Ratings: American Idol down 16% from last week, down 35% from last year

American Idol had a 5.1 adult rating and 15.7 million viewers last night.

The Voice has beaten Idol for a second week this season in the ratings, and for the first time since it's premiere, in number of viewers.

Nigel Lythgoe is now calling people MORONS on his Twitter feed again. Obviously, he can't spin the news any other way now.

The rest of the numbers:

From TVbytheNumbers:

Fox easily won the night despite American Idol falling 16% from last week to a 5.1 adults 18-49 rating. That's down a whopping 35% vs. last year's equivalent telecast (7.9 adults 18-49 rating on Wednesday, February 23, 2011). Idol will likely be adjusted up a tenth or two in the finals but that won't make up for even the week over week losses.

CBS's Survivor: One World fell 10% from its premiere last week to a series low (with regular telecasts) 2.8 adults 18-49 rating. Criminal Minds was flat with last week but its 3.1 adults 18-49 rating tied a season low. Among the night's outliers on the night, CSI was up 8% to a 2.8 adults 18-49 rating.

The Middle and Suburgatory each fell a tenth to a season low 2.3 adults 18-49 rating. Modern Family was flat week over week at a season low-tying 4.7 adults 18-49 rating. Happy Endings was up a tenth to a 2.5 adults 18-49 rating.