Grammy Awards Ratings Take Historic Nosedive Following 2021 Broadcast

Last night's awards show is now the least-watched of all time, drawing less than half its 2020 audience

BY Calum SlingerlandPublished Mar 15, 2021

The Grammy Awards' ratings have taken a major nosedive, with viewership numbers dropping in startling fashion compared to those from last year's ceremony. And up until now, the 2020 Grammys were the lowest-rated in history, making the 2021 numbers even more grim.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, early figures from Nielsen point to Sunday night's CBS broadcast of the awards show drawing 8.8 million viewers and a 2.1 rating among adults 18 to 49.

Those numbers show that last night's show drew less than half the audience of the 2020 broadcast, which averaged about 16.54 million viewers and a 4.8 rating in the 18 to 49 demographic in preliminary numbers. Final ratings were adjusted for an audience of 18.69 million and 5.4. The 2019 Grammys, meanwhile, drew 19.9 million viewers and 5.6 rating.

In comparison, CBS drew 17.8 million viewers last Sunday for Oprah's interview with Meghan Markle. Final ratings figures for the 2021 Grammy Awards will arrive tomorrow morning (March 16). THR notes that ratings for the Grammys are not adjusted for the live telecast on the West Coast and don't count out-of-home viewing.

In addition to the Grammys, awards shows including Golden Globes, CMA Awards, American Music Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards have all suffered steep ratings declines this season.

Last night's ceremonies saw Kaytranada, Megan Thee Stallion, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and many more capture the coveted music award. Find a complete list of 2021 Grammy Award winners here.

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