American Idol Finale Gets Record-Low Ratings

The American Idol finale drew about 23.7 million viewers, a respectable total, but the all-time lowest in the show's eight seasons, despite being the highest rated show on U.S. TV.

Interestingly, the 100 million total votes cast toward finalist Adam Lambert and eventual winner Kris Allen accounted for nearly five times the viewership.

While the Idol machine still looks strong headed toward its ninth year, the talent show might start looking over its shoulder, as ABC's Dancing With The Stars is catching up -- the lavish ballroom show scored 20 million viewers in its season finale Tuesday.

The American Idol 2009 Summer Tour kicks off July 5 in Portland, OR. (Photo: INF)