"American Idol" finale ratings up 17 percent over last year

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN Entertainment) - The country stylings of this year's "American Idol" finale were a ratings winner. The show was up 17 percent in viewers from last year.

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According to the Hollywood Reporter, the finale, which crowned 17-year-old Scotty McCreery as its champ, was up 9 percent in the all-import 18 to 49 demo, where it earned an 8.9.

A total of 28.2 million viewers tuned in for the finale, which included performances from judge Steven Tyler, Marc Anthony, and Beyonce. For comparison, 24.2 million viewers tuned in to see Lee DeWyze take the title home for season 9.

This year's finale was the first time "American Idol" saw an increase in viewers since 2008, and the first time its seen growth in the key demo since 2006.

So did nobody miss Simon? According to the numbers, they didn't, but I guess we'll know for sure when Cowell's own "X Factor" debuts on Fox in the fall.