Beyoncé’s surprise album hasn’t even been out for 24 hours, but it’s already putting up big numbers. The fifth self-titled LP from the superstar is headed to the top of the charts.
According to Billboard, the iTunes exclusive will likely debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 when final sales are revealed on Wednesday, December 18.
In the first three hours alone, BEYONCÉ reportedly sold over 80,000 copies on iTunes, according to industry sources.
The visual album includes 14 new tracks and 17 videos, with appearances from Jay Z, Drake, Frank Ocean, and Blue Ivy. Not only was the public caught off guard by the surprise release, but so were members of her Sony family. Only a dozen or so were informed in advance.
Bey’s sales are already half that of Garth Brooks, whose new album Blame It All On My Roots: Five Decades of Influences is expected to sell 150,000-160,000 units.
BEYONCÉ is also No. 1 on iTunes in 75 countries including the U.S., U.K., Australia, France, Russia, Singapore, Spain, and more.
A physical version of the album is in production and will arrive in stores in time for the holidays.
Her previous studio set 4 sold 310,000 copies in its first week of July 2011.