Alicia Keys Takes the Top Spot on Billboard's Top 200 Albums; Celine Dion Close Behind

Last week, Alicia Keys released As I Am while mega superstar Celine Dion released Taking Chances. Both albums were highly anticipated for the year as Celine takes a different approach in her career.

Critics and fans debated through polls and blogs about which of the two artists would take the top spot on Billboard's Top 200 Album chart. Both big names in the business, it would be a tough call.

Final numbers are in. Alicia Keys has debuted at No. 1. Just a few weeks ago, The Eagles took No. 1 and made it the second highest selling album of the year with 707,000 copies. Well, Alicia has now taken that throne as she sold a staggering, unexpected 723,000 copies in its first week of release. Clive Davis may have had a run-in with another of his success stories earlier this year (RCA Vs Kelly Clarkson), but he has no reason to end his year unhappy with sales of his proteges.

The album boasts a hot single "No One" that is quickly picking up speed on many R&B and pop radio stations.

Celine Dion's album however, missed the No. 2 spot by roughly 20,000 copies and placed at No. 3. She sold a solid 207,000 copies for her first release on the Columbia imprint. Dion, who will end her Vegas show on December 15th, will be venturing out in early 2008 to embark on a worldtour.

Josh Groban's holiday album Noel quickly jumped up a few more spots to take the No. 2 place. His holiday release saw a 90% sales increase in the past week. Josh's album has bounced all over the Top Ten albums and is making its way steadily to the top. He sold a strong 229,000 copies as holiday shoppers are looking for stocking stuffers.

Current music charts are experiencing high turnovers of who remains in the top spots. The Eagles this week dropped a few spots selling more 195,000 albums exclusively available at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores. Carrie Underwood took only a 5% sales decrease, selling 115,000. However, the current chart is filled with music veterans as Alicia Keys, Celine Dion, Garth Brooks, Led Zeppelin and The Eagles hold the top spots. Unfortunately for Britney Spears, she has dropped out of the Top 20 albums selling only 50,000 copies taking another 38% decrease.