Approximately 29 million people tuned in to Fox’s American Idol to watch North Carolina singer Scotty McCreery and Southern Belle Lauren Alaina to battle in the finale.

Compared to last year, the numbers are reportedly up by 5 million viewers. The numbers further prove the success of the revamped show.

Critics also attribute the finale’s line-up to the success in American Idol’s finale. Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones, Gladys Knight, Carrie Underwood, Marc Anthony, Judas Priest, Steven Tyler, Mark Anthony and Jennifer Lopez were a few artists who graced the stage with the top 13.

According to Nielson, 40 million people tuned into the last minutes of the show to see who would be declared the winner.