Billboard Music Awards Hit Record Low Ratings In Key Demo

dailycaller.com ^ | 5/21/2018 | Katie Jerkovich

[rktman]

The 2018 Billboard Music Awards hit a new low Sunday night in the coveted demographic of ages 18-49, dropping 10 percent from last year’s low in overnight numbers.

According to Variety, the three-hour music award show broadcast from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas scored an average of 2.1/8 share in the key demographic with 7 million viewers. In comparison, the 2017 awards show, which aired on ABC, averaged a 2.3 in the 18-49 age group with 7.7 million people tuned in.

Jennifer Lopez performs onstage during the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 20, 2018 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Sunday night’s show not only lost in the demo, but as it stands right now, fell 9 percent in viewership. The current record for low viewership is held by Fox’s 2006 Billboard Music Awards show, with 6.1 million viewers.

Leading off the show Sunday night, Kelly Clarkson addressed the deadly school shooting at Santa Fe High School in Texas Friday that left 10 people dead and said she was tired of “moments of silence,” instead calling for a “moment of action.”

“So why don’t we not do a moment of silence? Why don’t we do a moment of action? Why don’t we do a moment of change?” Clarkson explained. “Why don’t we change what’s happening? Because it’s horrible.”

So far in 2018, the majority of award shows have struggled in the ratings battle with the Oscars, Grammys and Golden Globes hitting near or record-lows.

[ilgipper]

I enjoy music awards when there are good performances. There were only a few last night. I missed the Kelly Clarkson gun grabber speech. She needs to get back out to her original people in Texas and away from the limelight to realize how empty and ignorant her statement was.

I later turned it off during ‘ode’ to gun control mid show and did not tune back in. Later learned they had the Parkland choir on with them. Jeez.

[lonevoice]

I saw that Kelly Clarkson had her moment. I told my husband that it was probably not too smart to mouth off the night before her final contestant on the Voice is up to win. Just saying that her comments may have a negative effect on the voting. As I told hubby, she may have dixie chicked her chances.

Agree. I didn't watch the awards, but I did see a video clip of Clarkson's comments. She should have left this topic alone. I suspect she'll have consequnces, as it should be.

[hattend]

Maybe if there was better music.

I bet the Country Awards coming up in June have a falloff as well since there is nothing “Country” coming out of Nashville nowadays.