Grammy Awards Ratings Soar To Double Digit Increases

The 51st Annual Grammy Awards broadcast on CBS was a resounding ratings victory.  The Grammy Awards were up +23% in Adults 18-34, up +14% in Adults 18-49, Up 10% for Adults 25-54 and +11% viewers to 19.08 Million.

The CBS broadcast of the 51st Annual Grammy Awards soared over last year's deliveries, posting across-the-board double digit percentage increases, according to Nielsen preliminary live plus same day ratings for Sunday, February 8th.

Combined with Katie Couric's special interview with Captain Chesley (Sully) Sullenberger and the crew of US Airways Flight 1549, CBS dominated Sunday in viewers and all key demographics.

So why were the Grammy Awards up over last year?

CBS official reports state "The Recording Academy put on quite a show - an unprecedented 24 performances and a range of artists that appealed to tweens, teens, young adults and boomers," said Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music and Live Events, CBS Entertainment.  "It was a broadcast with something for every generation."

Why Were The Grammy Awards Such A Success?

In my humble opinion the Grammy Awards were such a success this year because of several factors.  Yes it's true that tween and teen hotties like Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus were front and center looking hot and performing a duo about being 15.

Also, who can say no to Beatle Paul?  Not only was Sir Paul sitting front and center for all to see, he was specifically introduced by UK Babe Kate Beckinsale who looked spectacular.  Kate chatted on her way into the awards ceremony that she was there specifically to introduce Sir Paul and she was thrilled.

Mixing it up were performances by the wildly popular Jonas Brothers and Stevie Wonder.  Sheryl Crow and Leann Rimes performed as did an emotional Jennifer Hudson.  Lots of music celebrities as well as film and TV stars were on hand to either introduce performers or give out awards. So yes, Jack Sussman was right, something for every generation.

Another factor for the increased ratings had to be the fact the three hour show moved at a quick pace and was definitely very entertaining.  No wonder the ratings were up.  Who doesn't like watching a show jam packed with a wide range of music, all types of performers, some singing badly and celebrities wearing hot fashions, although not all, with interesting hairstyles?

The show had it all.  There was the opening Red Carpet with all the various attendees posing and discussing who they were wearing.  Of course there was also Ryan Seacrest asking really crazy questions about Simon Crowell and what race of men Kim Kardashian dates (that's good for another blog).

I know I enjoyed the show.  There were some things that were a little crazy but overall it was great. Yes, I would say CBS did up right.  Kudos to them for a great Grammy Awards Show for 2009.