American Idol Closes Season on a Ratings Low

LOS ANGELES: The season finale of American Idol on Wednesday night brought in 24.2 million total viewers, according to preliminary Nielsen figures, representing the lowest-rated closing for the series since its first run.

The night’s average of 24.2 million viewers is down some 18 percent on last year’s finale. In the 18-to-49 demographic, Idol delivered an 8.2 rating, according to preliminary numbers. The night saw Lee DeWyze being crowned the new "Idol" and was also Simon Cowell’s farewell from the program.

For the full season, FOX says that Idol is down 9 percent among total viewers and 10 percent among 18- to 49-year-olds.