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Ratings Jump for 2009 ACM Awards

Posted by Ashley Shelley on 04/20/2009
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The 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards increased its ratings for the second consecutive year.  The show, which aired live, Sunday, April 5, had ratings that were up 21 percent overall from 2008, drawing nearly 15 million viewers and earning the top spot for the night on CBS. The Awards brought in the largest audience since 1998, with about 3 million more viewers than last year.

“We’ve virtually doubled our audience, reaching 47 percent more viewers in 2008 and 2009 combined,” said Bob Romeo, Executive Director of the Academy of Country Music. “And I believe we still have room to grow. We are already planning next year’s show and considering how to elevate viewership.”

Some of the viewership growth can be attributed to fan interactivity with the show. For the second year, fans were able to vote for Entertainer of the Year and they also voted on Top New Artist for the first time. Carrie Underwood took the trophy for Entertainer of the Year and Julianne Hough won Top New Artist, after having already been named Top New Female Vocalist.

Sales also increased for artists who performed at the event. According to Nielsen Soundscan, Lee Ann Womack’s sales increased 117 percent, Sugarland’s sales increased 112 percent, ACM Entertainer of the Year Carrie Underwood’s sales increased 99 percent, Album of the Year winner and Crystal Milestone honoree Taylor Swift’s sales increased 98 percent and ACM Artist of the Decade George Strait’s sales increased 94 percent.