Simon Cowell's departure sees American Idol ratings stabilise

By Daily Mail Reporter
Updated:

You might have thought that the loss of American Idol's most iconic judge would mean the end for the show.

Instead it seems that the loss of Simon Cowell could have been Idol's saviour.

The resulting injection of fresh opinions in the form of Jennifer Lopez and Steve Tyler has revitalised idol, halting the steady decline in viewers seen for the last four years.

It is now drawing in an average of 25million viewers, matching last year and marking the first time since 2007 that rating haven't fallen.

New blood: the arrival of Jennifer Lopez and her fellow newcomer Steve Tyler has revitalised American Idol and halted a decline in viewers

New blood: the arrival of Jennifer Lopez and fellow newcomer Steve Tyler has revitalised American Idol and halted a decline in viewers

Despite this overall decline in viewers Idol has remained the top-rated show in the U.S.

Following Cowell's departure, season 10 began with a widely reported 12per cent dip in viewers in January.

But as Lopez and Tyler got into their stride viewers picked back up and were exceeding last years figures by February 3.

Amongst the fans who are enjoying the celebratory air brought to the show by Lopez and Tyler is Cowell himself, who says he thinks the revamped Idol is better than ever.

Better: Simon Cowell is among the fans of the new-look Idol

Better: Simon Cowell is among the fans of the new-look Idol

The 51-year-old TV star, who is set to launch his U.S. version of the X Factor later this year, said this season of the Fox show has more energy than his last one.

'I personally think it is a better show than last year,' Cowell said.

'It feels to me they've got their energy back, they're confident, they're competitive.'

Last week Idol caused controversy when fans failed to vote for show favourite Pia Toscano, leading to her departure.

With judges having already used up their one 'save', they had no choice but to watch her leave.

Outraged fans took to internet blogs to claim they would no longer be watching the show, ignoring the fact that the decision was based purely on viewer's votes.

Commentators have instead speculated that the controversy could cause a rise in ratings, with former viewers tempted back by the resulting publicity.






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