The 'American Idol' finale on Wednesday in L.A.
(Credit: By John Shearer, AP)
Wednesday's American Idol finale was the least-watched finale in the show's history.
The show averaged 21.5 million viewers and was down 27% and 30%, respectively, compared to last-season's finale in viewers and advertiser-coveted young adults, according to preliminary ratings.
On the positive side for the Fox reality singing competition, the broadcast was the highest-rated entertainment show since the Academy Awards.
The show also easily beat the finale for The Voice, a competitor in the genre. It topped The Voice by 81% in total viewers and 45% in the young-adult demographic.
