This should be an interesting battle: Stephen Colbert has challenged the Colbert Nation to make his Christmas album the best-seller on iTunes -- which means toppling Kanye West. And Britney Spears, whose "Circus" was at no. 1 on Tuesday (and Colbert's segment presumably taped Monday).

Colbert's "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!" is sitting at no. 16, just ahead of "Twilight, The Score" and just behind... Kanye's "College Dropout." And well behind Kanye's latest effort, "808s & Heartbreak," at no. 2.

We'll see what happens after 5 p.m. today, when Colbert wants his fans to flood iTunes and buy his album. Check back later and I'll post an update in the comments section to measure the Colbert Effect and see how many in the Colbert Nation are willing to plunk down $7.99 to download the entire album.

In the meantime, here's the clip where Colbert calls his fans to action:

UPDATE: As of Thursday morning, the Colbert Christmas album was the no. 3 best-seller on iTunes. Kanye West was no. 4. Britney Spears remained at no. 1, with Akon at no. 2.

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