Not only showing strong staying power, but growth along with it, "American Idol" soared to new heights as it opened to its highest viewership ever. The show exploded for a extraordinary average of 37.3 million viewers and a 15.7 rating/36 share in the 18-49 demographic, according to Nielsen Media Research cited by Hollywood Reporter.
Not only did it break all yearly premiere records for the show, but it is only second behind in viewership to the blockbuster that Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken competed in for the championship round.
Mike Darnell, executive vp alternative and special programming at Fox Broadcasting 
Co. (NWS) said, "It makes for a very painful fourth quarter for us, but it's worth it when we get here and see these kinds of numbers.
"I really was holding my breath because, like the rest of the television industry, you assume that this thing is going to hit a ceiling at some point, as good as it is. It's not possible for something to go up in its sixth season and still (be) the biggest thing on television."
Nielsens numbers also revealed that from 9:30-10 p.m., there was an amazing 41.5 million people watching the last part of the show.
The other networks can only say ouch, as Fox will be surging for weeks ahead, not only with "Idol," but it's reintroduction of "24" into the schedule as well.
Even with all this ammunition, including "House," the network will have to perform strong for the remainder of the season to finish first again because of its dismal fourth quarter. Nonetheless, they have the firepower going to give them an excellent chance at regaining their crown. If "Idol" stays on pace, and "24" performs at its usual strength, they could come from behind for a big victory. It's going to be close.
Other "Idol" News:
Did Anybody Not Watch American Idol?
Fox's 'American Idol 6' premieres to record debut ratings...again
'Idol' Premiere Draws Second-Highest Ratings Ever
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» "American Idol" Rankings Stay Atmospheric for Night Two from BizofShowBiz
While executives at Fox (NWS) may not be able to explain it, they probably don't care, as "American Idol" scored huge again in its Wednesday night special with an estimated 36.9 people tuning in to watch the two-hour special in... [Read More]
Tracked on: January 18, 2007 4:49 PM | Permalink to Trackback