Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth Albums Hit Billboard 100

Tony winners Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, who created the leading roles in the international hit musical Wicked, both released solo recordings September 23.

Menzel’s album ranked 29th, while Chenoweth’s came in #36 in its first week of sales. The Billboard chart’s #1 slot went to pop singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes’ Illuminate.

Menzel’s release, titled idina, is characterized as her “most personal” recording yet. Chenoweth’s, a collection of standards from the great American Songbook, is titled The Art of Elegance, and features songs by Rodgers and Hart, Johnny Mercer and Burt Bacharach.