Ratings: Idol Finale Cooks Up Audience of 30.6 Mil

• May 22, 2008 03:47 PM ET
• by TV Guide News

Ratings highlights for Wednesday, May 21:

" American Idol's Season 7 finale kicked off the night with 24.73 million total viewers and announced its winner at 10:01 pm to 36.34 mil - averaging 30.6 mil across the two-hour run. That represents a nearly four percent increase over last year's final results show. Got a question for me to ask either David next week during their on-video visits? Share it here.

" Criminal Minds wrapped up its season with 13 million viewers, a 300K week-to-week gain.

" CSI: NY closed its season and won the 10 o'clock hour with 11.7 mil. Law & Order's finale drew 8.45 mil, while Boston Legal said buh-bye (for now) to 6.36 mil.

Related:
" Did your DVR drop Idol's finale moments? Watch them here.