This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Tonight's episode of American Idol (7 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13) has been expanded from 90 minutes to two hours. Because, hey, you've got to give the judges a whole lot of time to talk about the three remaining contestants.
One of those three - Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery or Haley Reinhart - will be eliminated on Thursdays. The remaining two will compete for the "American Idol" title next week.
A lot of people still watch this show, but it just doesn't seem to create the kind of excitement it once did.
Elsewhere on TV ...
NBA playoffs (6:30 p.m., TNT): Miami Heat at Chicago Bulls
The Middle (7 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4): In the second-season finale, Axl competes against his nemesis for a job as a lifeguard.
Criminal Minds (8 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2): In the sixth-season finale, the team investigates a human trafficking ring.
Modern Family (8 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4): In the second-season finale, the family prepares for Alex's middle-school graduation.
America's Next Top Model (8 p.m., CW/Ch. 30): In the 16th season finale, a winner is declared.
Cougar Town (8:31 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4): Jules decides it's time to use some tough love on Travis.
Breaking In (8:30 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13): Cameron goes the the high school he attended to track down a cyber bully.
Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior (9 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2): The team pursues a killer who disfigures his victims' faces.
Law & Order: SVU (9 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5): In the 12th-season finale, a woman scheduled to testify in a high-profile rape case is murdered.
Top Chef Masters (11 p.m., Bravo): The chefs have to identify mystery ingredients.
South Park (11 p.m., Comedy Central): Cartman is ordered to attend anger management classes.