HITS estimates: 'Tried and True' #12 w/ 19.7k

For the first time in many weeks we had a new Idol-related album represent the franchise at the front of the pack, as Clay Aiken's latest disc Tried and True narrowly missed the Top 10.

Clay's album sold 19.7k copies in its opening bow, which marks his lowest sales week for a launch to date. Clay's second cover album (third including Merry Christmas with Love) debuted at #12, which is the lowest placing for one of his opening weeks.

Clay's previous openings are as follows: Measure of a Man (#1, 613k), Merry Christmas with Love (#2, 270k), A Thousand Different Ways (#2, 211k), On My Way Here (#4, 94k).

The only other album by an alum to appear on the chart was Carrie Underwood's Play On, which was off three spots to #25 thanks to a 5% sales dip. The album took in an additional 15.3k copies for the week.

There's a good likelihood Play On will see an up-tick in sales on the next edition of the chart, as Carrie is set to perform at tomorrow's CMT Music Awards.

Chart rankings courtesy of Billboard will be posted later in the week.