Fast National ratings for Tuesday, April 15, 2008

No surprise here: " American Idol" led FOX to a ratings win Tuesday, beating back a challenge from NBC.

FOX averaged a 10.2 rating/16 share in primetime, topping NBC (7.5/12) by about 5 million viewers. ABC, 6.2/10, came in third, with CBS not far behind at 5.8/9. The CW finished well off the pace at 1.1/2.

The adults 18-49 lead also went to FOX, which drew a 6.7 rating in the key ad demographic. NBC was a healthy second at 4.5. ABC and CBS tied for third at 2.3, and The CW trailed at 0.6.

Guest mentor Mariah Carey and "American Idol" (13.7/22) easily won the 8 p.m. hour. "NCIS" put CBS in second with a solid 9.3/15. The finale of "The Biggest Loser: Couples," 5.9/9, took third for NBC. An hour of "According to Jim" came in fourth for ABC, beating out "Beauty and the Geek," 1.1/2, on The CW.

ABC took the overall lead at 9 p.m. with the "Dancing with the Stars" results show, 9.8/15. The crowning of "The Biggest Loser" (7.8/12), however, scored a better adults 18-49 rating, as did FOX's "Hell's Kitchen," 6.6/10. CBS dropped to fourth with "Big Brother: 'Til Death Do You Part," 4.3/6. The CW held steady with a "Reaper" repeat.

At 10 p.m., the return of "Law & Order: SVU" delivered an 8.8/14 for NBC. "Boston Legal," 6.2/10, came in second for ABC, while "48 Hours Mystery" drew a 3.7/6 for CBS.

Ratings information is taken from fast national data, which includes live and same-day DVR viewing. All numbers are preliminary and subject to change.