Ratings: American Idol down 13.5% from last week, down 30% from last year

American Idol was the #1 show last night with a 6.4 adult rating and 19.5 million viewers. However, this was down 13.5% from last week's premiere and 30% from an equivalent show last season. This was also a lower adult rating from last Sunday's special show after the NFC Championship Game even if the number of viewers were relatively the same (7.9 rating/19.8 million viewers).

Nigel Lythgoe said on Good Day NY yesterday that American Idol was really competing against itself (and not these other wannabe shows like The X Factor and The Voice). Clearly Idol is losing with these big percentage drops this season against itself.

From TVbytheNumbers:

American Idol drew a 6.4 adults 18-49 rating last night. That's down from 13.5% from last week's two-hour premiere and down a fairly massive 30% from the equivalent Wednesday telecast a year ago (a two-hour version) that averaged a 9.2 adults 18-49 rating and 25.37 million viewers. Fox still easily won Wednesday night though with both total viewers and adults 18-49.

Marg Helgenberger exited CSI on a high note. In her final episode as CSI Catherine Willows CSI drew a 3.3 adults 18-49 rating and 14.03 million viewers, both season highs. Earlier in the night Criminal Minds was up 13% from last week to a 3.6 adults 18-49 rating.