BEIJING, Jan. 19 -- "American Idol" is back and bigger than ever. The Fox
TV talent contest's season premiere was the most-watched in its six-year
history, drawing an estimated 37.3 million viewers this week, according to
preliminary ratings from Nielsen Media Research.
That represents a 5 percent increase over last year's record premiere
audience of 35.5 million, qualifying it as the best debut ever for Fox, the
network said.
"'American Idol'" continues to make entertainment history," Simon Fuller,
the series' creator and executive producer, said Wednesday. "These amazing
numbers from our season-six premiere defy all reasonable expectations."
The top-rated show, which also airs Wednesday, is breaking television's
laws of gravity that bring declining viewership for aging shows.
It's gotten a boost from its high-profile alumni, including hot recording
stars Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood and "Dreamgirls" star and Golden Globe
winner Jennifer Hudson.
(Source: Shenzhen Daily/ Agencies)
