Seth MacFarlane -Led OSCARS Broadcast is Highest Since 2007

The early results are in and it appears that ABC's Seth MacFarlane-hosted broadcast of the 85th Academy Awards is the highest rated Oscar show since 2007. According to Deadline, based on metered markets data from Nielsen, last night's Academy Awards drew an averaged household rating of 26.6 with a 41 share.

The broadcast delivered an increase from last year's 25.5/38 with Billy Crystal hosting. The 2013 show was the highest rated Oscars since 2007's 27.7/42 when Ellen Degeneres hosted. The show hit its highest point during the 10 - 10:30 PM time period when it got a 27.5/41.

Among the all-important 18-49 demographic, Sunday's broadcast received a 15.7/40 in Nielsen's Local People Meters, also a big boost from last year. Below is the historical Oscar ratings:

2013 26.6/41
2012 25.5/38
2011 24.6/37
2010 26.5/40
2009 23.3/35
2008 21.9/33
2007 27.7/42

The star-studded event included a celebration of movie musicals featuring Jennifer Hudson performing "You're Gonna Love Me' from "Dreamgirls" as well as Catherine Zeta-Jones performing from "Chicago" and a performance by the Oscar nominees from"LES MISERABLES," Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, along with co-stars Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks and Helena Bonham Carter.

Barbra Streisand sang a tribute to Marvin Hamlisch while Norah Jones performed ""Everybody Needs a Best Friend" from the motion picture "Ted" and Adele wowed the crowd with the Oscar-nominated theme song from "Skyfall".

The Oscar presentation was televised live on the ABC Television Network in more than 225 countries worldwide.