Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s ‘I Said I Love You First’ Debuts Strong at No. 2 on the Albums Chart

In an exciting debut, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s collaborative album, I Said I Love You First, has stormed the charts, landing at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in its first week. The album’s massive success marks an impressive achievement for both artists. With 120,000 album units sold in the initial week, this debut showcases the powerful blend of Selena’s pop star appeal and Benny’s skilled production. Their collaboration has been eagerly awaited, and fans have flocked to hear the magic the duo has created together. But despite the strong numbers, the album still falls short of the top spot, with Playboi Carti’s Music leading the charge at No. 1.

I Said I Love You First: A Chart-Topper in the Making

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s album I Said I Love You First made its debut on March 20, earning an impressive 120,000 album units in its first week. Of that total, 71,000 units were pure album sales, which are largely attributed to the album’s availability in various formats, including seven vinyl variants, three CD versions, and a deluxe box set featuring exclusive merchandise. This broad range of options gave fans multiple ways to engage with the album, fueling its immediate success on the charts. The 14-song LP also marks a pivotal moment in Selena’s career, securing her seventh top 10 album on the Billboard 200 and continuing her consistent reign in the pop world since her 2013 album Stars Dance.

For Benny Blanco, this album represents a major milestone, as it is his highest-charting project as a credited artist. Though he has previously collaborated with Selena on popular tracks like “Same Old Love” and “Kill Em With Kindness,” I Said I Love You First is their first full joint album, and fans are clearly showing their support.

The Personal Connection: Selena and Benny’s Engaged Collaboration

One of the most fascinating aspects of I Said I Love You First is the personal connection between the two artists. Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco announced their engagement in December, adding a new layer of intimacy and excitement to the album’s release. Their personal and professional partnership has resulted in a work that feels deeply connected to their relationship, and fans have eagerly embraced the duo’s chemistry. This personal bond likely helped shape the creative direction of the album, which blends pop and soulful ballads with catchy melodies, making it a hit among fans.

The Competition: Playboi Carti’s Music Takes the Top Spot

Despite the strong debut, Selena and Benny’s album was edged out by Playboi Carti’s Music in the race for the No. 1 spot on the charts. Carti’s album earned a total of 131,000 equivalent album units in the week ending March 27, surpassing I Said I Love You First by just a narrow margin. What helped Carti clinch the top spot was the release of a deluxe edition of his album titled Music – Sorry 4 Da Wait. The deluxe edition includes an additional four bonus tracks, which have been well-received by fans, pushing the album’s total tracklist to 34 songs.

The four new songs, titled “Different Day,” “2024,” “Backr00ms,” and “FOMDJ,” were initially available as webstore-exclusive downloads in the album’s first week. The move not only enhanced the album’s appeal but also generated additional streaming and sales activity, helping Carti secure the No. 1 position.

The Rest of the Chart: Top 10 Highlights and Surprising Entries

As I Said I Love You First and Music battle it out for the top spots, the rest of the Billboard 200 chart is filled with noteworthy entries. Kendrick Lamar’s GNX holds strong at No. 3, while PartyNextDoor and Drake’s $ome $exy $ongs 4 U takes No. 4. SZA’s SOS is at No. 5, while Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet makes a splash at No. 6. Lady Gaga’s Mayhem and Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos also maintain strong positions at No. 7 and No. 8, respectively.

Meanwhile, Tate McRae’s So Close To What holds onto No. 9, and Morgan Wallen’s One Thing at a Time completes the top 10 at No. 10. The Billboard 200 remains a competitive space with a diverse range of artists showcasing their talent, but it’s clear that Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s debut collaboration has captured the attention of fans and industry insiders alike.

The Buzz Around Selena and Benny’s Collaborative Project

While the album’s debut at No. 2 is a massive achievement, it’s not just the numbers that have people talking. The combination of Selena Gomez’s star power and Benny Blanco’s production mastery has created a unique sound that resonates deeply with listeners. Their fans have eagerly supported the album, and with the success of previous collaborations, this debut has fueled further anticipation for what’s next for the duo.

Given their success on the Billboard 200 and the engagement of their fanbases, the I Said I Love You First album has the potential to continue climbing the charts, especially with the added momentum of their personal relationship. Fans can expect this album to remain a talking point in the coming weeks, and it may even see a resurgence as more tracks gain popularity through streaming services and additional promotion.

Selena Gomez’s Continued Success in the Music Industry

For Selena Gomez, I Said I Love You First is another step in her impressive career trajectory. With seven top 10 albums under her belt and a strong following in both the music and acting industries, Gomez shows no signs of slowing down. The release of this album alongside Benny Blanco only highlights her continued dominance in the music world.

As fans eagerly await more content from Selena and Benny, it’s clear that I Said I Love You First is just the beginning of what could be an even bigger journey for the duo. Their collaboration not only marks a significant achievement but also opens the door for future projects that could push boundaries and capture even more attention in the music scene.

Conclusion: A Stellar Debut and a Bright Future

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s I Said I Love You First has made a spectacular debut at No. 2, showcasing the strength of their collaboration and the power of their fanbases. While it may have narrowly missed out on the top spot to Playboi Carti, the album’s impressive debut signals a bright future for both artists. With streaming success, album sales, and a loyal following, this album has all the hallmarks of a long-term hit. Fans are eagerly awaiting what comes next, and it’s clear that Selena and Benny have only just begun their musical journey together.