The new series begins in the UK on ITV2 on 19 January

The ratings represent a 5% increase on the 35.5 million who watched the fifth season begin on Fox TV in January 2006.

"It just keeps growing," said creator Simon Fuller. "American Idol continues to make entertainment history."

The first edition saw hopefuls from Seattle face the withering disdain of regular judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and "Mr Nasty" Simon Cowell.

"What the bloody hell was that?" said the latter after one candidate performed a rendition of the Righteous Brothers' 'Unchained Melody' he described as "almost non-human".

Closest rival

According to the Associated Press, American Idol's closest rival is Desperate Housewives on the ABC network.

However, the dark suburban satire only averages 20.7 million viewers a week in comparison.

The series has been a hit with audiences since launching Kelly Clarkson's singing career during its first series in 2002.

Jennifer Hudson - a finalist in the 2004 series - won a best supporting actress award at the Golden Globes this week for her role in the film musical Dreamgirls.