American Idol Finale Ratings: Show's Third-Largest Audience Ever

The "American Idol" seventh season finale Wednesday night managed to essentially match last year's performance, with the coronation of David Cook watched by an estimated 31.7 million viewers. The finale was up slightly among total viewers compared with last season, but down a notch among the adults 18-49 demographic.

Last year, 30.8 million viewers tuned in to see Jordin Sparks win Fox's singing competition. Wednesday's "Idol" total, by comparison, will represent the show's third-largest audience ever. In the demo, "Idol" registered an 11.4 preliminary rating, according to Fox's time zone-adjusted fast nationals.

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