American Idol kept up the pace with another stellar ratings victory on Tuesday night.

The episode, featuring performances from the top ten girls, averaged 29.7 million viewers and a 30% share for FOX between 8pm and 9.30pm. Lead-out The War At Home scored a series high with 13.5 million from 9.30pm.

CBS put up an admirable defence with 14.9 million for military drama NCIS in the 8pm hour, before dropping to a disappointing 10.3 million for the two-hour premiere of the ninth Amazing Race. Ratings for the opener were down 18% on season seven's bow a year ago.

Deal Or No Deal continued to do well for NBC, drawing 10 million opposite Idol at 8. ABC hit a high of 11.2 million for Boston Legal in the 10pm hour.