Swift's 'Red' sells 1.2 million copies in debut

Dunya News

Taylor Swift's new album is called Red, but its true color is a brilliant platinum.

The 22-year-old sold 1.2 million copies of her latest album in its first week, the largest sales week for any album in a decade.Nielsen SoundScan confirmed the blockbuster sales on Tuesday night. Red marks Swifts second straight album to sell more than 1 million copies in its first week; Speak Now, her third album, sold a little over 1 million copies when it was released in 2010. She is the only woman to have two albums sell more than 1 million copies in its first week.Swift isnt a boy band, but shes certainly got the appeal of one: the country crossover has a huge following, particularly among teens who have followed her since she was a teen herself, releasing her first album. But shes also a critics darling: The Grammy-winners Red garnered plenty of acclaim when it was released last week.Swift was omnipresent in the week of the albums release, appearing on such shows as Good Morning America and Katie. She also joined with two untraditional partners Papa Johns and Walgreens, which offered the album for sale. And she announced her upcoming tour.The last album to sell more than 1 million copies in its debut week was Lady Gagas Born This Way, which sold 1.1 million copies last year. However, that album was deeply discounted on Amazon.com in its first week.Swift has the opportunity to celebrate for a second time this week: As the reigning Entertainer of the Year at the CMA Awards, she has the chance to capture the trophy for a second time when it is held Thursday in Nashville.