TV ratings: ‘America’s Got Talent’ beats ‘Big Brother,’ ‘MasterChef’

The semifinal round of “America’s Got Talent” was the top show Wednesday night as its ratings increased compared with last week, according to early numbers from Nielsen.

The NBC show drew about 9.89 million viewers, up a fraction of a percentage point from a week ago, and garnered a rating of 2.3 in the advertiser-desired demographic of 18-to-49-year-olds, a 5% week-to-week increase.

This round presented some surprises as child singer Anna Christine was sent packing. Six acts, including acrobatic team Chicago Boyz and dance performer Kenichi Ebina, were chosen to move on to the finals.

PHOTOS: Cable versus broadcast ratings

Wednesday night’s double-episode of “MasterChef” saw its rating fall 13% from last week, when disgraced celebrity chef Paula Deen made an appearance that was taped long before the segment aired.

The most recent “MasterChef” episode drew 5.17 million viewers and scored a rating of 2.0 among 18- to 49-year-olds.

Still, Fox won the night among the big networks in the key demo with its 2.0 average rating in prime time.

ON LOCATION: Where the cameras roll

Even without the recently evicted Aaryn Gries, who achieved notoriety for making racially charged and anti-gay remarks about fellow housemates, CBS’ “Big Brother” got its biggest Wednesday audience of the season, with 6.6 million viewers.

The reality show generated a rating of 2.2 in the 18-49 demographic, an increase of about 5% from last week. The next elimination, a double eviction, broadcasts Thursday night.

Following comedy repeats, ABC’s news magazine “The Lookout” spiked in its season finale, up 15% in total viewers to 3.81 million and up 43% among 18- to 49-year-olds to a 1.0 rating.

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ryan.faughnder@latimes.com