American Idol ushered in its 14th season last night (Jan. 7) with a new format and one hour's worth of auditions in Keith Urban's hometown, Nashville. But, despite the show's long running pedigree, its ratings continued to slip, as the reality competition slipped below its following program (and fellow musical), Empire.
American Idol experienced a new series low, according to TV By The Numbers. Featuring judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr., the show pulled in 11.2 million views on Wednesday night. Among adults in the key 18-49 demographic, Idol just pulled in a 3.2 percent ratings share.
Read also: 'American Idol' Season 14 Recap & Review: 5 Best Auditions from the Show's Nashville Premiere
This is a notable decline for the long-running competition. The show's season 13 premiere in January 2014 pulled in 15.2 million viewers and pulled a 4.7 percent market share.
The ratings hit is just the latest American Idol plague. The show also lost its longtime sponsor, Coca-Cola ahead of its 14th year.
Even more dire news for American Idol is that it was beat out by the show it was supposed to help gather ratings. Idol was the lead in for the new hip-hop drama and musical, Empire, which premiered on FOX. Following a good deal of promotion and hype from its stars Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, Empire pulled in a 3.8 percent market show and 9.9 million viewers, making it the most successful show of Jan. 7 as far as percentage of total viewers goes.
Despite floundering ratings, American Idol will trudge on. The show will return tonight (Jan. 8) with two more hours of Nashville auditions.
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