In this March 20, 2008 file photo, Simon Cowell attends the Details magazine Party in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Phil McCarten, file)
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'Idol' off to strong start minus Abdul
Updated: Wednesday, 13 Jan 2010, 2:06 PM EST
Published : Wednesday, 13 Jan 2010, 2:05 PM EST
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Paula who? Despite losing judge Paula Abdul, "American Idol"
started its ninth season on a high note with an estimated audience
of nearly 30 million people.
Tuesday's viewership nearly matched last year's season debut
audience of 30.4 million, according to preliminary Nielsen Co.
figures released Wednesday.
It was the first test of how viewers would respond to "American
Idol" without Abdul, who left over a salary despite. Her place is
being filled first by celebrity panelists, including Victoria
Beckham and Katy Perry, and later this season by new judge Ellen
DeGeneres.
"American Idol" faces a bigger challenge next season: judge
Simon Cowell announced this week he's leaving to start another
talent show, "The X Factor," on Fox.
"Idol" airs a 90-minute episode tonight.
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