'Idol' surprise: Ratings UP for second episode

UPDATE: For the first time in five seasons, "American Idol" ratings went up for the second episode.

Wednesday night's "Idol" was flat among total viewers (30.3 million viewers) compared with Tuesday's opener and grew 1% in adults 18-49 (an 11.8 national rating).

That may not sound like much, but usually “Idol” Night 2 drops.

During the past four years, the Wednesday "Idol" premiere has declined an average of 11% from Tuesday's season opener in the adult demo. The previous time "Idol" grew postpremiere was in 2004.

So whereas Tuesday’s opener was down 10% in viewers from last year, Wednesday retained 99% of its 2008 audience and was down only 6% in the demo (compared to -15% the day before). Fox is also touting last night’s 10% increase in adults 18-34, since “Idol” is often knocked for its aging audience.

Yesterday, Fox entertainment chairman Peter Liguori said the second-night ratings could suggest whether the show's format and style changes introduced in the premiere are working.

Do viewers like Kara DioGuardi? Is the whole “aspirational” overhaul appealing?

Well, if the overnight numbers are any indication, the answers are Yes and Yes.

“The little changes we’re making are having a big impact,” Fox’s president of alternative Mike Darnell says this morning. “It's really amazing. To be up in the demo -- that hasn’t happened in five years, and I was shocked that we ever did it before. And to be at 100% audience retention from last year in this environment for the biggest show on TV? That’s fantastic."

Darnell adds that last night's outing was also creatively strong, saying Wednesday night showcased "the most great talent we’ve had in one singular [audition] episode of 'Idol,' " and predicted that at least four of last night's singers will make into the Top 36, if not Top 12.

Granted, Fox’s competition wasn’t nearly as steep last night. NBC’s “Knight Rider” (5.3 million, 1.6/4) and a “Law & Order: SVU” repeat do not compare to “The Biggest Loser.” And ABC’s “Lost” repeat marathon isn’t as threatening as originals of “Homeland Security” and “Scrubs.” CBS’ comedies (7.1 million 2.0/5) and “Criminal Minds” (14.1 million, 3.3/8) are no “NCIS” and “Mentalist.” 

Yet last night's "Idol" performance is a surprise that gives Fox some tentative validation of its format strategy this year.

Comments

[jk]

Not a surprise. The changes in the show have made it stronger. Word of mouth will get the message out that it's OK to come back and watch this year. As people jump on the bandwagon, don't be surprised to see the momentum continue.

[Chris]

Well, personally, I didn't like Kara Diogardi. I thought she was a bit arrogant and controlling. I probably won't watch much this season!

[Jan]

Agreed. Kara didn't seem too cool the other night. Also, having abother judge will take time away from the contestants.