TUESDAY’S penultimate “American Idol” episode scored big overnight numbers for Fox.

The episode, which featured live performances by finalists Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson, notched 18.2 million viewers from 9 to 10 p.m., helping Fox easily win the night.

“Idol” performed strongly in its target demo (adults 18-49), pulling a 9.2 rating for the hour.

Tuesday’s show differed from past “Idol” installments in that judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson didn’t judge Clarkson or Guarini, who performed in the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.

However, all three judges did offer comments on the performances – with Cowell snubbing Clarkson altogether and focusing on the curly-haired Guarini.

Last night’s finale of “American Idol” was expected to draw even bigger numbers.