Ratings Report Monday, March 30, 2026

Nielsen National Live+Same Day Big Data Plus Panel Program Ratings

First-Ever 'American Idol' Simulcast on ABC and Disney+ Surges Double Digits

'Songs of Faith' Live Show Tops the Night With Nearly 5 Million Total Viewers

Posts Largest Margin of Victory Over NBC's 'The Voice' Ever

· "American Idol" kicked off Season 9 live shows on ABC and Disney+ Monday night earning 4.86 million Total Viewers and a 0.42 rating among Adults 18-49, growing week to week in both measures (4.79 million and 0.41 rating in Adults 18-49 on 3/23/25).

· With the Top 20 hopefuls performing inspiring songs of faith, "American Idol" grew by double digits over the show's audience on the same night last year (+11%; vs. 4.36 million on 3/31/25) and also grew impressively over last season's first Monday live show (+6%; vs. 4.57 million on 4/21/25).

· Season to date, "American Idol" averages 5.11 million Total Viewers and stands as one of the few shows to notch year-over-year gains this season (+5%; vs. 4.85 million).

· "American Idol" ranked as the No. 1 show on the night on broadcast and cable, scoring its largest margin of victory ever over NBC's "The Voice" (+73% - 4.86 million vs. 2.81 million from 9-11 p.m.). In addition, "American Idol" more than doubled "The Voice" in Adults 18-49 (+121% - 0.42 rating vs. 0.19 rating).

· "American Idol" was the No. 1 most social entertainment program of the night, earning 1.6 million total social interactions. The episode also ranked as the No. 1 entertainment program in terms of social video consumption with 11.1 million video views across platforms.

Coming up next week (Monday, April 6, at 8 p.m. on ABC and Disney+, streaming next day on Hulu), the Top 12 take on the "Judges' Song Contest," performing '90s hits secretly picked by Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie or Carrie Underwood. Plus, stars of ABC's "TGIF" '90s lineup hang with the hopefuls in the lounge as America votes for the Top 11.

Source: Nielsen National Live+Same Day Big Data Plus Panel Program Ratings for 3/30/26. Data starting with the 24/25 Season is based on Big Data Plus Panel, while prior years are Panel Only. Comparisons exclude telecasts bolstered by NFL lead-ins or special events. Talkwalker SCR.