iTUNES SUNDAY DRIVING, PART 1

The CMAs continue to exert their influence on the iTunes charts, proving that the Nashville gala is now music’s second-biggest night behind the Grammys. Mercury Nashville breakout Chris Stapleton, who took three trophies and whose duet medley with Justin Timberlake was the night’s biggest musical moment—and who took #1 on Friday’s HITS Album and SPS charts—owns the top album spot with his Traveller.

The surprise release from EMI Nashville’s Eric Church, which landed at #2 album sales chart, also holds that spot at iTunes. Other Nashville biggies selling: Big Machine/BMLG’s Tim McGraw (#10), Carrie Underwood’s Storyteller (19/Arista Nashville; #11), Old Dominion (RCA Nashville, #13) and Capitol Nashville’s Sam Hunt (#18).

Stapleton’s bluesy rendition of the country classic (and George Jones perennial) “Tennessee Whiskey” remains at #2 on the singles side, trailing only Adele’s “Hello.” Timberlake’s 20/20 track “Drink You Away” (RCA), the other half of the pair’s medley (which quickly became a viral phenomenon), holds the #5 spot. How long will this Nashville run last? Stay tuned.