
Nicki Minaj’s second album, “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded,” is headed straight for No. 1 next week on the Billboard 200 chart. Industry sources suggest the album may sell between 200,000 and 225,000 copies by week’s end on Sunday, April 8.
It would mark Minaj’s second No. 1 following “Pink Friday,” which climbed to the top in its 11th week on the list.
“Pink Friday” bowed at No. 2 on the chart dated Dec. 11, 2010 with 375,000 sold according to Nielsen SoundScan. (Its big debut was fueled by Christmas shopping as the album bowed during Thanksgiving week.) It rose to No. 1 on Feb. 19, 2011 chart, just as her “Super Bass” single was taking off.
Also on course for a high debut next week is Rascal Flatts’ “Changed,” which could start in the No. 3 slot with somewhere over 100,000. What will be No. 2? Most likely Adele’s “21” album, which has yet to fall out of the top 10 in its entire 58-week run. (It has spent the past 18 straight weeks in the top three.)
New rock acts Of Monsters & Men and Alabama Shakes could jump straight into the top 10 as well. The former’s “My Head Is An Animal” and the latter’s “Boys & Girls” will sell perhaps 40,000 and 20,000, respectively.
The new Billboard 200 chart’s top 10 will be revealed on the morning of Wednesday, April 11.