MUMBAI: When it comes to watching music shows Americans prefer to watch music wannabes compete for a chance to be recognised rather than watch the music industry give themselves a clap.

According to Nielsen 28.3 million viewers tuned in to watch American Idol. The first hour of the Grammys managed to get only 15.1 million viewers despite having Madonna in a swimsuit as the opening act. The average viewership for the three-hour awards show was 17 million.

Interestingly the winner of the first American Idol Kelly Clarkson won two Grammy Awards. Last year's show was seen by 18.8 million people, with 26.3 million viewers in 2004.