Will NBC bring back The Voice next spring, returning the veteran show to its two cycle a season run? Because American viewers so far have rejected the new singing competition, American Song Contest.
The new show’s second week ratings on Monday (March 28) based on the wildly popular and long running Eurovision Song Contest from across the the pond, fell 40 percent from its its debut. Only 1.8 million overall viewers turned in to watch, while it earned a 0.3 rating in the key 18-49 demo. These numbers are preliminary and will be updated later today.
American Idol outperformed American Song Contest in week two by a whooping half ratings point
Last week, American Song Contest averaged a 0.5 rating in the key 18-49 demo and 2.892 million overall viewers. Last week’s final ratings were about the same: 0.49 in the key demo and 2.899 million viewers.
On the other hand, as American Idol Hollywood Week kicked off Monday night, featuring fan-favorite alums, the ratings stayed steady week to week. The veteran show garnered a 0.7 in the key demo and 5.5 million overall viewers. That’s a nearly half point difference between the two talent shows. Last week, American Idol’s final ratings earned a 0.73 in the key demo and 5.29 million viewers.
American Idol post-Oscar audition episode earned solid ratings
Additionally, the American Idol audition episode ABC scheduled to air after the Oscars performed decently, considering it didn’t begin until 12:15 am on the East Coast. It would have fared better if local news broadcasts didn’t air between the Oscars and Idol. The one-hour special episode earned a 0.56 in the key demo and 2.949 million overall viewers.
If American Song Contest ratings don’t improve, will NBC hang on to it anyway? The network could tweek the show and bring it back next year. Or will the network develop a brand new competition show to take its place? Or could NBC restore the aging, but tried and true The Voice to two cycles a season? Bringin back The Voice to midseason would be the network’s safest bet.
