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."
 |   Fireflies Owl City |
 | Empire State of Mind Jay-Z |
 | 3 Britney Spears |
 | Party in the U.S.A Miley Cyrus |
 | Down Jay Sean |
 | Paparazzi Lady GaGa |
 | Meet Me Halfway Black Eyed Peas |
 | Bad Romance Lady GaGa |
 | Run This Town Jay-Z |
 | Sweet Dreams Beyonce Knowles |
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Amen. If I had known who had won, I would only have tuned in to see Adam perform. The biggest tragedy in Idol history was Adam losing. He looks so out of place among the others in the top 13. GOD BLESS ADAM, and you will go to the top!
This year's finale IS the lowest-rated ever! Plain and simple. Here's why: In 2004 there were fewer people in the country, and therefore fewer people watching television. The population has obviously grown since then. That's why Nielsen still has a ratings system which is based upon the percentage of the viewing population watching television. Here are the numbers from the results finale shows of the 8 seasons of 'Idol': 2002 10.8 2003 16.8 2004 12.0 2005 12.5 2006 14.2 2007 11.5 2008 11.4 2009 10.0 That's right, ladies and gentlemen; this year's results finale drew a 10.0 rating, THE WORST EVER, even worse than the FIRST season's finale. The 2004 season's finale was actually the 4th-most-watched in proportion to the viewing population. Most people were so convinced Adam won that they really didn't bother to watch the whole show until it was time to announce the winner. Now that there are more people who will be convinced that no front-runner can win this thing (Fantasia is the only front-runner to have done so), the ratings for next season will drop like an anvil. I wouldn't be surprised if next year's finale draws less than a 9.0 rating, and possibly fewer than 25 million viewers, accelerated by the fact that Adam lost when it looked obvious he did everything right to win, and deservedly.
Not sure about why the drop in rating, but for me the finale was the best ever!!! All my friends agreed. Adam was good, but would not buy his album as not a hard rock fan. Besides Adam has already been to Broadway. American Idol is about discovering NEW talent. Wish that everyone who quit "bashing" Kris and accept that America voted him in. And for those of you that did not turn into the finale just because your guy didn't win, then YOU missed out on a GREAT show!!!!!
kt4usc213, i did the same thing, it wasn't worth watching in my opinion if Adam didn't win. If this was a real talent composition Adam would have won.
I dont know if this is the reason for the drop in numbers over all but I watched every episode of american idol this season however, on the day of the result show I decided to check online before the show aired to see who had won ( I couldnt contain myself) and when I found out that Kris Allen had won no one in my family could watch it. I know that the majority of my friends who watch american idol also look up who wins before hand and ended up not watching it as well. We are all huge fans of Lambert and it would have been torture to watch Kris to take the title of American Idol when everyone knows who really deserved it.