Simon Cowell's Departure Lowers American Idol Ratings!

Article by: Rumer Certeza
Photos: Fame

The show had it coming with harsh-mouthed judge Simon Cowell making his grand exit on finals night.

The brutally honest and most adored Brit says his parting words on 'American Idol' during the show's finale night on star-studded Wednesday, which included former judge and pioneer Paula Abdul.

As predicted, the show's ratings proved to be the lowest yet in a finale, and is on its continuing decline.

The 2-hour episode also highlighted the crowning of winner Lee DeWyze, obviously outrating broadcast competitors with 24.2 million viewers and an 8.2 adults 18-49 rating. But it also shows its 18 percent decline from last year's showdown between Adam Lambert and Kris Allen, a descending trend which began in 2007.

Critics comment that this year's finalists were less appealing, yet overall, the show has at least retained around 91 percent of its adult demo rating as compared to the previous year.

This year has paved the way for most veteran series taking a plunge, although 'Idol' still gave Fox another broadcast season as the top-rated network, its sixth straight season in a row in the adult demo, the most consecutive season triumphs in broadcast history by any network.

So now how do you solve a massive piece of the puzzle like Simon Cowell?

Contract Signing For Crystal Bowersox And Lee DeWyze?

Idol champ Lee DeWyze and runner-up Crystal Bowersox are now reaping the fruits of their success.

In just one day after the 'American Idol' finale, DeWyze and Bowersox have already signed their first record deals. Billboard has reported that Lee has closed record deals with 19 Recordings Limited and RCA Records, while Bowersox has signed up with Jive Records and 19 Recordings Limited.

As of now however, there is no confirmation yet as to when both albums will be released, although predictions has it that a November date is most probable.

There's no way but up for this season's stars.