Fox's 'Idol' crushes competish

Morning Ratings Flash - Rick Kissell

By RICK KISSELL

Fox cruised to victory Tuesday, as the second half of a two-hour "American Idol" surged to huge numbers and easily topped its (largely repeat) combined broadcast competition, according to preliminary nationals from Nielsen.

Expanded to two hours as the field of 12 finalists began their performances, "Idol" averaged a big 10.2/27 in adults 18-49 and 22 million viewers overall. This is a mere 5% dropoff from what the two-hour finale of the original "Idol" delivered last September. In its second hour, "Idol" did a monstrous 11.7/29 in the demo.

NBC's "Let's Make a Deal" (2.3/6 in adults 18-49, 7.1 million viewers overall) and ABC's "The Family" (2.8/8 in adults 18-49, 6.1 million viewers overall) both declined in their second weeks, while the Peacock's comedy "AUSA" (2.4/6 in adults 18-49, 6.2 million viewers overall) was overwhelmed by the final half-hour of "Idol."

ABC's "According to Jim" (3.8/10 in adults 18-49) and "8 Simple Rules" (3.4/10), although overmatched opposite "Idol," nonetheless were the night's top-rated scripted programs in the demo.

CBS, with an all-repeat lineup, was led by "Judging Amy" at 10 (3.0/8 in adults 18-49, 10.9 million viewers overall).

Preliminary 18-49 averages for the night: Fox, 10.2/27; ABC, 3.1/8; NBC, 2.8/7; CBS, 2.5/7.

In total viewers: Fox, 22.0 million; CBS, 10.6 million; ABC, 7.6 million; NBC, 7.1 million.