Stray Kids' new mixtape 'DO IT' is positioning for the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart dated Dec. 6, challenging Taylor Swift's reigning album 'The Life of a Showgirl'. The release, which debuted on Nov. 21, benefits from strong streaming and diverse physical formats. Meanwhile, the 'Wicked: For Good' soundtrack adds further competition with its movie tie-in appeal.
Chart Contenders Overview
The upcoming Billboard 200 chart for Dec. 6 highlights a matchup between K-pop group Stray Kids and pop icon Taylor Swift. Stray Kids, known for consistent No. 1 debuts, released their five-track mixtape 'DO IT' on Nov. 21 via JYP/Republic. This marks their eighth project since 2022, all of which have topped the chart. The mixtape features a regular and 'Festival Version' of the title track, with four new songs debuting on Spotify's Daily Top Songs USA chart.
Physical sales drive much of Stray Kids' success, with 'DO IT' available in seven CD variants including collectibles and four webstore-exclusive digital versions with bonus audio chats from band members. Their previous album 'KARMA' debuted with 313,000 equivalent album units in September. In contrast, Swift's 'The Life of a Showgirl' holds No. 1 for its seventh week, accumulating 93,000 units last week.
Wicked Soundtrack Enters the Race
Adding to the competition is the soundtrack for the film musical sequel 'Wicked: For Good', released on the same Friday via Republic/Verve. Featuring contributions from stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum, the album includes duets like Erivo and Grande's 'For Good' title track, which has maintained presence on streaming charts.
The soundtrack offers seven vinyl and four CD variants, one signed by Erivo and Grande. It introduces new songs such as Erivo's 'No Place Like Home' and Grande's 'The Girl in the Bubble'. The original 'Wicked' soundtrack debuted with 139,000 units in December 2024, suggesting potential for a strong showing, bolstered by the film's box office and holiday timing.
Analysts note that while 'DO IT' may not match 'KARMA's numbers, its projected debut could exceed Swift's recent figures, making the race tight. The 'Wicked' set might fall short of six figures initially but could gain in subsequent weeks.