Fox still winning in the ratings with American Idol

In what has been called the best result show ever American Idol succeeded in creating suspens, surprise, excitement and joy as the contestant Casey Abrams is saved by the judges after he had received the lowest number of votes from viewers.

This is the third time the judge's save was used. The first was on season 8 to save Matt Giraud, the second time was on season 9 after the top 7, to save Michael “Big Mike" Lynche after the top 7, and finally this season it was used to save Casey Abrams after the top 11. Can you see a trend here, the judges are using their save to keep singers that are less and less popular as they are getting eliminated earlier in the competition.

In 2009 Matt Giraud finished 5th (compared to 7th), in 2010 Michael Lynche finished 4th (compared to 9th), and this year we will see how far the increased exposure gained to Casey with this early and emotional save will carry him in the competition. Many argue that the save is never used on somebody who could potentially win the competition. It remains to be seen if the judges' save was useful or not.

American Idol Season 10 Results show a winner for Fox

This season's first result show on Thursday, March 03, 2011 was a winner for Fox. It has significantly better ratings than this time last year, up by 29% in fact. Viewers agree that the talent pool this year is incredible and the judges make it a kinder, more gentle American Idol. For all those who were having doubts about whether the show could survive Simon Cowell's departure well you have your answer.