Idol Ratings

IDOL OFF, BUT STILL TOPS: Last night’s American Idol premiere was good for an average of 26.1 million viewers, a 14.1 rating/22 share of households and a 9.7 rating in the 18-49 demographic, easily the most-watched program of the evening, but down by about 11% from last year. By contrast, Season 9’s premiere garnered 29.8 million viewers, with a 15.9/24 share, and an 11.7 rating in the 18-49 demo. Two years ago, when Kara DioGuardi debuted on Season 8, there were 30.4 million viewers rating 11.6 in adults 18-49, while the Season 7 premiere earned 33.4 million viewers and 13.8 18-49. Fox execs were understandably anxious to see how fans reacted to the exit of the show's opinionated Simon Cowell and the introduction of Steve Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. A perusal of Internet blogs show fans were generally positive about the new panel, which includes holdover Randy Jackson, butobservers will be keeping an eye on the ratings as the season goes on. (1/20p)