'American Idol' Bests 'Dancing' in Ratings

Posted: 2008-05-22 15:45:06

NEW YORK (May 21) - Olympic skater Kristi Yamaguchi is used to winning with a lot of people watching, and Tuesday's "Dancing With the Stars" finale was no exception.

The conclusion to ABC's competition was seen by 20.1 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. That's a season high for this round of hoofing, won with a perfect score by the Olympic gold medalist.

See Pics: Kristi Boogies at 'Dancing' Finale

Idols, Then and Now

Kelly Clarkson then.

RCA

Kelly Clarkson now.

Chris McGrath, Getty Images

Kellie Pickler then.

Vince Bucci, Getty Images

Kellie Pickler now.

M Becker, American Idol 2008 / Getty Images for Fox

Elliott Yamin then.

Branimir Kvartuc, AP

Elliott Yamin now.

Neilson Barnard, Getty Images

Carrie Underwood then.

Fox

Carrie Underwood now.

John Shearer, WireImage.com

Jessica Sierra then.

FOX

Jessica Sierra now.

Hillsborough Sheriff's Dept. / AP

Idols, Then and Now

LAUNCH PHOTO GALLERY

Dancing hasn't beaten singing in prime time, however, and Tuesday was no exception.

The penultimate "American Idol" on Fox, with David Archuleta and David Cook competing to be this year's winner, was seen by 27.1 million viewers, Nielsen said.

The two shows did not directly go up against each other, except for three minutes when "American Idol" ran over its scheduled time.

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2008-05-21 20:36:20

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