With 15.38 million viewers tuning in, the Academy of Country Music Awards posted its highest ratings since 1998, CBS announced today (April 8). This year’s show was watched by 2.29 million more viewers than the 2012 edition.

The 48th annual edition of the awards, broadcast from Las Vegas on April 7, was the night’s most-watched program in various demographics as well. The show posted its highest numbers in adults 18-49 since 2001 and in adults 25-54 since 2000, according to Nielsen preliminary live plus same day ratings. The show was watched by 5 .5 million viewers in the 18- to 49-year-old age range.

Compared to last year’s ceremony, the ACM Awards were up 16% in households, 26% in adults 25-54 and 39% in adults 18-49.

Co-host Luke Bryan was named Entertainer of the Year on the three-hour show packed with performances by co-host Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Florida Georgia Line, the duo of Garth Brooks and George Strait and others.

The ACM Awards concerted efforts in social media paid off as well, as online mentions were up 285% over last year, according to SocialGuide. Visits to ACM Awards content on CBS.com were up 136% over last year. In addition, more than 1.1 million votes were cast for the Entertainer of the Year and New Artist of the Year categories combined, an increase of 22% over last year’s vote. [Billboard.biz]