Ratings: American Idol 9 Premieres with 29.8 Million Viewers

Preliminary Nielsen numbers reveal that American Idol premiered to 29.8 million average viewers and an 11.7 adults 18-49 rating last night. Just down a notch from last year's 11.8 rating.

Oh, and we have a picture of those infamous VitaminWater cups and the new judges panel:

You should follow me on Twitter here for up to the minute American Idol updates!