'American Idol' 2013 Finale Ratings Are Lowest Ever; Down 8 Million From Last Year
The finale of American Idol received its lowest ratings for a finale ever, down 8 million viewers from last year.
The singing competition garnered 13.61 million viewers on Thursday's night's two-hour episode. Though this figure is up from the past few weeks (the show has slumped overall in season 12) it is a record low for a finale. Just last year, over 21 million viewers watched Phillip Phillips beat Jessica Sanchez. Thursday's 13 million viewers is the first finale to have under 20 million viewers.
Many are blaming the new judges on the sudden drop of numbers. A glance at the show's Facebook page shows that many viewers have taken issue with the fiery Nicki Minaj in particular.
One source close the show said, "The core viewer is a Midwestern, Southern, older woman who is threatened by Nicki's aggressiveness."
Longtime judge Randy Jackson will not be returning to the show next year nor will Minaj, though Fox has not officially announced the latter. There are conflicting reports about Mariah Carey and Keith Urban's respective statuses on the show for next year.
Rumors swirled that Jennifer Lopez, who judged the show's 10th and 11th seasons, would be replacing Mariah Carey. Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe dismissed these rumors, however, stating, "I have not been included in any conversation regarding replacing Mariah with Jen this season."
On Thursday's live finale, 23-year-old soul singer Candice Glover was crowned the winner, beating blues singer Kree Harrison. Glover is the show's first female winner since season 6's Jordin Sparks.
Idol history was made this season when all five female contestants outlasted the five male contestants. Since the show produced five consecutive male winners over the past five seasons, critics accused the show of stacking the deck to allow for a female winner to emerge.
The show will likely be retooling the show to make up for its dip in viewer ratings this season.
