The Grammys kept viewership at a relatively high number for the 2015 rendition of the event, pulling in an estimated 26 million viewers with a Nielsen rating of 16.7, according to the early ratings (from Deadline.com). That's a slight drop from 2014, where 28 million viewers tuned in, but nothing to worry about for ABC.
The initial reports from Nielsen suggest a 16.7/26, implying that roughly 16.7 percent of all TVs in regions where the company tracks numbers were watching the Grammys. The highest point of viewership came during the 8:30-9:00 slot, where 18 million viewers watched Madonna, Kanye West and Miranda Lambert perform (late enough to have built up an audience, but early enough to beat the steady decline for the rest of the night).
Music Times pointed out that The Grammys have had a revitalized viewership during the last four years, partially in thanks to the hosting ability of LL Cool J, who has served as emcee for the last four editions of the ceremony. The 2012 edition was the most watched Grammys telecast, although that episode's ratings were boosted from the recent death of Whitney Houston and the nation's interest in how the ceremony would honor her legacy. The broadcast brought in more than 40 million viewers. The 2013 audience was obviously much lower, down to about 28 million, and then a slight boost during 2014, up a few hundred thousand more. This year's 26 million viewers may seem like a large drop-off, but it's still about where the show was during 2011, before LL Cool J began his residency as host (the 2011 edition captured 26.5 million viewers).
The again, last night's numbers can hardly be attributed to the emcee, who made infrequent appearances onstage, as to allow for more time for musical performances. Expect that trend to continue as the Recording Academy pushes for more and more live music, one of the biggest sparks for social media activity.
