American Idol Still Tops Ratings In Its Season Nine Debut

According to Nielsen’s estimates, 29.8 million viewers tuned in to the two-hour debut of American Idol’s ninth season, its first without Paula Abdul as a judge. Although the premiere audience was down compared to the 30.4 million who watched the first episode last season. Though American Idol is still the biggest show on television, ratings have thinned the last few years. Combined with judge Simon Cowell leaving after this season, there is concern at Fox that Idol will lose even more of its viewership and <gasp> potentially come in second in the ratings.

Cowell is unlikely to say anything on the air about his move until the live episodes of Idol begin in February with new host Ellen DeGeneres.