Based on the overnight metered market ratings, “American Idol” is looking at another year-over-year decline for its season premiere.
Update: “American Idol” declined significantly in the adults 18-49 demo, delivering just a 6.0 for its season premiere. Last season kicked off with a 7.4. The show attracted 17.8 million viewers for its two hour telecast.
Wednesday’s episode delivered an 11.7 overnight rating, notes TV Media Insights, which is down from last year’s 13.5. Though the year-over-year decline slowed (last year’s premiere was down from a 16.4 in 2011), the drop-off is disappointing nonetheless given the heavily-hyped additions of Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban to the judging panel.
The adults 18-49 number will paint a clearer picture of where the show stands, but based on the show’s usual trajectory throughout the season, it will likely again spend much of the year as a top–but no longer dominant–ratings performer.