'Idol' finale scores all-time ratings low

May 21, 2009 "American Idol" wrapped its eighth season Wednesday with the lowest rating ever in the 18-49 demographic for an "Idol" finale, even as the series touted its largest margin of victory yet over competitors this season. The two-hour-plus Wednesday extravaganza featuring performances by KISS, the surviving members of Queen, Rod Stewart, Cyndi Lauper and Steve Martin posted 28.8 million viewers and a 10.0 rating in adults 18-49, according to estimates. [...] for the juggernaut "Idol," they are only good enough for last place in the demo among its finales, behind the first season's ender when an average of 23 million viewers (10.8/30 in 18-49) tuned in to see Kelly Clarkson crowned as the first American Idol.

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