American Idol Whips Grammys

Nearly twice as many people watched “American Idol” than the Grammy Awards on Wednesday when the two music programs went head to head in prime time, according to preliminary estimates by Nielsen Media Research.
The “Idol” audience on Fox was 28.3 million, while 15.1 million people watched the Grammys from 8 to 9 p.m., Nielsen said. Within that hour, featured performers on “music’s biggest night” included Madonna, John Legend, Coldplay and U2.
After “Idol” went off the air, the Grammys picked up a little steam. Overall, from 8 to 11 p.m., the show averaged 17.6 million viewers. The final viewership figure for the show, which lasted until 11:30 p.m., was not immediately available, but was likely to be slightly lower.
Last year’s Grammys show was seen by 18.8 million people, while 26.3 million watched in 2004.

'American Idol' crushes Grammys

Nearly twice as many people watched American Idol than the Grammy Awards Wednesday when the two music programs went head-to-head in prime time, according to preliminary estimates by Nielsen Media Research.
The Idol audience on Fox was 28.3 million while the Grammy Awards were being watched by 15.1 million people from 8 to 9 p.m. ET, Nielsen said.
Within that hour, featured performers on "music's biggest night" included Madonna, John Legend, Coldplay and U2. The Irish rockers were the big Grammy winners, earning album of the year and song of the year for Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own.
After Idol went off the air, the Grammys picked up a little steam. Overall, from 8 to 11 p.m., the show averaged 17.6 million viewers. The final viewership figure for the show, which lasted until 11:30 p.m., was not immediately available, but was likely to be slightly lower than 17.6 million.
The least-watched Grammy telecast since Nielsen began keeping

'American Idol' judge Simon Cowell should idle sharp tongue

The ugly auditions on "American Idol" are finally over, which means there will be fewer targets of opportunity for Simon Cowell to savage when the contest resumes at 8 tonight on Fox.
His potshots have become part of the show's trademark, but this season has some people wondering and worrying that his putdowns and humiliations are getting out of hand and setting a bad example for teenagers. He used to aim his slings and arrows at people's vocal talents, but lately it's beginning to get personal.
Cowell has been criticized for his remarks aimed at gays and those who are overweight. One young man was told to wear a dress. He also suggested a chubby singer might need a bigger stage to perform. This current session "has the stench of a mean season," said Associated Press writer Lynn Elber.
Of course, unless you're self-delusional you have no business coming on a show like "Idol" and not expecting to take your lumps from Cowell, particularly if you're as talentless as some of these contestants.
Obviously, some do it just to get on television. Others are beginning to look like drive-by victims.

American Idol May Top Olympics

NEW YORK One of the most exciting television battles during the next few weeks may be between Paula Abdul and Michelle Kwan, or some other darling of the Turin Games.
The Winter Olympics, which open Friday from Italy on NBC, traditionally flatten opponents of the network that spent millions on broadcast rights. But judging by its startling staying power, "American Idol" may steal the spotlight from the skiers and skaters.
"The Olympics aren't as daunting as people think they are," said Preston Beckman, Fox's executive vice president for strategic program planning and strategy.
Spoken like someone with Simon Cowell on his side.
Each of the six audition episodes of "American Idol" that have aired in the past three weeks has drawn more than 30 million viewers, and two hit the 35 million mark, according to Nielsen Media Research. Even Fox thought interest in "Idol" would start to wane in its fifth season, but it's picked up even more momentum.
Even before the Olympics, "American Idol" has an intriguing warm-up match. Will the amateur singers of "Idol" outrate professionals like Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Paul McCartney and John Legend on the Grammy Awards, competing head-to-head Wednesday?
The Olympics and "American Idol" will air against each other four times during the next few weeks.