Music

'Tuskegee' marks Richie's third No. 1 album and his first chart-topper since he topped Billboard Hot 200 with 'Dancing on the Ceiling' more than 25 years ago.

• Apr 19, 2012

AceShowbiz - Lionel Richie finally reaches the summit of Billboard Hot 200 after being denied the hot spot for the first two weeks since releasing his new album "Tuskegee". The Motown artist settles on the penthouse of the U.S. album chart as the CD shifts another 129,000 copies (up 35|percent|).

Richie debuted at No. 2 two weeks ago and then fell to the fourth place in the following weeks. He, however, gained major boost in the past few days, thanks to his special concert featuring Marc Anthony, Martina McBride, Lady Antebellum and Tim McGraw among others.

Airing April 13, the country crossover affair was an extended celebration of the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards that was held a few days prior. The star-studded gig pulled in 7.7 million viewers and became the most-watched show of the night.

By occupying the first spot, Richie scores his third No. 1 album and first chart-topper in more than 25 years. He first topped the weekly rundown with his 1983 CD "Can't Slow Down" and returned to rule the list three years later with "Dancing on the Ceiling". With the 1986 effort, he spent two weeks atop the chart.

Richie's current reign on Hot 200 prevents Nicki Minaj from leading the list for two consecutive weeks. The Young Money female rapper is forced to step down from the throne and settle at No. 3 as her "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded" adds another 81,000 copies (down 68|percent|).

Also being blocked from taking over the top spot is Adele. The British pop sensation was predicted to be a strong rival for the race to the first place, but Richie blocks her path. She holds firmly her last week's position as a runner-up with 92,000 copies of "21" sold.

Monica, Bonnie Raitt and Hoodie Allen are the new entries who manage to make their ways into the top 10. R&B singer Monica lands at the fourth place with her new effort "New Life", blues veteran Bonnie enters at No. 6 with his latest CD "Slipstream", and rapper Hoodie rounds up the list with his new release "All American".

1. "Tuskegee" - Lionel Richie (129,000)
2. "21" - Adele (92,000)
3. "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded" - Nicki Minaj (81,000)
4. "New Life" - Monica (69,000)
5. "Up All Night" - One Direction (66,000)
6. "Slipstream" - Bonnie Raitt (64,000)
7. "Making Mirrors" - Gotye (54,000))
8. "Boys & Girls" - Alabama Shakes (43,000)
9. "Changed - Rascal Flatts (41,000)
10. "All American" - Hoodie Allen (27,000)