Billy Joel’s concert, “The 100th — Live at Madison Square Garden,” attracted a staggering 5.7 million viewers on Sunday night.
Billy Joel’s concert has become the fourth-most-watched special of 2024, according to Nielsen’s data on linear viewership on CBS and live streaming via Paramount+. With a total of 8.6 million viewers, it falls behind only the Oscars (19.5 million viewers on ABC), the Grammys (16.9 million viewers on CBS), and the Golden Globes (9.4 million viewers on CBS). This impressive viewership surpasses other shows such as the Emmys, which garnered 4.3 million viewers when aired on Fox in January.
“The 100th” surpasses several musical holiday specials that aired at the end of 2023 in terms of viewership. With 5.7 million viewers tuning in via CBS alone (excluding streaming data), the show outperformed programs like NBC’s “Christmas at Graceland” (4.6 million viewers) and “Barry Manilow Christmas” (2.8 million viewers), as well as ABC’s “CMA Country Christmas” (4.5 million viewers) and “Jingle Ball 2023” (2.2 million viewers on ABC).
The engagement for “The 100th” was evident even before the numbers were released. Fans expressed their outrage on social media when the telecast accidentally ended two minutes early in the Eastern and Central time zones, interrupting Joel as he was singing “Piano Man.”
CBS issued an apology to Mr. Joel, his fans, their affiliated stations, and the audience for the interruption during the last song. In a statement the next morning, CBS expressed their regret and promised a second broadcast to accommodate the overwhelming demand from Joel’s loyal fans.
Billy Joel’s ‘Madison Square Garden’ Special to Re-Air on CBS After Broadcast Is Cut Short Midway Through ‘Piano Man’
Billy Joel’s special performance at Madison Square Garden will be given a second chance to shine on CBS. The broadcast of the concert was unfortunately cut short just as Joel was about to perform his iconic hit, ‘Piano Man’. However, fans will not be left disappointed as CBS has announced that they will re-air the special in its entirety. This gives viewers the opportunity to experience the full magic of Billy Joel’s incredible performance at the iconic New York venue. Make sure to mark your calendars and tune in to catch this unforgettable event.
The encore is scheduled to air on April 19 at 9 p.m. You can also stream the special on Paramount+.
VIP+ Analysis: Concert Films Expand Their Scope Beyond Taylor and Beyoncé
Concert films have long been a popular medium for music fans to experience the energy and excitement of live performances from their favorite artists. Traditionally, these films have focused on mega-stars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, whose performances sell out stadiums and captivate millions of viewers. However, a new trend is emerging in the world of concert films, as filmmakers and artists alike are looking beyond these household names to showcase a more diverse range of talent.
In recent years, concert films have started to feature a wider array of artists from different genres and backgrounds. This shift is driven by the desire to highlight the unique and powerful performances of musicians who may not have the same level of mainstream recognition as Taylor Swift or Beyoncé. By shining a spotlight on these artists, concert films are able to introduce audiences to new sounds and styles, while also providing a platform for underrepresented voices in the music industry.
One example of this trend is the recent release of the concert film “Unstoppable: A Live Celebration,” which showcases the talents of various up-and-coming artists in the hip-hop and R&B genres. The film not only captures the electrifying performances of these rising stars but also delves into their personal journeys and the challenges they have overcome to pursue their passion for music. By doing so, “Unstoppable” offers a more intimate and relatable experience for viewers, allowing them to connect with the artists on a deeper level.
Another notable concert film that breaks away from the traditional mold is “Harmony in Diversity: A Global Concert Experience.” This film brings together musicians from around the world, representing a wide range of cultural and musical backgrounds. Through their performances, these artists celebrate the power of music to bridge divides and foster unity. By showcasing the diversity of talent and voices on a global scale, “Harmony in Diversity” challenges the notion that concert films should only focus on the biggest names in the industry.
As concert films continue to evolve, it is clear that they are no longer limited to showcasing the performances of a select few superstars. Instead, they are becoming a platform for artists from all walks of life to share their music and stories with a wider audience. This shift not only enriches the concert film genre but also contributes to a more inclusive and representative music industry as a whole. So, the next time you’re looking for a concert film to watch, consider exploring beyond the familiar names of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. You may just discover your new favorite artist.
CBS has recently announced that it is ordering a new daytime soap opera called “The Gates” as part of its content partnership with the NAACP. This exciting collaboration aims to bring diverse and inclusive storytelling to television audiences. The show will focus on the lives and relationships of residents living in a gated community, exploring various social, racial, and economic issues. Through this partnership, CBS is committed to providing representation and amplifying underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry.
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