Eddie ousting big hit for Idol ratings

Eddie Gaiger's departure was watched by NZ Idol's largest audience since the show's opening audition episodes were screened in February.

ACNielsen ratings results reveal Monday's show was viewed by 18 per cent of the potential audience aged over 5 years. However, this figure is still well short of highs set in the series' first two weeks, which peaked at 24 per cent for the opening show on February 1.

This Sunday will see the finalists moving into soul. The idolblog fansite rated Michael Murphy as favourite to win NZ Idol followed by Ben Lummis, Camillia Temple, Luke Whaanga and Dave Houma.