American Idol Ratings Skid Continues: 5-Year Low

The "American Idol" ratings slide continues. Wednesday's results show — where forgetful Jason Castro got sent home — was a 5-year ratings low for the show, according to the Hollywood Reporter's James Hibberd:

"Idol" (22.9 million viewers, 8.2 national 18-to-49 rating and a 21 share) continued to decline at a time of year its ratings usually increase. Aside from its "Idol Gives Back" special, "Idol" has not shown any week-to-week growth since February. Lead-in " 'Til Death" (6 million, 1.9/6) was average, but "Back to You" (7 million, 2.1/6) hit a series low.

The entire season of "American Idol" has been dogged by low ratings — from the lowest-rated premiere in four years to losing members of key demos to losing 1.2 million viewers from one week to the next — prompting Fox to survey audiences about possible major changes to the show, including removing host Ryan Seacrest.

Despite the ratings slide, "American Idol" consistently wins its time slot, just at lesser numbers than in past years.