Ratings for Premiere of AMERICAN IDOL's Farewell Season Hit All-Time Low

Despite all the hoopla of AMERICAN IDOL's 15th season being its last, the singing competition debuted Wednesday night to its worst-ever ratings for a premiere episode, according to EW.

The long-running series delivered a mere 10.9 million viewers and a 2.9 rating among adults 18-49 during, marking a 9% decline from last season's all-time low premiere. In positive news, the two-hour premiere managed to best every broadcast show on the air Wednesday night in the coveted demo, including ABC's powerhouse comedy Modern Family.

About AMERICAN IDOL: Everyone's favorite singing competition returns for its highly anticipated 15th and farewell season. The fun begins when host Ryan Seacrest and returning judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. travel to Denver and Atlanta, to discover the city's best talent.

This season promises to deliver the most talented group of singers yet and, as always, it's up to the viewers to root and vote for their favorite contestants, ultimately crowning the next AMERICAN IDOL.

Past winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, Scotty McCreery Phillip Phillips, and Candice Glover, as well as fan-favorites Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, Chris Daughtry, and Katharine McPhee, have all become household names and made their marks on the recording industry.

Photo credit: (Michael Becker/Fox)