NBC's 'America's Got Talent' surges

After weeks of summer reality shows steadily dropping in the ratings, NBC's "America's Got Talent" pulled off a surprising reversal Tuesday night.

The second week of NBC's competition series surged in the Nielsens and was watched by more viewers than any non-sports program so far this summer (on broadcast or cable).

"Got Talent" earned 12.9 million viewers and a 3.7 preliminary adults 18-49 rating, up 16% from its premiere.

One reason for the rise may have been the show's lead-in, a "Got Talent" repeat (8.2 million, 2.3) that drew far more viewers than "I'm a Celebrity" brought to the time period in recent weeks. Or since the premiere was the lowest "Talent" opener ever, the gain could simply be due to some fans returning late to the show.

NBC won the night, CBS placed second with repeats and the now-routine-feeling 10 p.m. Michael Jackson news special, "48 Hours Mystery: Michael Jackson, Picking Up the Pieces" (8.1 million, 2.0), which won the hour.

ABC and Fox tied for third with gutter ball averages of 1.0 each. Fox had a movie; ABC featured an all-original lineup: the second episode of "The Superstars" (4 million, 1.3) falling 13%, "Better Off Ted" (1.8 million, 0.6) and "Primetime" (3.5 million, 0.9).

Below, check out this video clip of the Susan Boyle-ish rube-with-a-golden-voice moment from last night's "Got Talent":