Japanese pop idol, Seiko Matsuda, topped the viewer ratings during the annual "Kohaku Uta Gassen", a widely watched New Year’s Eve television special in Japan. With her timeless popularity and captivating performance, Matsuda managed to draw the highest viewer ratings, cementing her star status across the nation. The latest ratings further underscore her significant and enduring impact on Japan's music scene.

The "Kohaku Uta Gassen" is a significant annual event in Japan, which features popular music acts and is broadcast on New Year’s Eve. The regular appearance of prominent artists like Matsuda is a major draw for viewers, contributing to the show's high prestige and audience ratings. Success in the Kohaku is often seen as symbolic of an artist's popularity and status in Japan's highly competitive music industry.

In the US or EU, viewer ratings are also of paramount importance, affecting sponsorship, advertising revenues, and the overall standing of artists and shows. Live performance events like the Grammys or Eurovision song contest may offer a similar context, where the performance of individual artists is keenly observed and can significantly influence their career trajectory.