Despite being down 3.5 million from its Tuesday debut, American Idol was still strong enough to blow away the competition.

8pm

• American Idol (26.4 million, 10.1/27 in 18-49) had its lowest demo for a first Wednesday since 2003.
• The New Adventures of Old Christine (1.9/5) kicked off the night with 6.3 million.
• The Middle (6.1 million, 2.1/6) was off 2.1 million from last week.
• Mercy (5.9 million, 1.6/4) reached a series low.
• Gary Unmarried (1.9/5) pulled in 5.8 million.
• Modern Family* (1.7/5) turned in 5.3 million.
• One Tree Hill* (908,000, 0.4/1) was up slightly.

9pm

• Criminal Minds (3.9/10 in 18-49) had 14 million arrested.
• A repeat of The Simpsons* (3.6/9) entertained 8.1 million.
• Modern Family (7.8 million, 3.2/8) took at 2.4 million hit.
• Law & Order: SVU (7.7 million, 2.0/5) fell by 3.1 million.
• Cougar Town (7.4 million, 3.1/8) gave up 500,000.
• Gossip Girl* (525,500, 0.3/1) picked up nearly 40,000.

10pm

• CSI: NY (3.6/10 in 18-49) rounded up 14.1 million.
• The Jay Leno Show (5.4 million, 1.6/4) added on 200,000.
• Ugly Betty (4.5 million, 1.6/4) slipped by 600,000.

*denotes repeat

(You can review last Wednesday’s ratings here.)