The film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical “Wicked” has made an unprecedented impact on the music industry, with its soundtrack achieving remarkable success in its first week of release.
Released alongside the film, the soundtrack soared to No. 2 on the Billboard 200, marking the highest debut for a stage musical adaptation in recent history. This achievement is particularly noteworthy, as it’s the first time a musical film soundtrack has reached the top five in over two decades.
The numbers tell a compelling story:
- • 139,000 total album equivalent units
- • 85,000 pure album sales
- • An extraordinary 67.66 million streaming plays
The sales breakdown includes:
- 39,000 vinyl album sales
- Significant streaming and track equivalents
- Strategic Marketing Approach
- Multiple collector’s editions played a crucial role in the soundtrack’s success, with six vinyl variants and four CD editions creating additional buzz and driving sales.
Starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the film has been a commercial powerhouse. Its domestic opening of $112.5 million positioned it as the third-highest opener of 2024, demonstrating massive audience appeal.
The film’s success has breathed new life into the original cast recording:
- • Jumped from No. 79 to No. 33 on Billboard 200
- • 60% increase in album units
- • Celebrated its 350th non-consecutive week at No. 1 on Cast Albums chart
The soundtrack’s performance signals a potential renaissance for musical adaptations, showcasing the enduring popularity of the “Wicked” story and its musical interpretation.
With 67.66 million streams, the soundtrack has set a new benchmark for musical film soundtracks, highlighting the changing landscape of music consumption.
