Smaller ‘Idol’ audience but more money

Fox’s telethon “Idol Gives Back” easily triumphed over its network competitors Wednesday night, but its ratings experienced a troubling drop when compared with its audience for the same event last year.

This year’s 2 1/2 -hour special averaged about 17.5 million viewers, easily outdistancing second-place CBS, which logged 10.4 million viewers, according to preliminary data from Nielsen Media Research released Thursday morning. Last year, the first “Idol Gives Back” attracted 26.9 million viewers.

Still, this year’s star-studded show has raised more money for charity than last year. While Fox officials balked at releasing a preliminary figure before Thursday night’s “American Idol” telecast, this season’s donations already top $225 million -- thanks in large part to a $200-million contribution from Britain.

Last year, “Idol Gives Back” collected more than $76 million for charity. The donations this year are earmarked for six charities: Children’s Defense Fund, the Children’s Health Fund, the Global Fund, Make It Right, Malaria No More and Save the Children’s U.S. programs. Donations can be still made at www.americanidol.com/idolgivesback.