Thanks for the ping Jonny, and when you say "not to dismiss Carrie," we both know how true that is. :)
SirLinks and Veto! -- if one insists on comparing the former AI contestants in such a way as to pit one against another, then here's the deal:
Obviously Kelly's debut album was the highest selling until Clay Aiken's debut album came along the following year. His was the highest-selling AI debut until Carrie's 'Some Hearts,' which has been certified 3x platinum. I don't have the most up-to-date figures at my fingertips, but Clay's debut album sold somewhere in the range of 2.7 million to date. Because certifications are made on the basis of units SHIPPED, not sold, Clay's debut album could eventually reach 3x platinum.
Kelly was the ground-breaker for everyone associated with AI. Labeled a "reality" show winner, she had to face and overcome more skepticism from the music industry than anyone else. Bear in mind that AI was a surprise SUMMER in 2002 on what was then the last-place network.
Kelly's debut album sold in the range of 2.6 million to date. Her second album, the Grammy winning 'Breakaway,' has sold over 5 million domestically and well over 10 million worldwide, and is still in the top 20 nearly 18 months after its release. It's comfortably on track to hit 6x platinum soon. There are four big hits off that album, including the Grammy-winning song 'Since U Been Gone.'
Kelly is currently working on her third album, and she will be doing a short two-month tour primarily to try out new material before going into the recording studio.
Carrie is on her way to an excellent career. She has been welcomed by Country radio with open arms, and that's the single biggest reason for her success to date. As long as she continues to turn out songs that the format wants to support on radio, she'll be fine.
As Jonny can attest, I'm not a big fan of Carrie's, but I have happily tracked her rise in Country music and couldn't be more pleased with her success. I see no reason why Carrie must go through her career being compared to Kelly and vice versa. One is pop-rock, the other is country. Both seem to be fine young women who are willing to put the hard work into their careers necessary to make them long-lasting. We don't need to put one down in order to support the other.
Correcting that typo gives me a chance to add a postscript: Back then, no celebs wanted to come anywhere near the show. Now they are lining up to be on it. The groundbreaker always has the toughest row to hoe.