The song that sealed the deal for American Idol 2012 winner Phillip Phillips has set an American Idol record.
Phillip’s coronation song, “Home,” finishes the week at No. 2 on Billboard’s Digital Songs chart with 278,000 downloads. Phillip beat David Cook’s record of 236,000 for his winning song “The Time of My Life.” He also beats Kelly Clarkson’s “A Moment Like This,” which was actually a CD single (before downloads were the prominent form).
Scotty McCreery’s single “I Love You This Big” hit No. 11 last year and the year before, Lee DeWyze’s “Beautiful Day” only came in at No. 24.
“Home” also comes in at No. 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100.
In even crazier news, Phillip’s “Home” is No. 4 in downloads for the year. Who are the three artists above him? Justin Bieber, Maroon 5 and Katy Perry. That’s pretty impressive for an American Idol winner considering the lack of success some of the past several winners have had.
Phillip also debuts on Digital Songs at No. 41 with “We’ve Got Tonight” (43,000) and No. 54 with “Volcano” (35,000).