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'American Idol' Ratings Take a Hit But Still TV's Top 'Dawg'

by Hilary Rothing, posted Jan 20th 2011 12:15PM

The ratings are in for the 'American Idol' season 10 premiere and while the two-hour season opener is down 11 percent from last year,the show still ruled Tuesday night.

'American Idolp' received a Nielsen overnight rating of 16.4/24 share (which now includes DVR playback up through 3 AM), according to MediaWeek's Marc Berman.

The dip is no big surprise as 'Idol' ratings have been on the decline for some time now, but Fox has got to be pleased to see fans tune in without the promise of Simon Cowell's usual early audition bloodbath.

The real question is whether or not 'Idol' can maintain its numbers now that the big debut of J.Lo and Steven Tyler is behind it. Another drop-off is likely as those viewers whose initially curiousity now satisfied, tune out. How far 'American Idol' falls tonight and next week is the real intrigue here.

Apparently, former 'Idol' judge Paula Abdul's new CBS series 'Live to Dance' won't be posing any kind of real threat, pulling in third behind ABC's eight o'clock sitcom block of 'The Middle' and 'Better with You.'

At 9PM, the Eye moved into second place with 'Criminal Minds' drawing an 8.0/12 overnight while Courteney Cox' 'Cougar Town' ended ABC's Tuesday night sitcom run on a bit of a downer, with a 4.2/6, despite a 'Modern Family' (8.0/12) lead-in.

The second half of 'American Idol's' season 10 premiere airs tonight at 8PM ET on FOX.

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virgo133

I Love the new panel of judges, I find myself LOL a lot.....that Tyler dude is too funny, JLo is very sweet, and Randy is great. Love it better than when Simon was on and everyone was soooo stiff. Now it's fun, did I mention I love that Tyler dude.....his music was always a favorite of mine, but I didn't know him.....now I do. PS, I'm 65 years young and love to laugh, the Idol judges satisfy that need. Keep it coming!

January 28 2011 at 1:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
CAROL

I too , thought it would totally blow, with out Simon, too my surprise I enjoyed the new cast of judges, now if we can just do something about the dawg, all would be good.

January 24 2011 at 7:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jazzie

I think I like it better. I'm surprised, because I liked Simon. Paula sometimes was too much. I like this new feel!! Jennifer is so attractive. Tyler's Tyler. All good!!

January 24 2011 at 3:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
debernardib

katluv3 I was never an idol fan, they were not decisive. What' s with all the fake hair jennifer, youre not 20 any more., trying to look like Steven.

January 20 2011 at 8:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Me

I loved it! Steven Tyler you ROCK!!!!!

January 20 2011 at 8:02 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Patty

New Idol sucks! Most boring Idol ever!! Sorry

January 20 2011 at 7:57 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
vasagoo

I watched it last night and was disappointed in their ability to "tell it like it is" Too smarmy....at this rate they will wave everyone to Hollywood. Come on step up to the plate J Lo... be honest..Dawg - get after them ..or this will become a very boring show. And Steve give it up flirting with ALL the girls...

January 20 2011 at 7:47 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
wndk7

I watched last night and was very pleased at the new judges and the overall show. I will keep watching it, and I was really surprised that I liked it as much as I did!

January 20 2011 at 7:42 PM Report abuse -2 rate up rate down Reply
sgas37

i was forced to watch it by wife and friends-never watched it before now i know i made right decision -jusy the worst show ever -i do not know why anyone would watch it--but it seems that people do -maybe thats why this place is going down the tubes

January 20 2011 at 7:36 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
kelvin

in fact he and j'lo must use the same hair dresser. they look like twins and act like sisters. and Randy, bro can't do any better. but he's smart. now i guess he's making simon's salary and what Paula want ed to make. "JUST GET RID OF THE SHOW ALL TOGETHER!

January 20 2011 at 7:35 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply

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