Cowell's 'American Idol' exit draws 24.2 million viewers

Ryan Seacreast declared it "the end of an era," and Janet Jackson even kept her shirt on. But in the eyes of Nielsen, Simon Cowell's last episode as chief justice of "American Idol" was the least-watched finale since its first season, when the show ran during the summer and was just starting to become a phenomenon.

About 24.2-million people tuned in Wednesday night to see Lee DeWyze get crowned the new "American Idol" over Crystal Bowersox, who seemed to be the people's choice. Although that is a strong number that any network would kill for, it is also about 16% off the 28.8 million who watched last year's finale. Among adults ages 18 to 49, Wednesday night's finale averaged an 8.2 rating, off 18% from last year's 10.0 rating. A rating point in that demographic equals 1.3-million people.

Fox pulled out all the stops for Cowell's final show. Paula Abdul returned to say goodbye to her old on-air nemesis. Comedian Dane Cook made music out of Cowell's more infamous put-down lines, and Bret Michaels, who recently suffered a mild stroke and a brain hemorrhage, performed. Also performing with "American Idol" winners and wannabes were Hall & Oates and Alanis Morissette, who had to have the lyrics to her hit "You Oughta Know" tweaked before it could be performed on broadcast television.

For the season, "American Idol" saw declines in viewers and adults ages 18 to 49 of about 10%. The show's ratings have been sliding for several years, but it is still a cash cow for the network and its most valuable franchise. How much of the show's success is tied to Cowell's biting wit and musical taste will be clear next season when "American Idol" goes on without him and he starts "The X Factor," another musical talent show, for the network.

Though lots of names have been floated in the press as possible Cowell replacements -- Elton John, Jamie Foxx, Tommy Mottola -- Fox and the show's producers are keeping mum, and a replacement is not expected to be named in the immediate future.

Figuring out how to replace Cowell is just one question facing the franchise. On the business side, CKX Inc., parent of 19 Entertainment, one of the producers of "American Idol," may be sold. Among those expressing interest in the company are its own founder, Robert F.X. Sillerman, who resigned earlier this spring as chairman and CEO, and Hollywood executive Allen Shapiro.

-- Joe Flint

Photo: Paula Abdul and Ryan Seacrest say goodbye to Simon Cowell. Credit: Vince Bucci / Reuters

Comments

[Andrick]

You didn't mention Christina Aguilera's AMAZING performance. I really liked a lot, that girl can sing!

[Attorneygirl]

The show lacked energy this season. The lack was from the contestants who were not as vocally strong or charismatic as contestants in earlier seasons and from a lackluster judges table. There was no chemistry or cohesiveness between the judges. Result? No excitement for the viewer. Lee might be a nice kid who can sing, but who cares? His music will be lackluster pablum for 12-year-olds. As an adult over 40 years of age, I enjoy and purchase a diverse range of music, but I am finally "over" American Idol.

Simon's new show will bring energy and excitement back into this genre of television. American Idol's producers need to have a "come to Jesus" meeting where they face in an honest way how to change the show to recapture the excitement that once was American Idol.

[jo]

AI was fun while it lasted but it has reached its peak. It's all downhill after this. Two years in a row where the most talented artist is not validated, upsetting! It has lost its credibility & relevance. On with the glam show, the new buzz has moved on to the man that shook the AI world!

[Linda]

I think the show is doomed without Simon. This latest season was pretty boring even with him there so I can't imagine how bad it could get without him. I like Ellen but she's been a disappointment. They need to find a judge whose opinions carry the weight that Simon's do and contestants that are riveting like Adam Lambert and I don't think they can do either.

[Ellen Hopkins]

When the best vocalists fall to "most improved cocker spaniel eyes" singers, it leads to frustration for those of us who truly want to see the brightest talent win. I will likely not watch next season, after being a fan from season one on. Last year should have been a wake up call. This year is the alarm blaring full blast. Why not weight the popular vote 50%, with the judges' vote weighted the same, like some dance shows do? At least the week's best performance (arguably, of course) would get the nod.

[hijk]

this season was a major let down all the way through...they should've just ended it after last season...no paula, no simon, no talent = no idol
i'm waiting for xfactor

[Gina]

Did anyone even notice the salute to the kiddies in the voting public?? All of the contestants dressed up in cute school kid outfits and singing "School is Out...." That to me was so stupid. Then .... Janet Jackson sang "Nasty Boys" later!!!!

I laughed out loud when Lee sang "What would You Do if I Sang Out of Tune?" Why, make him this years winner, of course!!! I did like Christina Aguilera's performance .... superior vocals. Bret Michales and James singing together was so great! Still, I thought that this show was more of a tribute to Simon than the next champ...almost like they were an after thought. But, that is just me, and since I am not in my teens or twenties, my opinion doesn't matter much to FOX.

[Jeff]

Simon has always referred to AI as a 'Singing Competition'. Although Lee and Crystal have solid singing capabilities, the issue lies around stage presence and star power. Neither finalist this year hits the mark from that perspective, hence lower ratings and quite frankly a yawn of a season.

If they want to recover, my opinion would be getting rid of Ellen (although I love her) cutting down to 3 judges, and replacing Simon with someone in the know who has a strong opinion and the ability to understand 'singing', as well as 'star power'.

[Sean]

No matter how much attention was directed towards Simon's exit and Lee's win, Janet Jackson stole the show. I was pleasantly shocked and thoroughly enjoyed her performance. She commanded that stage! It was a welcome break from the rest of the show, which was slow, stale and typical.