52nd Annual CMA Awards Wins Night But Ratings Drop 34 Percent From 2017

While Wednesday evening’s (Nov. 14) Country Music Association Awards was both the highest-rated program for the night and the most-watched entertainment program on ABC this season, the show hit a new low in ratings, bringing in a 2.1 rating in the 18-49 demo, with 10.06 million viewers, according to Zap2It.

Those numbers top the evening, but also mark a 34 percent drop in the 18-49 demo from 2017, and a 29.5 percent drop in total viewers from last year’s 14.29 million. It also represents more than a full point rating drop from last year’s 3.2 rating.

The awards show’s previous low came in 2016, when it brought in 12.5 million viewers and a 2.9 rating in the demo, though the show was airing opposite the World Series Game 7 that year.

Source: The Nielsen Company, posted on Zap2it.com.

CMA Awards Viewership (live and same day)

2017—14.29 million viewers
2016—12.5 million
2015—13.6 million
2014—16.1 million
2013—16.8 million
2012— 13.6 million
2011—16.3 million
2010—16.45 million
2009—17.2 million
2008 —15.9 million

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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