American Idol Ratings Skid Continues: 5-Year Low

The "American Idol" ratings slide continues. Wednesday's results show — where forgetful Jason Castro got sent home — was a 5-year ratings low for the show , according to the Hollywood Reporter 's James Hibberd: "Idol" (22.9 million viewers, 8.2 national 18-to-49 rating and a 21 share) continued to decline at a time of year its ratings usually increase. Aside from its "Idol Gives Back" special, "Idol" has not shown any week-to-week growth since February. Lead-in " 'Til Death" (6 million, 1.9/6) was average, but "Back to You" (7 million, 2.1/6) hit a series low. The entire season of "American Idol" has been dogged by low ratings — from the lowest-rated premiere in four years to losing members of key demos to losing 1.2 million viewers from one week to the next — prompting Fox to survey audiences about possible major changes to the show , including removing host Ryan Seacrest. Despite the ratings slide, "American Idol" consistently wins its time slot, just ... (link)