'American Idol' once again leads the way

Fast National ratings for Wednesday, May 14, 2008

"American Idol" cut the field to its final two Wednesday night, and FOX once again cut down the competition.

FOX averaged a 9.3 rating/15 share in primetime and brought in nearly 5 million viewers than second-place CBS, 6.9/11. NBC drew a 5.1/8 to take third. ABC, 4.2/7, was fourth, and The CW trailed with a 2.2/4.

FOX also dominated the adults 18-49 demographic with a 5.6 rating. CBS finished second at 2.5, edging ABC's 2.4. NBC averaged 2.1 and The CW 1.6.

"Deal or No Deal" won the 8 p.m. hour for NBC, albeit with only a 5.1/9. A prime-time "Price Is Right" on CBS was a close second at 4.9/8. "Wife Swap" came in third for ABC. FOX snagged fourth with "'Til Death," 3.8/7, and "Back to You," 4.5/7. The finale of "America's Next Top Model" on The CW earned a 3.1/5.

The "American Idol" results show -- which set up a finale of David Archuleta vs. David Cook -- scored a 14.4/22 at 9 p.m. CBS improved to 8.3/13 with "Criminal Minds." A second hour of "Deal or No Deal" on NBC slipped to 4.4/7, but that was still good enough to top "Supernanny," 3.7/6, on ABC. "Farmer Wants a Wife" finished The CW's night.

CBS claimed the top spot at 10 p.m. with "CSI: NY," 7.6/12. "Law & Order" posted a 5.9/10 for NBC, while "Boston Legal" drew a 4.7/8 for ABC.

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