American Idol Six: 37.3 Millions Fans and Counting

Wow.

Variety reports that American Idol opened to huge numbers last night, with the two-hour premiere ranking as the second highest-rated episode of the series to date - and easily topping any prime time program this season.

According to preliminary nationals from Nielsen, the opening night of auditions on American Idol averaged a 15.7 rating/36 share in adults 18-49 and 37.3 million viewers overall, up about 5% vs. its premiere of one year ago.

The only other American Idol telecast to rate higher was the May 2003 season finale between Reuben Studdard and Clay Aiken.