1/14/2009

in

Despite a number of promised changes, American Idol drew less viewers for this season's Episode 1.

Vijay Mohan

According to a Reuters article, the return of *American Idol* for its eighth season drew 10 percent less viewers than last year's debut episode, ratings showed Wednesday.  
  
Tuesday's debut episode drew 30.1 million viewers, which is still the most watched U.S. broadcast this season. The biggest season premiere came in 2007, with 37.3 million viewers tuning in.  
  
The drop comes despite the addition of new judge Kara DioGuardi, and promises of changes, including a crackdown on poor auditions and a lengthening of the show's "Hollywood Week" coverage.  
  
Tuesday's episode featured such auditions as a scantily-clad contestant deemed "Bikini Girl," named after the outfit she wore to her audition, and a nearly blind man who didn't return a likely embarrassed Ryan Seacrest's offer for a high five, for obvious reasons.  
  
According to the Reuters article, *American Idol* drew on average 28.1 million viewers each week last season.