Bo and Carrie boost ratings of ‘American Idol’

The battle between “American Idol” finalists Bo Bice and Carrie Underwood is proving a stronger draw than anyone expected.

Fox’s smash talent contest drew 28 million viewers Tuesday night, according to figures from Nielsen Media Research. That’s up 12% from last year’s Tuesday finale, which featured the final competitive performances from Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo.

Fox executives had said when “Idol” started in January that viewership might be lower this season, but that has not been the case. Numbers for Wednesday’s two-hour “Idol” wrap-up -- in which either Bice or Underwood would be named winner -- were not available by deadline, but roughly 30 million viewers were expected to tune in.

“Idol’s” potent lead-in Tuesday helped drive Fox’s hit medical drama “House” to record ratings (19.5 million viewers). ABC, meanwhile, tanked with its made-for-TV movie, “Trump Unauthorized” (5.6 million).