“American Idol” shook US television like a tornado, with a record 37.3 million viewers tuning in for the 6th season premiere, ratings showed on Wednesday.
 
The two-hour debut on Fox TV on Tuesday, featuring an the usual cast of talented youngsters and misfits cracked that record, according to Nielsen Media Research.

The 37.3 million total audience was a five percent increase over last year’s opening show of the fifth season.  And for those of you worried about Simon mellowing with age, DON’T.  He is as nasty as ever.

Despite the huge ratings for the top-rated show in America, some fans and critics were largely disappointed with the mix of good and hopeless auditions held in Minneapolis and the judges who send the best to the next round in Hollywood.  Which just goes to show you, “you can’t please em’ all the time”.

“American Idol,” a spin-off of a British hit that was a surprise U.S. success in 2002, dominated U.S. television ratings in 2006.

The show and its viewer-driven format has produced a number of bona-fide stars including Kelly Clarkson, country singer Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson, who this week won a Golden Globe for her performance in the musical movie “Dreamgirls.”

Season 6 looks to provide much of what all the other seasons have, lots of talent and fun!