Here ya go–this week’s updated Season 6 American Idol ratings chart. And, here are the preliminary Nielsen numbers for this week:
Fox’s “American Idol” delivered another dominating performance Tuesday as 29.4 million viewers tuned in to watch the remaining 11 finalists perform, according to early Nielsen estimates. The two-hour “Idol” edition averaged an 11.6 rating/30 share among adults 18-49, more than all other broadcast networks combined.
The only other net to crack the 3 rating point range in 18-49 Tuesday was CBS with “NCIS” (3.6/10) and “The Unit” (3.3/8).
According to preliminary nationals from Nielsen, “American Idol” (10.1 rating/26 share in adults 18-49, 26.3 million viewers overall) dominated the 9 o’clock half-hour, beating the other four English-language broadcast networks combined by 3 shares in 18-49. That led into a winning score for comedy “Til Death” (5.9/15 in 18-49, 14.6 million viewers overall), which was on par with the previous week, when it was relaunched behind “Idol.”
Season 5, 33.3 million viewers tuned in for the Top 11 Performance show, according to Nielsen numbers. That’s versus 29.4 million for this year’s Top 11. 27.6 million viewers tuned in for Season 5’s Top 11 results show, versus 26.3 million this year.
However, Variety reminds us that Daylight Savings Time started 3 weeks early this year, and is having an effect on TV viewership overall–down 6% from last year. FYI, Daylight Savings time occurred during Week 12 last year.
ETA: Reader Kirsten points out in comments, that while TV viewership is down 6% from last year, the difference between 33.3 million and 29.4 million Idol viewers is 12%….
Voting totals were down again this week:
thanks tony
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MJ,
PI Feedback.com has the viewer estimates for Wednesday. The site normally has estimates up for all primetime network shows the following weekday by 12 EDT.
Hmm…..Perhaps the well is running dry. Not to beat a dead horse, but the main contestant I wish would’ve made it to the top 24 was that pedicab girl with the lip ring. A bit more variety would’ve been nice…
Hey MJ. According to Variety, the Wednesday show got 26.3 million
thanks MJ …I find this type of info very interesting.
But, with 33.3 million viewers last year and 29.4 million this year, the Top 11 performance show saw a 12% decline. That’s twice that which can be attributed to the Daylight Savings Time Effect (6% on average).
Thanks Tony and DB…
Kirsten, that’s a good point. I’m going to eta that on my post.
If this season turns into a top 6 divafest, then yes, I think that AI will have taken a downturn. If they repeat the theme of a season, there’s a shark somewhere near by.
I look at this season more like the Season 3 letdown after an incredible Season 2.
How many more years is AI already signed up for?
The pedicab driver from Denver was my favorite, too. Tami Gosnell. She should’ve gone through–would’ve brought something different to the competition.
There are some talented people but I don’t feel as much of a personal connection to them as I did in past seasons.
Considering they started out with their best ratings ever, it certainly seems like viewers are voting with their remote control that this is a weak season on idol.
To me, it’s a combination of lesser talent and no representation from several niches, particularly country– making it similar to season 3.
Plus Melinda and LaKisha, the two leading ladies, are picking really boring songs. It would be nice if they really forced contestants to live by the themes.
Ultimately, though, I thought they did a horrible job casting the top 24, starting with cutting the first row of talented girls in Hollywood, and eliminating the 16 year old blonde country singer. Considering the success of Carrie, Kellie, Josh, and possibly even Bucky– there is a country audience that watches Idol and has no one to root for this year.
Word. Anytime they have a theme and a contestant skirts it really turns me off a contestant. I would rather hear a bad song within a theme, than a great song outside the them. Disco is disco, country is country, and British Invasion is British Invasion…
I agreed regarding the themes.
Also this weeks theme is way too broad. They need to make them work at it more and really dig deep.
Also…I just hope that they are not gonna plan the themes around using only songs they can clear for mp3 sales…
That kind of thing would immediately stop them from using current hit tunes. Like, there’s no way the label or publisher would have permitted KT Tunstall’s song “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” or Michael Buble’s “Home” to be on sale in some Idol’s cover version, when they would want to get all the sales that might be triggered by interest in the song.
hi, any word on what the kids are singing this week yet?
These are great stats! I am completely burnt out on the show after the last two seasons (and season 1). I find it interesting that their big “thing” this year was bigger and better “stars”. That may not have been the “best” thing to do - perhaps a little better casting woulda been better.
Wonder if they pay the guests and if so what? Better casting and save their money…or give it to their cause in Africa next year.