Justin Bieber Launches A War Of The Tweets With John Mayer

The other night, Chelsea Handler joked to Justin Bieber that she would help him knock John Mayer out of the way in this week’s album sales race. However, judging by Billboard‘s early estimates, it’ll take a lot more than the E! host’s quips to slay Mayer’s Battle Studies.

Here’s how the industry mag sees things panning out, sales-wise, by the time final numbers start rolling in for the week’s top releases:

* John Mayer, Battle Studies (275,000 to 300,000 copies)

* Casting Crowns, Until The Whole World Hears (175,000)

* 50 Cent, Before I Self Destruct (150,000)

* Norah Jones, The Fall (150,000)

* Justin Bieber, My World (100,000)

* Kris Allen, Kris Allen (90,000)

* Them Crooked Vultures, Them Crooked Vultures (75,000)

* Leona Lewis, Echo (50,000 to 60,000)

* Paul McCartney, Good Evening New York City (50,000 to 60,000)

Ouch! What has happened to Kris Allen? If his figures stick to 90,000, he’ll kick Jordin Sparks out of the unenviable position of having the lowest first-week sales yet for any American Idol winner’s debut album.

Meanwhile, you can’t say Justin Bieber isn’t trying his best to get through to his chief opponent. Earlier this week he sent this Twitter message to Mayer: “…congrats on your new album but me and my ladies are gunning for that #1 spot on itunes. lol. maybe we can jam one day”

Last night he softened his tone a bit: “Roses are red violets r blue and someone tell @johncmayer to call me for musical reasons…”

But finally, Justin’s ire returned with a vengeance: “Ummm I haven’t got a hold of @johncmayer Bieber fans attack his Twitter”

Thus far, there’s been no word yet on whether @johncmayer has sustained any injuries.