American Idol Beats Obama, Posts a 25% Decrease in the Demo from Last Year

Last night’s Nielsen fast overnight ratings as reported by Marc Berman:

-Ratings Breakdown:
Led by American Idol, Fox got over the …hump in winning fashion, with 5.72 million more viewers the second most-watched network, ABC. American Idol, of course, stood well above anything else on the evening, with 22.42 million viewers and an 8.9 rating/22 share among adults 18-49 from 8-9 p.m. But compared to one year earlier (Viewers: 29.27 million; A18-49: 11.8/29 on Oct. 22, 2008), that was a decease of 6.85 million viewers and 25 percent in the demo. Let be honest: arent we all just a bit tired of the reality/competition at this point?

ABC’s Neighborhood Ball came in second:

Neighborhood Ball: An Inauguration Celebration (ABC)
8:00 p.m. – Viewers: 10.67 million (#3), A18-49: 2.8/ 7 (#3)
8:30 p.m. – Viewers: 14.51 million (#2), A18-49: 4.1/10 (#2)
9:00 p.m. – Viewers: 13.61 million (#1), A18-49: 4.2/10 (#3)
9:30 p.m. – Viewers: 11.54 million (#2), A18-49: 3.5/ 8 (#3)

Not a shock that Idol won over coverage of the Inaugural ball. The big news is that 25% drop in the demo from last year. But then, Season 7’s Tuesday night competition wasn’t as stiff. Even a repeat of NCIS on CBS did reasonably well against Idol:

Over at CBS, a repeat of NCIS still managed to deliver, with 11.74 million viewers (#3) and a 2.3/ 6 among adults 18-49 (#4) at 8 p.m.

And the numbers for “The Biggest Loser” aren’t too shabby:

The Biggest Loser (NBC)
8:00 p.m. ‘ Viewers: 8.33 million (#4), A18-49: 3.1/ 8 (#2)
8:30 p.m. ‘ Viewers: 8.43 million (#4), A18-49: 3.2/ 7 (#3)
9:00 p.m. ‘ Viewers: 11.38 million (#3), A18-49: 4.5/10 (#2)
9:30 p.m. ‘ Viewers: 12.71 million (#1), A18-49: 5.0/12 (#1)

Idol’s numbers are still solid, but I think the days of Idol as the impenetrable “Death Star” are coming to a close…

About mj santilli 34833 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!