60th Kohaku Uta Gassen ratings

The viewership ratings for the 60th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, which took place on December 31, were announced on Saturday. This year, the show’s first half achieved 37.1% (Kanto region), while the second half got 40.8%.

Compared to the previous year, the first half was up 1.4%, and marked the highest rating since 2002 (also 37.1%). However, the second half was down 1.3%. Despite being the fourth-worst rating in Kohaku history, it still managed to achieve above 40%.

This time’s contest featured a surprise appearance by singer Eikichi Yazawa, a guest performance by Susan Boyle, a special Michael Jackson tribute by SMAP, and a children’s corner, among other highlights. Ayumi Hamasaki and EXILE started things off, while DREAMS COME TRUE and Saburo Kitajima closed out the night.

In the end, the battle was won by the White Team, giving the men their fifth consecutive victory. They picked up more than 60% of the 561,755 votes.

Source:
Sankei Sports