Last night was the season 12 premiere of NBC’s ‘American Idol’. The show was watched by 17.9 million viewers. Not even a well publicised feud between judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj could save ratings. The launch opened with a 6.0 rating among adults 18-49, and was down 19% from last January’s season 11 debut. Total viewers were also down by 19%. The show also encountered their lowest ratings for an in-season premiere. The news wasn’t all doom and gloom however, as it was the most watched show on television last night.

This is clearly a sign that viewers are so over talent shows, no matter WHO they put on the panel. When this type of show stops producing long-serving superstars (Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood) and winning a contract no longer guarantees success (Melanie Amaro), it really is time to pull the plug. You can check out some highlights from last night’s premiere after the jump.