Tube Notes

American Music Awards, 7 p.m., ABC. While some people are surveying music history on PBS, others will get a quick tour of the modern scene on ABC. Britney Spears hosts the show. "‘Saturday Night Live’ had one of its highest ratings ever when she hosted," says Dick Clark, who created and produces the ceremony. She’s also up for best female pop star, facing Christina Aguilera, Faith Hill and Celine Dion. The male pop nominees are Marc Anthony, Eminem and Kid Rock; special awards go to Janet Jackson and Aerosmith.

"Boston Public," 7 p.m., Fox. Police converge on the school as they search for a murder suspect.

"Ally McBeal," 8 p.m., Fox. A multi-week showcase guest role begins for Anne Heche. She plays a woman with Tourette’s syndrome who’s accused of deliberately killing her husband with a car.

"Beverly Hills Cop," 9 p.m., USA. Eddie Murphy got some huge laughs in this story of a Detroit cop who follows a case to California. Despite the humor, however, director Martin Brest also made this a first-rate action adventure.

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