In its third season, the polarizing “American Idol” save means that an eliminated contestant each year will get a reprieve and another chance to show America that it deserves to win the ultimate “Idol” trophy. But the concept, designed in part to fuel interest in the results shows, has done nothing to help the ratings.
While “Idol” ratings have been down in general over the past few years, it is the results shows that have taken the most notable hit. Once must-see weekly telecasts, the hourlong episodes no longer have significant appeal, and “Idol” fans have apparently become increasingly content with simply learning of the results after the fact.
Thursday’s “Idol” posted a mere 5.7 adults 18-49 rating, ranking at the bottom of the historical spring season data. Worse, while the performance shows have largely held up well against their corresponding shows from last season, this marked a 21% decline from last year’s second week of finals results in the young adults demo.
Part of that decline can be attributed to moving the show from Wednesday to Thursday (for whatever reason, “Idol” just does not click as well on Thursday nights), as well as fresh competition from the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament, but a component of the drop is definitely a pattern of disinterest in the results shows. “Idol” has performed better Thursday numbers this season against stiffer competition, so it is clear the hook of the results shows is not what it needs to be.
The save, meanwhile, has done absolutely nothing to rekindle the “must-see” feel, regardless of how predictable the initial elimination was. “Idol” ratings have been declining, period, but results shows have fallen particularly fast in the era of the “judges’ save.”
Viewership for this week’s results show was 19.57 million.
