TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"Nashville Star," 9 p.m., NBC. The next four days will be stuffed with the finales, as reality-competition shows flee from the Olympics. One of the best is "Star," with three interesting finalists. Melissa Lawson, 31, has five sons and a powerhouse voice. Gabe Garcia, 28, has a Tex-Mex flavor. Shawn Mayer, 21, is a small-town Iowan, at her best when singing about her breakup. One will be champion.

TONIGHT'S MIGHT-SEE

Teen Choice awards, 7 p.m., Fox. Miley Cyrus sings and hosts, introducing lots of young stars. They include Zac Efron, Jesse McCartney, Hayden Panettiere, Chris Brown, Selena Gomez and the Jonas Brothers. And yes, a few older folks — Mariah Carey and Steve Carell among them — will also be there.

OF NOTE

"China's First Emperor," 6 p.m., History Channel. After his mother tried to kill him, Chin Shi Huang Di became obsessed with power and self-preservation, this special says. He defeated six other states, creating the nation (China) named after him. This is a massive film that mixes re-enactments, some good, some overwrought, and talking heads.

"American Gladiators," 7 p.m., NBC. The final four collide to determine the male and female champions.

"The Closer," 9 p.m., TNT. Brenda and her fiance battle for control of a case after a man wearing a surveillance wire is gunned down.

"I Want to Work for Diddy" debut, 6 p.m., VH1. This series implies that working for Sean "Diddy" Combs makes even the "Devil Wears Prada" boss seem sweet. Tonight, a competition begins with 12 contestants, some quite annoying.

"New York Goes to Hollywood," 7 and 9 and 11:30 p.m., and "Luke's Parental Advisory," 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., debuts, VH1. Tiffany "New York" Pollard moves to Hollywood. Then we meet Luther "Luke" Campbell, who was at the center of historic obscenity cases with 2 Live Crew. Now he's 47 and trying to police his children (17 and 15), while preparing to marry a lawyer (27).