In the heyday of "American Idol," the notion that it could fall ratings victim to a zombie slugfest or standard crime drama would have been laughable.
That was then. With Fox's singing contest shedding about 20% of its audience so far this season to hit new lows, it's been leapfrogged repeatedly in total viewers by series including the CBS procedurals "Person of Interest" and "NCIS."
In a harsher blow to a blockbuster that once ruled the advertiser-adored young adult segment, "American Idol" has been overtaken this season by AMC's "The Walking Dead," despite the addition of glossy new "Idol" judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban.
But in its 12th season, "American Idol" is managing to hit the right notes with sponsors if not always with fickle viewers: It has retained its status as TV's advertising leader among series and the loyalty of its biggest backers, including Ford and Coca-Cola.
