The seventh season opener for American Idol was down a little more than 10% compared to its record premiere of a year ago. According to Variety, the auditions round of American Idol averaged a 13.8 rating/32 share in adults 18-49 and 33.2 million viewers overall from 8 to 10 p.m.

Aside from the 10% ratings drop, it still made for the highest rated night of the season on any network, even outperforming the NFL playoff game on rival CBS between New England and Jacksonville. American Idol is easily the highest-rated entertainment telecast of the season among adults 18-48, with an overwhelming lead of runner-up Grey's Anatomy. Also DVRs might also contribute to the 10% decline with some audiences choosing to watch the show at their own time.

You can check out Paula, Randy and Simon giving their own 'ratings' on Fox Tuesday nights at 8pm.