Ariana Grande’s Debut Album Opens at No. 1

The Nickelodeon actress-turned-singer outsold Tamar Braxton to become first female artist to debut in the top spot with initial album since Kesha.

Nickelodeon actress Ariana Grande is transitioning quite nicely to the music business.

The “Victorious” actress lived up to her former show’s title by moving 138,000 units of her debut album “Yours Truly” this week, according to Billboard, and claiming the top spot on the big chart. Digital sales counted for the vast majority — 78 percent — of Grande’s first-week sales.

That was well ahead of R&B singer Tamar Braxton’s “Love & War,” who came in No. 2 on Billboard’s 200 chart with 114,000 sales.

Also read: Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves Top CMA Awards Noms with 6 Apiece

The achievement makes Grande the first female artist to debut at No. 1 with their initial album since Kesha’s “Animal” in Jan. 2010.

Her success may be somewhat in part thanks to a successful marketing promotion by Grande’s camp. Consumers who purchased Grande’s freshman album through her website received a ticket to an event with the new pop star later this year.

Grande is playing her “Victorious” role of Cat Valentine in the “Sam & Cat” spinoff.

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