Although American Idol 7 easily won its timeslot last night, the return of CBS' drama CSI managed to draw more viewers and became the top show of the night. Overall, 19.57 million people watched Michael Johns' surprising elimination, while 19.93 million watched the CSI techs investigate the murder of a 3-year-old, according to Nielsen. Idol did gain back a couple million viewers who bailed for Idol Gives Back.

CBS noted in a press release that "CSI outdelivered 'American Idol' in viewers," although its 8 p.m. show Survivor Micronesia placed second "behind FOX's 'American Idol' vote off special," as it was watched by 11.68 million viewers.



[ via RealityBlurred ]

I watched CSI in lieu of a new Lost or Grey's Anatomy to dig into this week. American Idol is the only "talent show" that I have been able to stomach over the years and I can only usually make it to around the final 12 before I become completely bored. In the beginning it is fun to watch people trying out, but at one point it makes a shift to "gospel hour" and that is when I tune out. I can only take so much of Randy saying "it was pitchy" Paula saying "I liked it" -no matter how bad- and Simon calling it "cabaret" or" karaoke."

The repetitiveness is mind numbing.

Idol gives back was where I gave up last year. This year I knew how aweful it was going to be and didn't even bother. Two and a half hours of pretentious bullshit to no qualitative end is more then this passive watcher can handle.

CSI was good Thursday night. Who knew Physical Phil could be so creepy! Seriously he did a great job!