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Opposite mostly repeats on competing networks, Fox's "American Idol" obliterated everything in its path with a special two-hour performance episode, according to preliminary nationals from Nielsen.

"Idol" averaged an 11.5 rating/31 share in adults 18-49 and 29.4 million viewers overall from 8 to 10 p.m., beating the combined ABC-CBS-NBC-CW competition by 13 shares in adults 18-49 and by 12 shares in both adults 18-34 and 25-54. Megahit was down about 15% vs. the same night last season, primarily due to Daylight Savings Time starting earlier this year.

No other show on any net even managed a 3 demo rating, with a special 10 o'clock repeat of "CSI" on CBS coming closest (2.9/8 in 18-49, 9.2 million viewers overall). The Eye also placed second among young adults opposite "American Idol" with repeats of "NCIS" (2.5/7 in 18-49, 11.5 million viewers overall) and "The Unit" (2.0/5 in 18-49, 7.7 million viewers overall).

NBC was led by a repeat "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" at 10 (2.5/7 in 18-49, 8.2 million viewers overall), ABC by "Primetime: The Outsiders" at 9 (1.8/5 in 18-49, 5.6 million viewers overall).

At CW, the second week of "Pussycat Dolls Presents: The Search for the Next Doll" (1.1/3 in 18-49, 2.5 million viewers overall) took a hit opposite "Idol" but did eke out a second-place finish for the 9 o'clock hour among persons 12-34 (1.7/5) and continues to improve the time period.

Preliminary 18-49 averages for the night: Fox, 11.5/31; CBS, 2.5/7; NBC, 2.1/6; Univision, 1.7/5; ABC, 1.6/4; CW, 0.9/3.

In total viewers: Fox, 29.4 million; CBS, 9.5 million; NBC, 6.7 million; ABC, 5.5 million; Univision, 3.8 million; CW, 2.3 million.