This Just In: "Idol" Bigger Than Ever

Every year, experts talk about whether this is the year that "American Idol" viewership starts to decline.

Better luck next year, folks...

"Variety" is reporting that Tuesday's two-hour premiere ranks as the second highest-rated episode of the series with 37.3 million viewers. Only the Ruben vs. Clay May 2003 season finale rated higher. The ratings for the premiere were up 5% over last year's.

Remember that the premiere continues tonight with another two hours beginning at 8 p.m. on FOX. I'll be here after the show with my thoughts on tonight's contestants.

And from the looks of the previews, it should be interesting...