Ratings aren't a big deal people. Sometimes it's just the way the cookie crumbles. It doesn't always have to do with who is or isn't appearing/performing. ATRL puts way too much emphasis on them.
They have no prestige left. People used to take them seriously but they're about as credible as the VMAs, which at least has publicity stunts. Last year's was vile too, after seeing that, I made a conscious decision not to watch this year's.
What difference do boring performances make? Not like people know they are going to be boring before they tune in. Did it start off high and people tuned out?