American Idol Betting on Teens for Ratings Boost

UPDATE: 3/31/11: Idol hopes ended for Thia Megia and Naima Adedapo tonight. Both performers will reportedly be touring on American Idol Live this summer.

by Carson Abrir

Who’s leaving American Idol tonight?

Actually, no one.

After finding out that Thia Megia, Casey Abrams, and Stefano Langone were in the bottom three, who could imagine any of them going home? For sure, it wouldn’t have been Thia. And few could imagine the judges would let Casey Abrams leave this early.

With FOX struggling to boost ratings among youngsters, it’s likely we’ll be seeing 16-year-olds Thia Megia and Lauren Alaina for at least another two weeks, although with two performers set to be cut next week, one of the young stars could be in danger.

Casey Abrams consistently won rave reviews from Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson. But the audience at home didn’t connect with the unique style of his performances enough to keep him safe. In the end, the judges used their only save of the season to rescue Casey Abrams.

Pundits began questioning whether Stefano Langone would make it through another round of voting last week after revelations surfaced that a year after he was the victim of a drunk driver, he was arrested for DUI by Washington State Police. Police noted in their report that Stefano began singing en route to jail.

American Idol continues to lose millions of viewers each season, while remaining one of the hottest shows on television. More than 20 million viewers are expected to tune in tonight to find out which contestant’s Season 10 Idol dream comes to an end.

American Idol’s highest viewership was Season 5, when more than 30 million people watched on average, compared with 12 million the first season.

Dancing With the Stars premiered Monday to almost 22.7 million viewers, causing some uproar as Idol producers faced losing their crown as the most watched show on television.

Both shows are popular among families.

Among men 18-49, American Idol handily beats Family Guy, The Simpsons, and Charlie Sheen’s former Two and a Half Men. And among all viewers 12-34, American Idol beats those shows and Glee.

When it comes to 2-11 year olds (who knew that Nielsen polled two-year olds), Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson, and Jennifer Lopez are no match for SpongeBob SquarePants, iCarly or Monster High.

Executives are betting opening the competition to younger participants, such as Thia Megia, Lauren Alaina, and Scotty McCreery will boost numbers among youngsters and keep their parents watching too.

Who do you think will be this year’s American Idol?

Will it be Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart, Jacob Lusk, James Durbin, Lauren Alaina, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Scotty McCreery, or Stefano Langone?

Cast your vote below to share your prediction.