"American Idol" 2008 Ratings Take a Plunge

As "American Idol" races towards its May 21 grand finale and a parent is being banned from the set having crossed the line between constructive input and annoying interference, the FOX reality phenomenon is experiencing a little backstage drama of its own, hitting a 5-year low in the ratings.

Last week's Tuesday night performance show scored 21.25 million viewers, a figure many TV shows today can only dream of.

But in Idol's inflated universe, the show has not been that 'low' since its second season in 2003. Is it this year's talent? Is it that tiring practice of using celebrity mentors? Or is the Idol magic finally wearing thin?

Whatever the reason, the gap between ABC's hit contest "Dancing with the Stars," which has averaged 21.67 million viewers on Monday nights this season, appears to be getting smaller.

Although "Idol" won't be going away any time soon, if the negative trend continues, FOX may have to shake things up a bit or they'll be losing those outrageous $750,000 per 30 seconds ad rates.

AMERICAN IDOL 2008 Ratings
(Tuesday night performance shows)

33.24 million (Jan. 15)
29.05 million (Jan. 22)
28.07 million (Jan. 29)
27.79 million (Feb. 05)
29.87 million (Feb. 12)
28.84 million (Feb. 19)
28.45 million (Feb. 26)
28.22 million (Mar. 04)
29.33 million (Mar. 11)
27.00 million (Mar. 18)
24.38 million (Mar. 25)
25.19 million (Apr. 01)
24.00 million (Apr. 08)
22.97 million (Apr. 15)
24.00 million (Apr. 22)
24.44 million (Apr. 29)
21.25 million (May 06)

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