Its so funny how for the last 4-6 weeks everyone has been blasting Prince for not pushing 3121 enough, and now he does something that totally goes against things he preached about and everyone is praising that. Now we all have an opinion of what this performance means but in reality it doesnt mean much, sure this will push the record back up, probably into the top 40 or so, but thats really about it dont get all hyped over a week of that. Numbers are just numbers, but Prince is not an artist in my opinion that will benefit from this type of performance. Sure Manilow did, but honestly Manilows following is little different then Princes, I equate American Idol to showtune type performers, which is Manilows bag, and the easy listening crowd. So really dont be surprised if there isnt too much of a kick in the units sold, i mean didnt they do a Styx american idol recently, i heard there was no change in there was a bout a 3-5 % increase in their catalog sales. So to me this was nothing more than another TV appearance, like an Oprah, like a Today Show concert, SNL etc,, Nothing more Nothing less. All im looking for is a Tour FREE of hits and American Idol like Fans!!!!

here's a few examples courtesy from madartista on another thread:
from Entertainment Weekly May 12, 2006:
"The only other show with this kind of sales impact is Oprah," J Records Exec VP Tom Corson.

STEVIE WONDER, A TIME TO LOVE
Before Idol: 2900
Week After: 5500
90% gain

QUEEN, GREATEST HITS
BI: 6000
WA: 14000
133% GAIN

BARRY MANILOW, GREATEST SONGS OF THE 50'S
BI: 32000
WA: 78000
144%

SHAKIRA, ORAL FIXATION VOL.2
BI: 11000
WA: 81000
636%

NPG2045 said:

Well im not doubting that PRINCE will have a huge gain, probably a 100% at least. All im saying is whats the big deal, why are we so hung up on the numbers. Im not knocking PRINCE for doing american idol, hes always done the "Commercial" show when hes pushing something, I mean he's everything from OPRAH to the View, to the Friggin MUPPETS!! I think most likely PRINCE will jump from 8,000 units to probably 30-35,000 units maybe more. All im worried about is how people are so HUNG up on these kinds of numbers because they really mean nothing in the long run, the album will sell about 700,000 + when all is said and done, which is a damn good showing when u have been around for 30 years, and thats with almost no push at all, thats what we should be proud of. But at the end of the day all i want is some kick ass shows, thats it, those are my numbers.