"Dancing with the Stars" Tops "Idol" in Ratings

Memo to "American Idol" producers: In 2010, Lady Gaga beats Frank Sinatra.

'Ol Blue Eyes was another generation's idol, certainly bigger than Gaga in his day. But last Tuesday's "American Idol" devoted to his songs was seen by 17.5 million viewers, the least-watched regularly scheduled episode of the competition since 2003, the Nielsen Co. said.

The next night when Lady Gaga was the featured performer, the audience size increased by 2.1 million people, Nielsen said.

Generally this season, Tuesday "Idol" shows have outdrawn Wednesday ones, so it seems a clear indication that Sinatra's songs, even as arranged by Harry Connick Jr., didn't appeal to the show's younger audience. Sinatra died in 1998.

Photos: "Dancing with the Stars" Season 10
Photos: "American Idol" Season 9

ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" was the most popular prime-time show last week, narrowly beating the Wednesday "Idol." The seven most-watched scripted shows were on CBS.

On last week's "Dancing," actress Pamela Anderson made her exit from the show, while Aaron Kelly was voted off of "Idol."

This week, comedian Niecy Nash was eliminated from "Dancing with the Stars," after the "Clean House" host landed in last place with a total of 43 points out of 60 on Monday's episode.

One of the four remaining contestants on "American Idol" will be sent home during Wednesday night's elimination episode.