We're a little biased here, but here goes: "American Idol" is dead and "The Voice" killed it! We're kidding! But NBC's reality singing competition is putting up quite a fight against "Idol," matching FOX's long-running hit in the key 18-49 demographic and coming within spitting distance of the once untouchable juggernaut in overall ratings.
Monday's episode of "The Voice" earned 16.3 million viewers and a 6.0 rating in the key demo, the same 18-49 rating earned last night by "Idol," which pulled in 18.6 million total viewers.
When it comes to the younger half of the key demo, "The Voice" is actually winning, according to USA Today.
While "Idol's" ratings have stabilized, it's been a brutal season for the once undisputed top show on TV. The season 11 debut in January attracted 21.6 million viewers, down 27 percent from last year in ratings and 18 percent in total viewership. It was the biggest year-to-year fall in the history of the franchise.
Meanwhile, guided by an expert promotional campaign and a key season two debut after the Super Bowl, "The Voice" has proven to be a bright spot on the otherwise bleak spring TV season. A minor hit when it debuted last year, "The Voice" broke some non-sporting event ratings records with its post-Super Bowl debut, attracting 37.6 million viewers for a 16.3 in the key demo. Even without its Super lead-in, the show has proven far stronger than many expected, settling in to a major season-over-season gain.
Are you watching "The Voice" – WE ARE – or are you a longtime "Idol" devotee? Let us know in the comments.
