring On the Floor just three summers ago. Off A.K.A., there's the Max Martin-produced First Love (which she performed on the American Idol finale), No. 93 on the Hot 100, with other strong candidates Booty (also with Pitbull) and Acting Like That (featuring Iggy Azalea) ripe for the picking, Hampp says.

J.Lo could also pump new life into the album through touring. As evidenced by a successful world tour with Iglesias in 2012 and her recent free show in the Bronx that attracted thousands, "she's a bigger draw than ever on the road," Hampp says.

Whether she and Mariah are able to course-correct or not, lackluster sales could actually prove to be quite freeing for both, Grein suggests.

"They've both been hit-dependent their whole careers. Maybe they should say, 'OK, forget about hits, what do I want to do?' " he says, adding that they could choose to pursue passion projects or concept albums next. "I'm sure it's hard for artists who are starting to find resistance at hit radio, and trying to overcome that resistance must be difficult. But you can just say, 'Let's not even worry about that,' and do what's in your heart."

I'm not surprised that Mariah's album has flopped,but I thought that J-Lo was "hot" again.She seems to be everywhere! I assumed she was on some kind of major comeback,but I guess not.

They were both #1 on the R&B chart, and Top Ten Pop. Yes, the numbers are small, but they're still the biggest sellers in a shrinking industry.

Cinny said:

They were both #1 on the R&B chart, and Top Ten Pop. Yes, the numbers are small, but they're still the biggest sellers in a shrinking industry.

it's amazing how,these days,you don't really have to sell alot of copies to have a high-charting album

GOOD! Fuck both of these entitled fuck face nut jobs.

After working on set for BOTH of them now... i hope there new music fails. They are 2 of the most immature, hateful, rude, fucked up, nasty, ignorant, stuck up their human beings i've ever seen. And these are 2 women in their 40's? and with kids FUCK THAT!

Idc how high up they are in the industry. And i keep hearing more and more horror stories on how they treat people. I hope they never have another hit or a big album. Fuck them, fuck their music, Fuck J-los lower than rihanna voice quality. Fuck Mariah and her ''dawling diva'' attitude! and fuck Nick Cannon as well... because he's annoying as shit.

SoulAlive said:

USAToday: Mariah and J-Lo's new albums aren't selling well

Patrick Ryan,USA Today July 9,2014

What's more elusive than The Elusive Chanteuse? Sales of Mariah Carey's latest, Me. I Am Mariah, which have totaled a mere 97,000 copies since the album's May 27 release.

But Mimi's not the only diva on the block facing sorry sales. Jennifer Lopez, who has been on an all-out media blitz in recent weeks to promote A.K.A. — performing onGood Morning America, gracing the cover of Billboard magazine and scoring a viral video with Jimmy Fallon — has only managed to move 47,000 copies of her newest album since June 17.

So what went wrong?

"The secret is just getting the lead single right," says Andrew Hampp, a senior branding correspondent at Billboard. Like other music veterans Shakira, Britney Spears and Enrique Iglesias — who have all seen diminishing returns on their latest efforts — Mariah and J.Lo, both 44, "didn't have a top-10 hit leading into their releases. If you want a good first week these days, you need a hit."

Of the four singles released so far off Me. I Am Mariah, only one has managed to crack the top 40: the Miguel-assisted #Beautiful, which peaked at No. 15 last summer on Billboard's Hot 100. She's now pushing You Don't Know What to Do with rapper Wale (the two performed the song on Today in May), which has failed to chart.

Pair lackluster singles with an awkward album title, multiple delays in releasing the record, and the fact that it's been five years since she released a non-holiday album (2009's Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel), and low sales are "not surprising really or hard to imagine," says Paul Grein, pop music writer at Yahoo Music's Chart Watch blog.

Though she has pulled off multiple comebacks in the 24 years since she released her self-titled debut, it could be unrealistic to presume that Mariah will have another. After all, her albums aren't expected "to sell as well as they used to," Grein says. "It's just the natural way of things, because new stars are coming along all the time. Ariana Grande is very much in Mariah's sort of wheelhouse, and she has that new-car smell.

"I'd be surprised if Mariah was able to come back. I just don't know where you go from there."

Although she may have been at her hit singles peak more than 10 years ago, J.Lo has proven she's still more than capable of creating a winner — after all, she had a No. 3 smash with the Pitbull-featuring On the Floor just three summers ago. Off A.K.A., there's the Max Martin-produced First Love (which she performed on the American Idol finale), No. 93 on the Hot 100, with other strong candidates Booty (also with Pitbull) and Acting Like That (featuring Iggy Azalea) ripe for the picking, Hampp says.

J.Lo could also pump new life into the album through touring. As evidenced by a successful world tour with Iglesias in 2012 and her recent free show in the Bronx that attracted thousands, "she's a bigger draw than ever on the road," Hampp says.

Whether she and Mariah are able to course-correct or not, lackluster sales could actually prove to be quite freeing for both, Grein suggests.

"They've both been hit-dependent their whole careers. Maybe they should say, 'OK, forget about hits, what do I want to do?' " he says, adding that they could choose to pursue passion projects or concept albums next. "I'm sure it's hard for artists who are starting to find resistance at hit radio, and trying to overcome that resistance must be difficult. But you can just say, 'Let's not even worry about that,' and do what's in your heart."

What went wrong? they've made the same album, with the same lyrical themes, just a different year. Oh, and, lets not forget. Both of them are satan in drag.

Gunsnhalen said:

GOOD! Fuck both of these entitled fuck face nut jobs.

After working on set for BOTH of them now... i hope there new music fails. They are 2 of the most immature, hateful, rude, fucked up, nasty, ignorant, stuck up their human beings i've ever seen. And these are 2 women in their 40's? and with kids FUCK THAT!

Idc how high up they are in the industry. And i keep hearing more and more horror stories on how they treat people. I hope they never have another hit or a big album. Fuck them, fuck their music, Fuck J-los lower than rihanna voice quality. Fuck Mariah and her ''dawling diva'' attitude! and fuck Nick Cannon as well... because he's annoying as shit.

They're both old for one. Did anyone really expect them to be churning out the same pop confections well into their forties and people would buy that?

As far as the diva thing I'm really disappointed in Mariah. All this time I thought it was an act for sh!ts and giggles. Even after she manipulated Nicki Minaj into acting stupid for the world to see. J-Lo is legendary in the industry from what I hear. I guess that's what massive global success will do to someone not secure in their talent. Leontyne Price NEVER acted this way!

CynicKill said:

J-Lo is legendary in the industry from what I hear. I guess that's what massive global success will do to someone not secure in their talent.

DAMN, that was cold!

Cinny said:

CynicKill said:

J-Lo is legendary in the industry from what I hear. I guess that's what massive global success will do to someone not secure in their talent.

DAMN, that was cold!

>

I didn't say she was untalented though.

CynicKill said:

Cinny said:

DAMN, that was cold!

>

I didn't say she was untalented though.

She's talented at being a spoiled old hagged bitch. She can't sing, she's an ok dancer, and her acting is average. Her only good movie she was in... she was out acted by a fucking animatronic snake. Her ass does all the acting! and singing! her ass is probably the only reason she's famous.

It must smell horrible though... cause she's so full of shit she must have Constipation everyday. And Mariah Lamb Fuckcarey is so dumb... she probably can't whipe her ass without assitance. Cause her life revolves around others doing EVERYTHING for her. All she has in life is her voice or what's left of it.

She can't even perform worth a shit! i'm surpised she doesn't have lighting, makeup, and food people out there to help her during concerts. Her kids are going to grow to be spoiled brats.

CynicKill said:

Cinny said:

DAMN, that was cold!

>

I didn't say she was untalented though.

I know but you called her mean and insecure.

Can somebody find a nice pic of Satan in drag?

Gunsnhalen--

are there interesting stories you can share? Cuz clearly you were unimpressed by these two people. Or impressed, just in a very bad way.

Cinny said:

CynicKill said:

>

I didn't say she was untalented though.

I know but you called her mean and insecure.

That's exactly what that old hag bitch is

EddieC said:

Can somebody find a nice pic of Satan in drag?

Gunsnhalen--

are there interesting stories you can share? Cuz clearly you were unimpressed by these two people. Or impressed, just in a very bad way.

Let me get some water real quick... ahh... right after the gym too... that's good water.

I've told this story many times! and i probably sound like a broken record now... so sorry to the others

To shorten it...

I worked on one of the commercials she did for Cosmopolitan. She had a 2 page lists of demands... that had to be met or she wouldn't come to set. And the demands included white curtains, white candles, specials and expensive soaps, a personal chef, a puppy, a blu ray player, and a separate trailer just for her makeup.

When she got there she made no eye contact with us. And wouldn't talk to any of the crew! her manager had to do all the talking. And had this fem little makeup guy talking to her at 2,000 words a minute. She wouldn't speak to anyone who didn't have money or wasn't making her look good.

I know a woman who is a babysitter and done it for celebrity kids. She went to a party where J-Lo was at and said she was sweet to the other rich people. But treated the maids and help like shit.


PART 2... Hurricane Bitchriah 666

I worked on a commercial where the ''diva'' herself was going to grace us with her presence. She came late. had people lighting her, and gave attitude. She literally has her own lighting team.. HER OWN FUCKING LIGHTING TEAM. To make sure she looks extra pretty during interviews or filming. I mean, how vain can you be? fucking a. She also fired some dude because he got her coffee wrong... seriously. She wanted it cold, not hot. And dude got fired for it -.-

She's also gone through 6 babysitters because she's a diva about that. She barely ever sees her kids since she'd rather be promoting and still trying to look 20. I also hear she likes everything butterfly shaped... does that mean toilet paper too?

How so many women (and gay men) can idolize these evil and disgusting heathens. Is beyond me... and then try to say there good people. They don't give 2 fucks about the ''lambs'' or the ''j-hoes'' unless you give money.

These days,if an album sells more than 100k,I guess that will be considered successful

Gunsnhalen said:

EddieC said:

Can somebody find a nice pic of Satan in drag?

Gunsnhalen--

are there interesting stories you can share? Cuz clearly you were unimpressed by these two people. Or impressed, just in a very bad way.

Let me get some water real quick... ahh... right after the gym too... that's good water.

I've told this story many times! and i probably sound like a broken record now... so sorry to the others

To shorten it...

I worked on one of the commercials she did for Cosmopolitan. She had a 2 page lists of demands... that had to be met or she wouldn't come to set. And the demands included white curtains, white candles, specials and expensive soaps, a personal chef, a puppy, a blu ray player, and a separate trailer just for her makeup.

When she got there she made no eye contact with us. And wouldn't talk to any of the crew! her manager had to do all the talking. And had this fem little makeup guy talking to her at 2,000 words a minute. She wouldn't speak to anyone who didn't have money or wasn't making her look good.

I know a woman who is a babysitter and done it for celebrity kids. She went to a party where J-Lo was at and said she was sweet to the other rich people. But treated the maids and help like shit.


PART 2... Hurricane Bitchriah 666

I worked on a commercial where the ''diva'' herself was going to grace us with her presence. She came late. had people lighting her, and gave attitude. She literally has her own lighting team.. HER OWN FUCKING LIGHTING TEAM. To make sure she looks extra pretty during interviews or filming. I mean, how vain can you be? fucking a. She also fired some dude because he got her coffee wrong... seriously. She wanted it cold, not hot. And dude got fired for it -.-

She's also gone through 6 babysitters because she's a diva about that. She barely ever sees her kids since she'd rather be promoting and still trying to look 20. I also hear she likes everything butterfly shaped... does that mean toilet paper too?

How so many women (and gay men) can idolize these evil and disgusting heathens. Is beyond me... and then try to say there good people. They don't give 2 fucks about the ''lambs'' or the ''j-hoes'' unless you give money.

Christ, you're annoying!

MidniteMagnet said:

Gunsnhalen said:

Let me get some water real quick... ahh... right after the gym too... that's good water.

I've told this story many times! and i probably sound like a broken record now... so sorry to the others

To shorten it...

I worked on one of the commercials she did for Cosmopolitan. She had a 2 page lists of demands... that had to be met or she wouldn't come to set. And the demands included white curtains, white candles, specials and expensive soaps, a personal chef, a puppy, a blu ray player, and a separate trailer just for her makeup.

When she got there she made no eye contact with us. And wouldn't talk to any of the crew! her manager had to do all the talking. And had this fem little makeup guy talking to her at 2,000 words a minute. She wouldn't speak to anyone who didn't have money or wasn't making her look good.

I know a woman who is a babysitter and done it for celebrity kids. She went to a party where J-Lo was at and said she was sweet to the other rich people. But treated the maids and help like shit.


PART 2... Hurricane Bitchriah 666

I worked on a commercial where the ''diva'' herself was going to grace us with her presence. She came late. had people lighting her, and gave attitude. She literally has her own lighting team.. HER OWN FUCKING LIGHTING TEAM. To make sure she looks extra pretty during interviews or filming. I mean, how vain can you be? fucking a. She also fired some dude because he got her coffee wrong... seriously. She wanted it cold, not hot. And dude got fired for it -.-

She's also gone through 6 babysitters because she's a diva about that. She barely ever sees her kids since she'd rather be promoting and still trying to look 20. I also hear she likes everything butterfly shaped... does that mean toilet paper too?

How so many women (and gay men) can idolize these evil and disgusting heathens. Is beyond me... and then try to say there good people. They don't give 2 fucks about the ''lambs'' or the ''j-hoes'' unless you give money.

Christ, you're annoying!

Because i tell the truth about your divas? sorry

SoulAlive said:

These days,if an album sells more than 100k,I guess that will be considered successful

The problem is no one is buying full-length albums anymore.

One way to counter the ever dwindling numbers is by convincing consumers they're getting a bargain. Perhaps the smaller labels should ignore the charts and select a page from Prince's old playbook and bundle new releases with new merchandise and pre-sale concert tickets. They could start offering a limited amount of premium priced autographed CDs and ship the items directly to customers.

JD talks positively of Mimi's latest album and building sales momentum.

Identity said:

Gunsnhalen said:

MidniteMagnet said:

Christ, you're annoying!

Because i tell the truth about your divas? sorry

Really? I've heard about JLo being a total stuck-up bitch , but I thought Mariah's issue was that she was a little nuts. She's had her own lighting team since the mid-1990's, but that's supposedly because she had some phobia about being seen from the left side of her face. I had always heard she was really nice but just out there mentally.

"The secret is just getting the lead single right," says Andrew Hampp, a senior branding correspondent at Billboard. Like other music veterans Shakira, Britney Spears and Enrique Iglesias — who have all seen diminishing returns on their latest efforts — Mariah and J.Lo, both 44, "didn't have a top-10 hit leading into their releases. If you want a good first week these days, you need a hit."

That's really what it's all about Without a strong first single,your album is dead on arrival.In Mariah's case,her record label seemed confused about what her first single should be.That's why they went through several singles before throwing up the white flag and releasing the lifeless "Thirsty" just before the album was released.Several weeks ago,I saw J-Lo's video for her first single,"I Love You Papi" and I was shocked that she would come out with such a weak,stupid single like that! lol

kewlschool said:

SoulAlive said:

There are certain artists who should probably just stop releasing albums altogether.Maybe they should just focus on *singles* instead.

Sales will continue to nosedive for albums because most consumers prefer their music in a single format. No thanks to iTunes, which popularized the 99 cents digital single, effectively obliterating albums. Now, You Tube and streaming services like Spotify are affecting the industry's bottom line even more.

lastdecember said:

why did we not know this was going to happen? I mean i know we all arent dumb, and why is USA today wasting time writing articles about dwindling sales in a IRRELEVANT industry. Thats right folks MUSIC is not a relevant industry anymore in case you missed it, it doesnt sell, albums dont sell for anyone at this point, so we either deal with it and lose the mind set that this is still the 90's or 00's, get with the program folks, its 2014 music sales are over, and if your OLD dont think about hit deal with it, Where is Prince's Breakdown?? nowhere, no one cared about the big return, deal with it.

>

Playing Devil's Advocate for a sec "The Breakdown" didn't seem to have interest at radio, and I suspect that was on the promotion end. That seems to be the only holdover from the glory days of the 90's/00's. I don't care how high you are on iTunes or Youtube views, if radio doesn't bite you don't have a hit. The exception, and there are always exceptions, is Lana Del Rey, who will never have a hit at radio with her new set but still managed to debut high and not fall off too much in consequent weeks.

CynicKill said: