The finale where Kris Allen was named the winner of the eight season absorbed 28.8 million viewers which put it in the same level to the 2004 edition.
- May 22, 2009
AceShowbiz - Those saying that "American Idol" has lost its chemistry are not exactly true. After reports on the show getting the lowest-rating finale throughout the show's history with the exception of the first season, a new number has surfaced to show that the finale on May 20 was not the least-watched.
The eight season drew an estimated 28.84 million viewers, according to preliminary data from Nielsen, when Kris Allen was crowned as the new champion of "American Idol". The number, in fact, is in tie to the season 3 finale when Fantasia Barrino won over Diana DeGarmo in 2004. However, the rating is not expected to stay intact since Nielsen is also factoring on the 7 minutes overrun and the time zone differences.
Still, the highest rating of "American Idol" is held by Ruben Studdard's coronation in 2003 where 38 million viewers tuned in. On the second position is the coronation of Taylor Hicks at 36.4 million, followed by David Cook at 31.7 million, Jordin Sparks at 30.7 million and Carrie Underwood at 30.3 million. Kelly Clarkson's finale that received 22.8 million is exceptional for it was the kick starter of the whole American Idol experience.
But compared to the twice weekly episodes, "American Idol" season 8 indeed went through a drastic plummet compared to the 2006's 30.8 million although the shift from 2008 to 2009 had been given significant boosters, including the addition of the fourth judge Kara DioGuardi who is now in limbo whether her contract will be renewed or not.
"Yesterday showed me that they had lost the chemistry," Nigel Lythgoe, a former exec producer of the show said to Reuters. "I miss the slapping and the punching and the 'what the hell did you mean by that?' And even when Paula doesn't make sense, I've got a talking point."
