“American Idol” Premiere Ratings Fall Again; No Boost from New Judges

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.

Brian Cantor

Brian Cantor is the editor-in-chief for Headline Planet. He has been a leading reporter in the music, movie, television and sporting spaces since 2002. Brian's reporting has been cited by major websites like BuzzFeed, Billboard, the New Yorker and The Fader -- and shared by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj. Contact Brian at brian.cantor[at]headlineplanet.com.

Share
Published by
Brian Cantor