) Some humbling news for professional musicians like Madonna and U2: By a wide margin, TV viewers prefer the amateurs.

Nearly twice as many people _ 28.3 million _ watched "American Idol" than watched the Grammy Awards _ 15.1 million _ when the two music programs went head-to-head in prime time Wednesday, according to Nielsen Media Research.

In large part due to the "American Idol" competition, it was the least-watched Grammy Awards in Nielsen records dating back to the 1970s.

It certainly wasn't what CBS, Grammy producers or the struggling music industry anticipated after packing the show with star-studded performances. Kanye West, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Kelly Clarkson, Mariah Carey, Jay-Z and Christina Aguilera all performed, and the show also featured a colorful appearance by reclusive star Sly Stone.

During the 8 to 9 p.m. EST hour, when the Grammys competed directly with "American Idol," the awards show featured Madonna, John Legend, Coldplay and U2 _ with the Irish rock band's duet with Mary J. Blige arguably the evening's most thrilling moment.

After "Idol" went off the air, the Grammys picked up a little steam. For its full three-and-a-half hours, the Grammy Awards' average viewership was 17 million people.

The least-watched Grammy telecast was in 1995 when the show was watched by 17.2 million people. Last year's show was seen by 18.8 million people, with 26.3 million viewers in 2004.
Former "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson won two Grammys, but didn't mention the Fox show in her tearful acceptance speeches.

The music pros can take a little comfort in at least slowing the "American Idol" momentum. It was the first time in seven telecasts this season that "Idol" was seen by fewer than 30 million people.



2004 had the best grammy ratings!!!! guess how was the opening act?? and who was the opening act this yr??
[Edited 2/9/06 19:31pm]

Typical Madonna bashing...Madonna's performance wasn't even mentioned in the commericals, plus, it was hardly her show. She pretty much hit and ran....Prince was nominated for an award and stuck around....I think the real blame goes to the lousy albums released last year...I would add the very unmemorable U2 album of the year.

Where the Grammys up against "American Idol"....AND "Lost" then. I bet in prior years everyone shifted their shecdules and would air repeats. Fox did a balls move and it paid off.

I, personally, didn't watch the Grammys last night. Didn't have the attention span for it.

i had it on in the background
even the best musicians had lackluster performances
and i couldn't understand why the crowd kept bursting out in cheers at odd places
they must've used applause signs
i couldn't believe NOT one performer made me turn my head and take notice
oh yeah, and Kanye's a punk in more ways than 6

I guess Madge's cameltoe just didn't keep the kids watching

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[Edited 2/9/06 20:14pm]

Madonna and De La Soul had one of the best performances on the Grammys.

well what do you expect? it was boring as fuck

brownsugar said:

It sure was. I watched the beginning, Then I turned to the Basketball game. Then I caught the end. Bottom line. The MTV music awards have surpassed the Grammys. It's way more interesting.