Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Nashville Star," 10 p.m., USA Network. Tonight, we learn which of three finalists wins a record deal. Two are veterans with soulful voices reflecting lots of living. One is a teenager who is cute enough for "American Idol." Buddy Jewell and John Arthur Martinez are each 41. Jewell has three kids; Martinez has four. A decade ago, Jewell won a couple of rounds of "Star Search." Ever since, he's been singing other people's songs on Nashville demo records. Martinez lives in his hometown of Marble Falls, Texas. There, he has an independent record label. Miranda Lambert lives in her hometown of Lindale, Texas. Her band works Dallas clubs. These people are a generation apart. (Martinez's oldest child is 20; Lambert is 19.) What they share, however, is a talent for making music with deep country roots. Last week, viewers cast their final votes, and now we'll learn who won. Also appearing will be Clint Black — who will produce the winner's album for Sony — plus Wynonna Judd, Trace Adkins and Jo Dee Messina.

Of Note

"Gladiator" (2000), 7 p.m., ABC. This powerful film won Oscars for best picture and for Russell Crowe's quietly compelling performance as an honest warrior in corrupt Rome.

"Hunter," 7 p.m., NBC. Shortly before finishing a race, a jockey and horse are shot. Hunter investigates.

"The District," 8 p.m., CBS. Charges of police brutality lead to riots.

"The Agency," 9 p.m., CBS. Stiles (Jason O'Mara) is assigned to kill someone he believes is innocent.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," 9 p.m., NBC. This rerun offers an unusual case with women raped near their cars. Now Benson and Fin (Mariska Hargitay and Ice-T) must work together. Khrystyne Haje ("Head of the Class") guests as a victim.

"Saturday Night Live," 10:30 p.m., NBC. Ashton Kutcher ("That '70s Show") hosts a new show with 50 Cent as the musical guest.