'Dancing with the Stars' finals nets smallest viewing audience

To no one’s surprise (especially mine), “Dancing with the Stars” has lost some of its lustre. The ratings were not as strong this season and ABC might want to seriousy rethink its celebrity lineups and how it packages the show, especially the intolerable results shows, which have become a musical variety hour each week.

According to Associated Press, an estimated 19.2 million people watched Donny Osmond win “Dancing With the Stars” — the smallest audience for the show’s finale since the first season.

This was the ninth edition of the contest, one of television’s most popular shows. The Nielsen Co. says ratings have been down all season for the show, an indication that viewers weren’t as attached to the contestants as they had in the past.

Osmond said the show has been a highlight in a career of ups and downs. He competed during the show’s finale Tuesday against singer Mya and Kelly Osbourne, daughter of rock star Ozzy Osbourne. AP