Paula Abdul:in American Idol

LOS ANGELES – Paula who? Despite losing judge Paula Abdul, "American Idol" started its ninth season on a high note with an estimated audience of nearly 30 million. Tuesday's viewership of 29.9 million is about 2 percent lower than last year's season debut audience of slightly more than 30 million, according to preliminary Nielsen Co. figures released Wednesday. By comparison, the 2009 debut episode saw a 10 percent drop compared to 2008. It's an indication that "Idol" can capitalize on cast changes like Abdul's to resist potential viewer boredom as it ages. That will be further tested when judge Simon Cowell leaves after this season to launch another Fox talent contest, "The X Factor," next year. The 37.4 million who watched the 2007 debut represents the series' high point for opening nights. "I think people love to love the show," said Mike Darnell, Fox's executive in charge of alternative programming. "It's one of the few phenomena that exist: the Super Bowl, the Oscars, `American Idol.' It's an American tradition.'