Grammy Numbers Shrink

By Stephen M. Silverman

Wednesday May 13, 1998 12:00 AM EDT

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Despite the advance publicity surrounding Eminem's controversial appearance with Elton John at the Grammys, overall viewership of Wednesday night's music awards show was down from last year, though more young viewers tuned in, according to the Nielsens. The three-hour CBS telecast of the 43rd annual Grammy Awards averaged nearly 26.7 million viewers, down 1.1 million from last year, said the ratings firm. Among viewers in the 18 to 49 age bracket, the demographic most coveted by advertisers, this year's Grammys drew a 12.6 rating, about the same as last year's. But the numbers for the still younger demographic of 18 to 34 climbed 8% since last time. "We got a lot younger," said a CBS spokesman.