List of ''American Idol'' episodes

American Idol is an American singing competition television series created by Simon Fuller, produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, and distributed by FremantleMedia North America. It began airing on Fox in the United States on June 11, 2002, and ended on April 7, 2016. It started off as an addition to the Idols format based on the British series Pop Idol, and became one of the most successful shows in the history of American television. The concept of the series involves discovering recording stars from unsigned singing talents, with the winner determined by the viewers in America through telephones, Internet, and SMS text voting.

During the course of the series 555 episodes of American Idol aired over 15 seasons.

Season 1 (2002)

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Original air date	Prod. code
1	1	"Auditions"	June 11, 2002 (2002-06-11)	1001
Auditions are held in Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, New York City, Atlanta, Dallas and Miami. Of approximately 10,000 contestants, 121 are chosen to move on to Hollywood.
2	2	"Hollywood Week"	June 12, 2002 (2002-06-12)	1002
The 121 people who made it past auditions perform and are narrowed down first to 65, then to 45. The judges deliberate over the final 45 before choosing the top 30.
3	3	"Top 30: Group 1"	June 18, 2002 (2002-06-18)	1003
The first ten—Tamyra Gray, Jim Verraros, Adriel Herrera, Rodesia Eaves, Natalie Burge, Brad Estrin, Ryan Starr, Justinn Waddell, Kelli Glover and Christopher Aaron—of the top 30 perform.
4	4	"Top 30: Group 1 results"	June 19, 2002 (2002-06-19)	1004
The first three contestants to advance to the finals ten are revealed: Tamyra Gray, Ryan Starr and Jim Verraros.
5	5	"Top 30: Group 2"	June 25, 2002 (2002-06-25)	1005
The second ten—Alexis Lopez, Gil Sinuet, Angela Peel, A. J. Gil, Tenia Taylor, Alexandra Bachelier, Jazmin Lowery, Jamar, Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini—of the top 30 perform.
6	6	"Top 30: Group 2 results"	June 26, 2002 (2002-06-26)	1006
The second three for the final ten are revealed: Justin Guarini, Kelly Clarkson and A. J. Gil.
7	7	"Top 30: Group 3"	July 2, 2002 (2002-07-02)	1007
Delano Cagnolatti is disqualified from the competition for being above the age of 24. EJay Day is brought in as a replacement. The third ten—R. J. Helton, Kristin Holt, Mark Scott, Nikki McKibbin, Chris Badano, Melanie Sanders, EJay Day, Tanesha Ross, Khaleef Chiles and Christina Christian—of the top 30 perform.
8	8	"Top 30: Group 3 results"	July 3, 2002 (2002-07-03)	1008
The third group of three for the final ten are revealed: Christina Christian, Nikki McKibbin and EJay Day.
9	9	"Wildcard Show"	July 10, 2002 (2002-07-10)	1009
Five of the top 30 return to fill the one remaining spot for the finals. Kelli Glover, Christopher Aaron, Alexis Lopez, R. J. Helton and Angela Peel perform. The judges choose R. J. Helton as the tenth finalist.
10	10	"Top 10 Perform"	July 16, 2002 (2002-07-16)	1010
The top ten perform Motown songs.
11	11	"Top 10 Results"	July 17, 2002 (2002-07-17)	1011
Two finalists are eliminated: EJay Day and Jim Verraros.
12	12	"Top 8 Finalists"	July 23, 2002 (2002-07-23)	1012
The top eight finalists perform 1960s songs.
13	13	"Top 8 Results"	July 24, 2002 (2002-07-24)	1013
A. J. Gil is eliminated from the show.
14	14	"Top 7 Finalists"	July 30, 2002 (2002-07-30)	1014
The top seven finalists perform 1970s songs.
15	15	"Top 7 Results"	July 31, 2002 (2002-07-31)	1015
Ryan Starr is eliminated from the show.
16	16	"Top 6 Finalists"	August 6, 2002 (2002-08-06)	TBA
The remaining six finalists perform "Big Band" songs.
17	17	"Top 6 Results"	August 7, 2002 (2002-08-07)	1017
Christina Christian is eliminated from the show.
18	18	"Top 5 Finalists"	August 13, 2002 (2002-08-13)	1018
The top five finalists perform Burt Bacharach love songs.
19	19	"Top 5 Results"	August 14, 2002 (2002-08-14)	1019
R. J. Helton is eliminated from the show.
20	20	"Top 4 Finalists"	August 20, 2002 (2002-08-20)	1020
Only four finalists remain: Tamyra Gray, Nikki McKibbin, Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini. Each finalist performs two songs from the 1980s and the 1990s.
21	21	"Top 4 Results"	August 21, 2002 (2002-08-21)	1021
Tamyra Gray is eliminated from the show.
22	22	"Top 3 Finalists"	August 27, 2002 (2002-08-27)	1022
Each of the three finalists performs a song of their choice and a song chosen by the judges.
23	23	"Top 3 Results"	August 28, 2002 (2002-08-28)	1023
Nikki McKibbin is eliminated, leaving Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini to compete in the finals.
24	24	"Top 2 Finalists"	September 3, 2002 (2002-09-03)	1024
Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini perform three songs each.
25	25	"American Idol Season 1 Finale"	September 4, 2002 (2002-09-04)	1025
Winner: Kelly Clarkson

Season 2 (2003)

No. in season	Title	Original air date	Prod. code
1	"New York, Miami & Austin Auditions"	January 21, 2003 (2003-01-21)	-
Auditions are held in New York, Miami, and Austin.
2	"Special: American Idol Revisited"	January 21, 2003 (2003-01-21)	-
3	"Pasadena & Detroit Auditions"	January 22, 2003 (2003-01-22)	-
Auditions are held in Pasadena and Detroit.
4	"Atlanta & Nashville Auditions"	January 28, 2003 (2003-01-28)	-
Auditions are held in Atlanta and Nashville.
5	"Hollywood Week"	January 29, 2003 (2003-01-29)	-
After one week in Hollywood, 32 contestants remain.
6	"Top 32: Group 1"	February 4, 2003 (2003-02-04)	-
The first group of eight perform: Kimberly Caldwell, Patrick Fortson, J.D. Adams, Trenyce, Meosha Denton, Bettis Richardson, Charles Grigsby and Julia DeMato.
7	"Top 32: Group 1 results"	February 5, 2003 (2003-02-05)	-
Charles Grigsby and Julia DeMato advance to the top 12.
8	"Top 32: Group 2"	February 11, 2003 (2003-02-11)	-
The second group of eight perform: Clay Aiken, Candice Coleman, Rebecca Bond, Jacob John Smalley, Hadas Shalev, Ruben Studdard, Kimberley Locke and Jennifer Fuentes.
9	"Top 32: Group 2 results"	February 12, 2003 (2003-02-12)
Ruben Studdard and Kimberley Locke advance to the top 12.
10	"Top 32: Group 3"	February 18, 2003 (2003-02-18)	-
The third group of eight perform: Kimberly Kelsey, Jordan Segundo, Vanessa Olivarez, Rickey Smith, Samantha Cohen, Louis Gazzara, Equoia Coleman and George Trice.
11	"Top 32: Group 3 results"	February 19, 2003 (2003-02-19)	-
Vanessa Olivarez and Rickey Smith advance to the top 12.
12	"Special: Best of the Worst"	February 19, 2003 (2003-02-19)	-
13	"Top 32: Group 4"	February 25, 2003 (2003-02-25)	-
The final group of eight perform: Sylvia Chibiliti, Chip Days, Juanita Barber, Patrick Lake, Nasheka Siddall, Josh Gracin, Ashley Hartman and Corey Clark.
14	"Top 32: Group 4 results"	February 26, 2003 (2003-02-26)	-
Josh Gracin and Corey Clark advance to the top 12.
15	"Wildcard Show"	March 4, 2003 (2003-03-04)	-
Nine contestants are invited back to compete for the four wild card spots: Kimberly Caldwell, Clay Aiken, Nasheka Siddall, Carmen Rasmusen, Olivia Mojica, Janine Falsone, Chip Days, Aliceyn Cooney and Trenyce.
16	"Wildcard Results"	March 5, 2003 (2003-03-05)	-
Kimberly Caldwell (Randy's choice), Trenyce (Paula's choice), Carmen Rasmusen (Simon's choice), and Clay Aiken (public vote) advance to the top 12.
17	"Top 12 Perform"	March 11, 2003 (2003-03-11)	-
The top 12 finalists perform Motown Records songs.
18	"Top 12 Results"	March 12, 2003 (2003-03-12)	-
Vanessa Olivarez is eliminated from the competition.
19	"Top 11 Perform"	March 18, 2003 (2003-03-18)	-
The top 11 finalists perform movie hits.
20	"Top 11 Results"	March 19, 2003 (2003-03-19)	-
Charles Grigsby is eliminated from the show.
21	"Top 10 Perform"	March 25, 2003 (2003-03-25)	-
The top 10 finalists perform country rock songs.
22	"Top 10 Results"	March 26, 2003 (2003-03-26)	-
Julia DeMato is eliminated from the show.
23	"Top 9 Perform"	April 1, 2003 (2003-04-01)	-
The top 9 finalists perform disco songs.
24	"Top 9 Results"	April 2, 2003 (2003-04-02)	-
No finalists are eliminated due to Corey Clark's dismissal.
25	"Top 8 Perform"	April 8, 2003 (2003-04-08)	-
The top 8 finalists perform Billboard number one hits.
26	"Top 8 Results"	April 9, 2003 (2003-04-09)	-
Rickey Smith is eliminated from the show.
27	"Top 7 Perform"	April 15, 2003 (2003-04-15)	-
The top 7 finalists perform Billy Joel songs.
28	"Top 7 Results"	April 16, 2003 (2003-04-16)	-
Kimberly Caldwell is eliminated from the show.
29	"Special: Halfway Home"	April 21, 2003 (2003-04-21)	-
The show looks back at the contestants' journey thus far.
30	"Top 6 Perform"	April 22, 2003 (2003-04-22)	-
The top 6 finalists sing Diane Warren songs. Warren is the guest judge.
31	"Top 6 Results"	April 23, 2003 (2003-04-23)	-
Carmen Rasmusen is eliminated from the show.
32	"Top 5 Perform"	April 29, 2003 (2003-04-29)	-
The top 5 finalists each perform a 1960s song and a Neil Sedaka song.
33	"Top 5 Results"	April 30, 2003 (2003-04-30)	-
Trenyce is eliminated from the show.
34	"Top 4 Perform"	May 6, 2003 (2003-05-06)	-
The remaining four finalists perform two songs each from The Bee Gees.
35	"Top 4 Results"	May 7, 2003 (2003-05-07)	-
Josh Gracin is eliminated from the show.
36	"Top 3 Perform"	May 13, 2003 (2003-05-13)	-
Each of the three finalists perform a random song, a song of their choice, and a song of the judges' choice.
37	"Top 3 Results"	May 14, 2003 (2003-05-14)	-
Kimberley Locke is eliminated from the show.
38	"Top 2 Special"	May 19, 2003 (2003-05-19)	-
39	"Top 2 Showdown"	May 20, 2003 (2003-05-20)	-
Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken perform three songs each.
40	"American Idol Season 2 Finale"	May 21, 2003 (2003-05-21)	-
Winner: Ruben Studdard

Season 3 (2004)

No. in season	Title	Original air date	Prod. code
1	"Audition episode: New York"	January 19, 2004 (2004-01-19)	-
Audition held in New York.
2	"Audition episode: Atlanta"	January 20, 2004 (2004-01-20)	-
Audition held in Atlanta. Fantasia audition.
3	"Audition episode: Houston"	January 21, 2004 (2004-01-21)	-
Audition held in Houston.
4	"Audition episode: Los Angeles and San Francisco"	January 27, 2004 (2004-01-27)	-
Audition held in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
5	"Audition episode: Hawaii"	January 28, 2004 (2004-01-28)	-
Audition held in Hawaii.
6	"Audition episode: Road to Hollywood, Best and Worst of the Rest"	February 2, 2004 (2004-02-02)	-
Compilation of various auditions.
7	"Hollywood Week: Part 1"	February 3, 2004 (2004-02-03)	-
Hollywood week, individual and group round.
8	"Hollywood Week: Part 2"	February 4, 2004 (2004-02-04)	-
Hollywood week, Top 32 chosen
9	"Top 32: Group 1"	February 10, 2004 (2004-02-10)	-
The first group of 8 performs: Diana DeGarmo, Marque Lynche, Ashley Thomas, Katie Webber, Erskine Walcott, Jennifer Hudson, Matthew Metzger and Fantasia Barrino.
10	"Top 32: Group 1 Results"	February 11, 2004 (2004-02-11)	-
Advancing to the Top 12: Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo.
11	"Top 32: Group 2"	February 17, 2004 (2004-02-17)	-
The second group of 8 performs: Matthew Rogers, Brianna Ramirez-Rial, Noel Roman, Kara Master, Lisa Leuschner, Jesus Roman, Camile Velasco, Mariso Joy
12	"Top 32: Group 2 Results"	February 18, 2004 (2004-02-18)	-
Advancing to the Top 12: Camile Velasco and Matthew Rogers
13	"Top 32: Group 3"	2004 (2004)
The third group of 8 performs: Elizabeth LeTendre, Eric Yoder, Amy Adams, Jon Peter Lewis, Charly Lowry, Jonah Moananu, Leah LaBelle, LaToya London.
14	"Top 32: Group 3 Results"	February 25, 2004 (2004-02-25)	-
Advancing to the Top 12: LaToya London and Amy Adams
15	"Special: Uncut, Uncensored and Untalented"	March 1, 2004 (2004-03-01)	-
Special episode dedicated to contestants that didn't make it or never previous shown, and featured William Hung.
16	"Top 32: Group 4"	March 2, 2004 (2004-03-02)	-
The final group of 8 performs: Suzy Vulaca, John Preator, Heather Piccinini, John Stevens, Jasmine Trias, George Huff, Lisa Wilson, Tiara Purifoy.
17	"Top 32: Group 4 Results"	March 3, 2004 (2004-03-03)	-
Advancing to the Top 12: John Stevens and Jasmine Trias.
18	"Wildcard"	March 9, 2004 (2004-03-09)	-
Eliminated: Lisa Leuschner, Marque Lynche, Tiara Purifoy and Eric Yoder. Selected: Jon Peter Lewis, Elizabeth LeTendre, Katie Webber, George Huff, Suzy Vulaca, Matthew Metzger, Leah LaBelle, Jennifer Hudson.
19	"Wildcard Results"	March 10, 2004 (2004-03-10)	-
Advancing to the Top 12: Jennifer Hudson (Randy's choice), Leah LaBelle (Paula's choice), George Huff (Simon's choice), Jon Peter Lewis (Public vote)
20	"Top 12 Perform"	March 16, 2004 (2004-03-16)	-
Theme:Soul
21	"Top 12 Results"	March 17, 2004 (2004-03-17)	-
Leah LaBelle is eliminated from the show.
22	"Top 11 Perform"	March 23, 2004 (2004-03-23)	-
Theme: Country
23	"Top 11 Results"	March 24, 2004 (2004-03-24)	-
Eliminated: Matthew Rogers
24	"Top 10 Perform"	March 30, 2004 (2004-03-30)	-
Theme: Motown
25	"Top 10 Results"	March 31, 2004 (2004-03-31)	-
The Top 10 perform "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. Eliminated: Amy Adams
26	"Top 9 Perform"	April 6, 2004 (2004-04-06)	-
Theme: Elton John
27	"Top 9 Results"	April 7, 2004 (2004-04-07)	-
The Top 9 perform an Elton John medley – "Bennie and the Jets", "Daniel", "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting", "Can You Feel the Love Tonight". Eliminated: Camile Velasco
28	"Top 8 Perform"	April 14, 2004 (2004-04-14)	-
Theme: Movie soundtracks
29	"Top 8 Results"	April 15, 2004 (2004-04-15)	-
Eliminated: Jon Peter Lewis
30	"Top 7 Perform"	April 20, 2004 (2004-04-20)	-
Theme: Barry Manilow
31	"Top 7 Results"	April 21, 2004 (2004-04-21)	-
The remaining seven perform "Let Freedom Ring" with Barry Manilow. Jennifer Hudson is eliminated.
32	"Top 6 Perform"	April 27, 2004 (2004-04-27)	-
Theme: Gloria Estefan
33	"Top 6 Results"	April 28, 2004 (2004-04-28)	-
The remaining six perform a Gloria Estefan medley. John Stevens is eliminated from the show.
34	"Special: Final Five"	May 3, 2004 (2004-05-03)	-
35	"Top 5 Perform"	May 4, 2004 (2004-05-04)	-
Theme: Big Band The Top 5 sings 2 songs each.
36	"Top 5 Results"	May 5, 2004 (2004-05-05)	-
Eliminated: George Huff
37	"Top 4 Perform"	May 11, 2004 (2004-05-11)	-
The remaining four perform Disco
38	"Top 4 Results"	May 12, 2004 (2004-05-12)	-
The Top 4 sings a Donna Summer medley with Clay Aiken. LaToya London is eliminated.
39	"Special: The Final 3 '94"	May 17, 2004 (2004-05-17)	-
40	"Top 3 Perform"	May 18, 2004 (2004-05-18)	-
Theme: Idols' Choice, Judges' Choice, Clive's Choice
41	"Top 3 Results"	May 19, 2004 (2004-05-19)	-
Eliminated: Jasmine Trias
42	"Special: American Idol: The Phenomenon"	May 23, 2004 (2004-05-23)	-
How American Idol became the top-rated show in key demo.
43	"Top 2 Perform (Finale)"	May 25, 2004 (2004-05-25)	-
Each contestant sings 3 songs – a new song, a previous song, and contestant's favourite.
44	"American Idol Season 3 Finale"	May 26, 2004 (2004-05-26)	-
The 10 eliminated finalists rejoins with the Top 2 to perform "The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha (with Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard) and the Theme medley "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" by Aretha Franklin & George Michael. Fantasia Barrino is crowned winner.

Season 4 (2005)

No. in season	Title	Original air date	Prod. code
1	"Washington D.C. Auditions"	January 18, 2005 (2005-01-18)	-
Auditions are held in Washington, D.C.
2	"St. Louis, Missouri Auditions"	January 19, 2005 (2005-01-19)	-
Auditions are held in St. Louis.
3	"New Orleans, Louisiana Auditions"	January 25, 2005 (2005-01-25)	-
Auditions are held in New Orleans.
4	"Las Vegas, Nevada Auditions"	January 26, 2005 (2005-01-26)	-
Auditions are held in Las Vegas.
5	"Cleveland, Ohio & Orlando, Florida Auditions"	February 1, 2005 (2005-02-01)	-
Auditions are held in Cleveland and Orlando.
6	"San Francisco, California Auditions"	February 2, 2005 (2005-02-02)	-
Auditions are held in San Francisco.
7	"Hollywood Day 1"	February 8, 2005 (2005-02-08)	-
Contestants perform solo with a piano.
8	"Hollywood Day 2"	February 9, 2005 (2005-02-09)	-
Contestants perform in groups of three.
9	"Hollywood Day 3"	February 15, 2005 (2005-02-15)	-
Contestants perform solo a cappella. The judges cut the contestants down to 44.
10	"Hollywood Day 4"	February 16, 2005 (2005-02-16)	-
The Top 24 semifinalists were revealed: Aloha Mischeaux, Amanda Avila, Anthony Fedorov, Anwar Robinson, Bo Bice, Carrie Underwood, Celena Rae, Constantine Maroulis, David Brown, Janay Castine, Jared Yates, Jessica Sierra, Joseph Murena, Judd Harris, Lindsey Cardinale, Mario Vazquez, Melinda Lira, Mikalah Gordon, Nadia Turner, Nikko Smith, Sarah Mather, Scott Savol, Travis Tucker and Vonzell Solomon.
11	"Top 12 Men Perform"	February 21, 2005 (2005-02-21)	-
The Top 12 men perform.
12	"Top 12 Women Perform"	February 22, 2005 (2005-02-22)	-
Top 12 women perform.
13	"Top 24 Results"	February 23, 2005 (2005-02-23)	-
Jared Yates and Judd Harris are eliminated from the men's competition. Melinda Lira and Sarah Mather are eliminated from the women's competition.
14	"Top 10 Men Perform"	February 28, 2005 (2005-02-28)	-
Top 10 men perform.
15	"Top 10 Women Perform"	March 1, 2005 (2005-03-01)	-
Top 10 women perform.
16	"Top 20 Results"	March 2, 2005 (2005-03-02)	-
From the men's side, Joseph Murena and David Brown are eliminated. Celena Rae and Aloha Mischeaux are eliminated from the women's competition.
17	"Top 8 Men Perform"	March 7, 2005 (2005-03-07)	-
Top 8 men perform.
18	"Top 8 Women Perform"	March 8, 2005 (2005-03-08)	-
Top 8 women perform.
19	"Top 16 Results"	March 9, 2005 (2005-03-09)	-
Travis Tucker and Nikko Smith are eliminated from the men's competition. Janay Castine and Amanda Avila are eliminated from the women's competition.
20	"Top 12 Perform"	March 15, 2005 (2005-03-15)	-
The top 12 finalists perform songs from the 1960s. Nikko Smith returns after Mario Vazquez withdraws from the show.
21	"Top 12 Results"	March 16, 2005 (2005-03-16)	-
Lindsey Cardinale is eliminated from the competition. The Top 12 perform the first single choice, "When You Tell Me That You Love Me".
22	"Top 11 Perform"	March 22, 2005 (2005-03-22)	-
The top 11 finalists perform Billboard #1 hits.
23	"Top 11 Finalists Repeat Special"	March 23, 2005 (2005-03-23)	-
A graphics glitch in the recap of the previous show caused the votes to be nullified. Videos of the previous episodes' performances are shown instead of the contestants performing again.
24	"Top 11 Results"	March 24, 2005 (2005-03-24)	-
Mikalah Gordon is eliminated from the competition; The Top 11 sing the second single choice, "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother".
25	"Top 10 Perform"	March 29, 2005 (2005-03-29)	-
The top 10 finalists perform songs from the 1990s.
26	"Top 10 Results"	March 30, 2005 (2005-03-30)	-
Jessica Sierra is eliminated from the competition. The top 10 sing the third single choice, "Everything Is Beautiful".
27	"Top 9 Perform"	April 5, 2005 (2005-04-05)	-
The top 9 finalists perform songs from Broadway.
28	"Top 9 Results"	April 6, 2005 (2005-04-06)	-
Nikko Smith is eliminated from the competition; Fantasia Barrino performs "Truth Is" and "I Believe."
29	"Top 8 Perform"	April 12, 2005 (2005-04-12)	-
Contestants perform a song from their birth year.
30	"Top 8 Results"	April 13, 2005 (2005-04-13)	-
The Bottom 3 sing their favorite songs from the season. Nadia Turner is eliminated from the competition. The Top 8 sing "When You Tell Me That You Love Me". A mini-special is shown ("Week in the life of an American Idol").
31	"Top 7 Perform"	April 19, 2005 (2005-04-19)	-
The top 7 finalists sing 1970s dance music.
32	"Top 7 Results"	April 20, 2005 (2005-04-20)	-
Anwar Robinson is eliminated from the competition. The Top 7 sing "You Can Shine."
33	"Top 6 Perform"	April 26, 2005 (2005-04-26)	-
The top 6 finalists perform songs from the 2000s.
34	"Top 6 Results"	April 27, 2005 (2005-04-27)	-
Constantine Maroulis is eliminated from the competition. The Top 6 sing "Emotions."
35	"Top 5 Perform"	May 3, 2005 (2005-05-03)	-
The final 5 contestants perform songs from Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and songs on this week's Billboard chart.
36	"Top 5 Results"	May 4, 2005 (2005-05-04)	-
Scott Savol is eliminated from the competition. The Top 5 sing "Bridge Over Troubled Water".
37	"Top 4 Perform"	May 10, 2005 (2005-05-10)	-
The four remaining finalists perform a country song and a song from Gamble and Huff.
38	"Top 4 Results"	May 11, 2005 (2005-05-11)	-
The Top 4's auditions are shown again. Anthony Fedorov is eliminated from the competition. The Top 4 sing "Islands In The Stream".
39	"Top 3 Perform"	May 17, 2005 (2005-05-17)	-
Each of the three finalists perform a song of Clive Davis's choice, a song of their choice, and a song of the judges' choice.
40	"Top 3 Results"	May 18, 2005 (2005-05-18)	-
Vonzell Solomon is eliminated from the competition. Footage from the contestants' trips back home is shown. The Top 3 sing "United We Stand".
41	"American Idol Presents The World's Worst Auditions"	May 19, 2005 (2005-05-19)	-
42	"Top 2 Perform"	May 24, 2005 (2005-05-24)	-
Bo Bice and Carrie Underwood perform three songs each.
43	"American Idol Season 4 Finale"	May 25, 2005 (2005-05-25)	-
The top 12 finalists return to perform together. Rascal Flatts performs "Bless the Broken Road" with Carrie Underwood. Anthony Fedorov and Anwar Robinson perform "I Believe I Can Fly" with Kenny G. Kenny Wayne Shepherd performs with Constantine Maroulis, Jessica Sierra, and Nadia Turner. Scott Savol and Nikko Smith perform with George Benson. Vonzell Solomon performs with Billy Preston. Lindsey Cardinale and Mikalah Gordon sing "Everytime I Close My Eyes" with Babyface. The last performance is Bo Bice and Lynyrd Skynyrd singing "Sweet Home Alabama". Carrie Underwood is announced as the winner of American Idol Season 4.

Season 5 (2006)

No. in season	Title	Original air date	Prod. code
1	"Chicago, Illinois Auditions"	January 17, 2006 (2006-01-17)	-
Auditions were held in Soldier Field. 34 people made it to Hollywood. Semifinalists shown: David Radford, Gedeon McKinney, and Mandisa. Simon jokes about Mandisa's size: when Paula says "she reminds me of Frenchie Davis", Simon replies "Forget Frenchie. She's France."
2	"Denver, Colorado Auditions"	January 18, 2006 (2006-01-18)	-
Auditions were held in INVESCO Field. 35 people made it to Hollywood. Semifinalists shown: Lisa Tucker, Ace Young, Chris Daughtry, and Heather Cox. Simon tells Lisa that she is the best 16-year-old the show has yet seen. Chris' wife screams as Chris walks out with ticket. A clip is also shown of his country home in North Carolina, where he lives with his wife and stepchildren.
3	"Greensboro, North Carolina Auditions"	January 24, 2006 (2006-01-24)	-
Auditions were held in the Greensboro Coliseum. 33 people made it to Hollywood. Semifinalists shown: Kellie Pickler, Paris Bennett, Bucky Covington and Kinnik Sky.
4	"San Francisco, California Auditions"	January 25, 2006 (2006-01-25)	-
18 people made it to Hollywood. Semifinalists shown: Katharine McPhee and Jose "Sway" Penala. In a dispute with Randy, Simon walks out of the judging.
5	"Las Vegas, Nevada Auditions"	January 31, 2006 (2006-01-31)	-
11 people made it to Hollywood. Semifinalists shown: Taylor Hicks and Patrick Hall. Bobie May, the 'psychic' who predicted she was going to be in the top 10 of the previous season, returned in this episode.
6	"Austin, Texas Auditions"	February 1, 2006 (2006-02-01)	-
12 people made it to Hollywood. Some of the rejected auditions included Alison Schoening, Tessa Mae Reid, Cierra Johnson. One contestant sings the "Jigglypuff" song from Pokémon and is rejected. Semifinalists shown: Will Makar.
7	"Boston, Massachusetts Auditions"	February 7, 2006 (2006-02-07)	-
28 people made it to Hollywood. Semifinalists shown: Ayla Brown, Becky O'Donohue, Kevin Covais and Elliott Yamin.
8	"Hollywood Round 1"	February 8, 2006 (2006-02-08)	-
99 people make it to the next round. Ten songs were heard: "Hopelessly Devoted To You" (Olivia Newton-John); "If" (Bread); "If I Ever Fall In Love" (Shai); "The First Cut Is The Deepest" (Sheryl Crow), performed by Chris Daughtry and Ace Young; "Can't Fight The Moonlight" (LeAnn Rimes); "I Believe In You And Me" (Whitney Houston); "I'll Never Love This Way Again" (Dionne Warrick); "Bless the Broken Road" (Rascal Flatts); "Dim All The Lights" (Donna Summer); and "Bat Out Of Hell" (Meat Loaf).
9	"Hollywood Round 2"	February 14, 2006 (2006-02-14)	-
44 people made it to the next round. Derrell Brittenum had quit the competition for both he and his brother, Terrell, because he had thought Terrell had been eliminated. After Terrell told Derrell that he was not eliminated, Derrell went back and apologized to the judges, asking to let them back in. The judges said the both of them could, and not everybody was happy. Brenna Gethers does not get along with her group members Marcy Smith and Nick Whitten. Elliott Yamin is shown, along with group member Josè "Sway" Penala.
10	"Top 24 Semifinalists Revealed"	February 15, 2006 (2006-02-15)	-
The Brittenum twins are disqualified due to criminal charges. The top 24 semifinalists were: Ayla Brown, Becky O'Donohue, Ace Young, Bobby Bennett, Brenna Gethers, Heather Cox, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, David Radford, Elliott Yamin, Kinnik Sky, Lisa Tucker, Gedeon McKinney, Josè "Sway" Penala, Mandisa, Melissa McGhee, Kevin Covais, Patrick Hall, Paris Bennett, Stephanie "Stevie" Scott, Taylor Hicks, and Will Makar. Simon apologizes to Mandisa.
11	"Top 12 Women Perform"	February 21, 2006 (2006-02-21)	-
The top twelve women perform their own choice of songs.
12	"Top 12 Men Perform"	February 22, 2006 (2006-02-22)	-
The top twelve men perform their own choice of songs.
13	"Top 24 Results"	February 23, 2006 (2006-02-23)	-
Four semi-finalists are eliminated: Becky O'Donohue, Bobby Bennett, Stevie Scott, and Patrick Hall.
14	"Top 10 Women Perform"	February 28, 2006 (2006-02-28)	-
The top ten women perform their own choice of songs.
15	"Top 10 Men Perform"	March 1, 2006 (2006-03-01)	-
The top ten men perform their own choice of songs.
16	"Top 16 Semifinalists Revealed"	March 2, 2006 (2006-03-02)	-
Carrie Underwood, guest performer, sings "Jesus, Take the Wheel." Four people go home: Brenna Gethers, Heather Cox, David Radford, and Josè "Sway" Penala.
17	"Top 8 Women Perform"	March 7, 2006 (2006-03-07)	-
The top eight women perform their own choice of songs.
18	"Top 8 Men Perform"	March 8, 2006 (2006-03-08)	-
The top eight men perform their own choice of songs.
19	"Top 12 Finalists Revealed"	March 9, 2006 (2006-03-09)	-
Guest performer Bo Bice sings "The Real Thing." Derrell and Terrell Brittenum are spotted in the audience. The top twelve finalists are revealed, as Kinnik Sky, Will Makar, Ayla Brown, and Gedeon McKinney are eliminated.
20	"Stevie Wonder Theme"	March 14, 2006 (2006-03-14)	-
The top 12 finalists perform Stevie Wonder songs.
21	"Top 12 Results"	March 15, 2006 (2006-03-15)	-
Stevie Wonder performs "My Love Is On Fire." The bottom three are Ace Young, Melissa McGhee, and Lisa Tucker. McGhee is eliminated.
22	"1950s Theme"	March 21, 2006 (2006-03-21)	-
The top eleven finalists perform songs from the 1950s.
23	"Top 11 Results"	March 22, 2006 (2006-03-22)	-
Barry Manilow performs. Bobby Bennett appears in the audience. The bottom three are Kevin Covais, Lisa Tucker, and Bucky Covington. Covais is eliminated.
24	"Top 10 Perform"	March 28, 2006 (2006-03-28)	-
The top ten finalists perform songs within the past six years.
25	"Top 10 Results"	March 29, 2006 (2006-03-29)	-
Shakira and Wyclef Jean perform "Hips Don't Lie." The bottom three are Lisa Tucker, Ace Young, and Katharine McPhee. Tucker is eliminated.
26	"Top 9 Perform"	April 4, 2006 (2006-04-04)	-
The top nine finalists work with Kenny Rogers to perform their own versions of country music songs.
27	"Top 9 Results"	April 5, 2006 (2006-04-05)	-
Kenny Rogers performs. The remaining finalists are placed into three groups. The first group consists of Ace Young, Katharine McPhee, and Bucky Covington. The second group consists of Mandisa, Elliott Yamin, and Paris Bennett. The third group consists of Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry, and Kellie Pickler. It is announced that the middle group is the bottom three, and Mandisa is eliminated.
28	"Top 8 Perform"	April 11, 2006 (2006-04-11)	-
The top eight finalists work with Brian May and Roger Taylor to perform their own versions of classic Queen songs.
29	"Top 8 Results"	April 12, 2006 (2006-04-12)	-
The top eight finalists perform a group medley of Queen songs. The finalists watch videos from their families. Will Makar appears in the audience. The bottom three are Elliott Yamin, Ace Young, and Bucky Covington. Covington is eliminated.
30	"Top 7 Perform"	April 18, 2006 (2006-04-18)	-
The top seven finalists work with Rod Stewart to perform their own versions of classic songs from the Great American Songbook.
31	"Top 7 Results"	April 19, 2006 (2006-04-19)	-
Rod Stewart performs "The Way You Look Tonight." The remaining finalists except for Taylor Hicks (who is announced to be the highest vote-getter) are split into two groups. The far right group consists of Chris Daughtry, Ace Young, and Paris Bennett. The far left group consists of Elliott Yamin, Katharine McPhee, and Kellie Pickler. Hicks is asked to join the group he thinks is the top three. He starts to walk toward Chris' group but when Ryan Seacrest tells him he's wrong, Hicks immediately shakes hands with Daughtry and goes to the other group instead. It is announced that Daughtry's group is the bottom three, and Ace Young is eliminated.
32	"Classic Top 6 Perform"	April 25, 2006 (2006-04-25)	-
The top six finalists work with Andrea Bocelli and David Foster to perform their own versions of classic love songs.
33	"Top 6 Results"	April 26, 2006 (2006-04-26)	-
Andrea Bocelli performs. The remaining finalists are split into three groups of two. The far left group consists of Chris Daughtry and Katharine McPhee. The middle group consists of Taylor Hicks and Elliott Yamin. The far right group consists of Paris Bennett and Kellie Pickler. It is announced that the far left group are the highest vote-getters, the middle group somewhere in between, and the far right group the lowest. Pickler is eliminated.
34	"Top 5 Perform"	May 2, 2006 (2006-05-02)	-
The top five finalists perform their own versions of two hit songs: one from their year of birth and one from the current Billboard chart.
35	"Top 5 Results"	May 3, 2006 (2006-05-03)	-
The bottom two are Paris Bennett and Elliott Yamin, and Bennett is eliminated.
36	"Top 4 Perform"	May 9, 2006 (2006-05-09)	-
The top four finalists perform their own versions of classic Elvis Presley songs (two each).
37	"Top 4 Results"	May 10, 2006 (2006-05-10)	-
Archived footage is shown of the four finalists touring Graceland. The four finalists perform together. Rebecca Romijn requests for an encore of Taylor Hicks' rendition of "Jailhouse Rock." The bottom two are Chris Daughtry and Katharine McPhee, and Daughtry is eliminated.
38	"Top 3 Perform"	May 16, 2006 (2006-05-16)	-
The top three finalists perform three songs each: their own choice of a song they have previously performed on the show, a designated judge's choice, and Clive Davis' choice.
39	"Top 3 Results"	May 17, 2006 (2006-05-17)	-
The top three finalists spend a day in their hometowns (archived footage). They perform a song together live. It is announced that 33.68% and 33.26% of the votes went to the top two finalists, and 33.06% for the lowest vote-getter. Elliott Yamin is announced as the lowest vote-getter and is eliminated.
40	"Top 2 Perform"	May 23, 2006 (2006-05-23)	-
The top two finalists perform, Katherine McPhee and Taylor Hicks,songs they deem as their best of the season, and a debut single from American Idol.
41	"American Idol Season 5 Finale"	May 24, 2006 (2006-05-24)	-
The top twelve finalists return to perform. Guest entertainers also perform. Taylor Hicks is announced as the winner.

Season 6 (2007)

No. in season	Title	Original air date	Prod. code
1	"Minneapolis, Minnesota Auditions"	January 16, 2007 (2007-01-16)	601 & 602
Auditions takes place in Target Center. Guest judge Jewel helps Randy, Paula, and Simon. 17 people make it to Hollywood.
2	"Seattle, Washington Auditions"	January 17, 2007 (2007-01-17)	-
Audition takes place in KeyArena. 14 people made it to Hollywood. Semifinalists shown: Blake Lewis, Sanjaya Malakar, Rudy Cardenas, Jordin Sparks
3	"Memphis, Tennessee Auditions"	January 23, 2007 (2007-01-23)	-
Audition takes place in FedEx Forum. 22 people make it to Hollywood. Semifinalists shown: Sundance Head, Melinda Doolittle, Phil Stacey
4	"New York City, New York Auditions"	January 24, 2007 (2007-01-24)	-
Audition takes place in Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Carole Bayer Sager guests the judging panel. 35 people made it to Hollywood. One contestant dressed up as Alvin from Alvin and the Chipmunks. Semifinalists shown: Antonella Barba, Chris Richardson, Nick Pedro
5	"Birmingham, Alabama Auditions"	January 30, 2007 (2007-01-30)	-
Audition takes place at Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. 20 people make it to Hollywood. Semifinalists shown: Chris Sligh
6	"Los Angeles, California Auditions"	January 31, 2007 (2007-01-31)	-
Auditions are held at Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Olivia Newton-John becomes guest judge. 39 people made it to Hollywood. Semifinalists shown: Alaina Alexander, Brandon Rogers
7	"San Antonio, Texas Auditions"	February 6, 2007 (2007-02-06)	-
Auditions are held at Alamodome. 22 people made it to Hollywood. Semifinalists shown: Haley Scarnato
8	"Best of the Rest Auditions"	February 7, 2007 (2007-02-07)	-
A showcase of the best and worst auditions from the seven cities. Semifinalists shown: Paul Kim, Gina Glocksen, LaKisha Jones
9	"Hollywood Round"	February 13, 2007 (2007-02-13)	-
A summary of the events of Hollywood Week at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, California.
10	"Final 24 Verdict"	February 14, 2007 (2007-02-14)	-
The group of 40 is whittled down to 24. The semifinalists were revealed.
11	"Top 12 Men Perform"	February 20, 2007 (2007-02-20)	-
The Top 12 Men perform with their personal choice of songs
12	"Top 12 Women Perform"	February 21, 2007 (2007-02-21)	-
The Top 12 Women perform with their personal choice of songs
13	"Top 24 Results"	February 22, 2007 (2007-02-22)	-
Fantasia performs "I'm Here" from The Color Purple. Semifinalists Paul Kim, Amy Krebs, Nicole Tranquillo, and Rudy Cardenas are eliminated.
14	"Top 10 Men Perform"	February 27, 2007 (2007-02-27)	-
The Top 10 Men perform with their personal choice of songs
15	"Top 10 Women Perform"	February 28, 2007 (2007-02-28)	-
The Top 10 Women perform with their personal choice of songs
16	"Top 20 Results"	March 1, 2007 (2007-03-01)	-
Kellie Pickler performs "I Wonder". Semifinalists Nick Pedro, Alaina Alexander, AJ Tabaldo, and Leslie Hunt are eliminated.
17	"Top 8 Men Perform"	March 6, 2007 (2007-03-06)	-
The Top 8 Men perform with their personal choice of songs
18	"Top 8 Women Perform"	March 7, 2007 (2007-03-07)	-
The Top 8 Women perform with their personal choice of songs
19	"Top 12 Revealed"	March 8, 2007 (2007-03-08)	-
Carrie Underwood performs "Wasted". Semifinalists Jared Cotter, Antonella Barba, Sabrina Sloan, and Sundance Head are eliminated. The Top 12 contestants are revealed: Blake Lewis, Chris Richardson, Gina Glocksen, Haley Scarnato, Jordin Sparks, LaKisha Jones, Melinda Doolittle, Phil Stacey, Sanjaya Malakar, Chris Sligh, Stephanie Edwards, and Brandon Rogers.
20	"Top 12 Perform"	March 13, 2007 (2007-03-13)	-
The top 12 finalists perform songs by Diana Ross.
21	"Top 12 Results"	March 14, 2007 (2007-03-14)	-
Diana Ross sings "More Today Than Yesterday", from her latest album I Love You, and the Top 12 performed a medley of three Supremes' hits: "Where Did Our Love Go", "Baby Love" and "Stop! In the Name of Love". Brandon Rogers is eliminated.
22	"Top 11 Perform"	March 20, 2007 (2007-03-20)	-
The theme for the week is "British Invasion", with guest mentors Peter Noone and Lulu.
23	"Top 11 Results"	March 21, 2007 (2007-03-21)	-
Peter Noone performs "There's a Kind of Hush", and Lulu performs "To Sir, With Love". Stephanie Edwards is eliminated.
24	"Top 10 Perform"	March 27, 2007 (2007-03-27)	-
The top 10 finalists perform songs by No Doubt and songs by singers who inspired Gwen Stefani.
25	"Top 10 Results"	March 28, 2007 (2007-03-28)	-
Gwen Stefani and Akon perform "The Sweet Escape". Chris Sligh is eliminated.
26	"Top 9 Perform"	April 3, 2007 (2007-04-03)	-
The top 9 finalists perform American classics with guest mentor Tony Bennett.
27	"Top 9 Results"	April 4, 2007 (2007-04-04)	-
Tony Bennett is unable to perform due to a case of the flu; Michael Bublé performs Frank Sinatra's "Call Me Irresponsible". Gina Glocksen is eliminated.
28	"Top 8 Perform"	April 10, 2007 (2007-04-10)	-
The top 8 finalists perform Latin songs. Jennifer Lopez is the guest mentor for the week.
29	"Top 8 Results"	April 11, 2007 (2007-04-11)	-
The top 8 sing "Bailamos" by Enrique Iglesias, Akon performs "Don't Matter", and Jennifer Lopez performs "Qué Hiciste". Haley Scarnato is eliminated.
30	"Top 7 Perform"	April 17, 2007 (2007-04-17)	-
The top 7 finalists perform country songs. Martina McBride is the guest mentor for the week.
31	"Top 7 Results"	April 18, 2007 (2007-04-18)	-
The top 7 sing Jo Dee Messina's "I'm Alright," Fergie (singer) performs "Big Girls Don't Cry", and Martina McBride performs "Anyway". Sanjaya Malakar is eliminated.
32	"Top 6 Perform"	April 24, 2007 (2007-04-24)	-
The top 6 finalists perform inspirational songs. Bono is the guest mentor for the week.
33	"Idol Gives Back"	April 25, 2007 (2007-04-25)	-
A charity special to give back to people in poverty in both Africa and the United States (including those affected by Hurricane Katrina). No contestants are eliminated this week.
34	"Top 6 Perform Again"	May 1, 2007 (2007-05-01)	-
The top 6 finalists perform songs by Bon Jovi.
35	"Top 6 Results"	May 2, 2007 (2007-05-02)	-
Robin Thicke performs "Lost Without U", and Bon Jovi sings "(You Want to) Make a Memory". Two contestants (Phil Stacey and Chris Richardson) are eliminated after eliminating none in last week's "Idol Gives Back" special. (The totals from the week before were added to that week's votes.)
36	"Top 4 Perform"	May 8, 2007 (2007-05-08)	-
The remaining four finalists perform songs by the Bee Gees.
37	"Top 4 Results"	May 9, 2007 (2007-05-09)	-
Pink (singer) performs "Who Knew", the top 4 sing a medley of Barry Gibb penned songs, and Barry Gibb performs " To Love Somebody (song)". LaKisha Jones is eliminated.
38	"Top 3 Perform"	May 15, 2007 (2007-05-15)	-
Each of the remaining three contestants perform a song of the judges' choice, producers' choice, and contestant's choice.
39	"Top 3 Results"	May 16, 2007 (2007-05-16)	-
Elliott Yamin sings "Wait for You", and Maroon 5 performs "Makes Me Wonder". Melinda Doolittle is eliminated.
40	"Top 2 Perform"	May 22, 2007 (2007-05-22)	-
Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis each sing a song of their choice, a song they previously sung, and the winning song of the American Idol Songwriter Contest and Daughtry performed Home.
41	"American Idol Season 6 Finale"	May 23, 2007 (2007-05-23)	-
Jordin Sparks is crowned the winner. Eliminated: Blake Lewis

Season 7 (2008)

No. in season	Title	Original air date	Prod. code
1	"Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Auditions"	January 15, 2008 (2008-01-15)	701 & 702
29 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from Philadelphia. Semifinalists Shown: Kristy Lee Cook and Brooke White.
2	"Dallas, Texas Auditions"	January 16, 2008 (2008-01-16)	703 & 704
24 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from Dallas. Semifinalists Shown: Alaina Whitaker, Kady Malloy, Jason Castro, Amy Davis, and Jason Yeager.
3	"San Diego, California Auditions"	January 22, 2008 (2008-01-22)	705
31 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from San Diego. Semifinalists Shown: Michael Johns, David Archuleta and Carly Smithson.
4	"Charleston, South Carolina Auditions"	January 23, 2008 (2008-01-23)	706
23 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from Charleston. Semifinalists Shown: None
5	"Omaha, Nebraska Auditions"	January 29, 2008 (2008-01-29)	707
19 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from Omaha. Semifinalists Shown: David Cook, Luke Menard.
6	"Miami, Florida Auditions"	January 30, 2008 (2008-01-30)	708
17 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from Miami. Semifinalists Shown: Robbie Carrico, Ramiele Malubay and Syesha Mercado.
7	"Atlanta, Georgia Auditions"	February 5, 2008 (2008-02-05)	709
19 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from Atlanta. Semifinalists Shown: Asia'h Epperson, Alexandréa Lushington and Amanda Overmyer.
8	"Best of the Rest Auditions"	February 6, 2008 (2008-02-06)	710
The best and the worst of the previously unaired auditions from around the country. Semifinalists Shown: Joanne Borgella (Philadelphia), Amy Davis (Dallas), Chikezie (San Diego) and Danny Noriega (San Diego).
9	"Hollywood Round"	February 12, 2008 (2008-02-12)	711 & 712
After a series of intense auditions, the contestant pool is narrowed from 164 to 50.
10	"Top 24 Chosen"	February 13, 2008 (2008-02-13)	713
The top 24 semi-finalists were announced.
11	"Top 12 Men Perform"	February 19, 2008 (2008-02-19)	714 & 715
Theme: Music from the 1960s
12	"Top 12 Women Perform"	February 20, 2008 (2008-02-20)	716 & 717
Theme: Music from the 1960s
13	"Top 24 Results"	February 21, 2008 (2008-02-21)	714A – 717A
Eliminated: Garrett Haley, Amy Davis, Joanne Borgella, & Colton Berry.
14	"Top 10 Men Perform"	February 26, 2008 (2008-02-26)	718
Theme: Music from the 1970s
15	"Top 10 Women Perform"	February 27, 2008 (2008-02-27)	719
Theme: Music from the 1970s
16	"Top 20 Results"	February 28, 2008 (2008-02-28)	718A – 719A
Eliminated: Jason Yeager, Alexandréa Lushington, Alaina Whitaker, & Robbie Carrico.
17	"Top 8 Men Perform"	March 4, 2008 (2008-03-04)	720
Theme: Music from the 1980s
18	"Top 8 Women Perform"	March 5, 2008 (2008-03-05)	721
Theme: Music from the 1980s
19	"Top 12 Revealed"	March 6, 2008 (2008-03-06)	720A – 721A
Blake Lewis performed "How Many Words". Eliminated: Kady Malloy, Luke Menard, Asia'h Epperson, & Danny Noriega. Top 12: David Cook, David Archuleta, Jason Castro, Brooke White, Syesha Mercado, David Hernandez, Michael Johns, Ramiele Malubay, Carly Smithson, Amanda Overmyer, Kristy Lee Cook and Chikezie.
20	"Top 12 Perform"	March 11, 2008 (2008-03-11)	722 & 723
Theme: Lennon/McCartney Songbook
21	"Top 12 Results"	March 12, 2008 (2008-03-12)	722A – 723A
Katharine McPhee performed "Something" with David Foster on the piano. Eliminated: David Hernandez.
22	"Top 11 Perform"	March 18, 2008 (2008-03-18)	724 & 725
Theme: The Beatles
23	"Top 11 Results"	March 19, 2008 (2008-03-19)	724A – 725A
Kellie Pickler performed "Red High Heels". Eliminated: Amanda Overmyer.
24	"Top 10 Perform"	March 25, 2008 (2008-03-25)	726
Theme: Songs from the year the contestants were born
25	"Top 10 Results"	March 26, 2008 (2008-03-26)	726A
Kimberley Locke performed "Fall". Eliminated: Chikezie.
26	"Top 9 Perform"	April 1, 2008 (2008-04-01)	727
Theme: Dolly Parton Songs
27	"Top 9 Results"	April 2, 2008 (2008-04-02)	727A
Dolly Parton performed "Jesus & Gravity" and The Clark Brothers performed "This Little Light of Mine". Eliminated: Ramiele Malubay.
28	"Top 8 Perform"	April 8, 2008 (2008-04-08)	728
Theme: Inspirational Songs
29	"Idol Gives Back"	April 9, 2008 (2008-04-09)	728A
The second annual musical event raising awareness and money to benefit various U.S. and international charities.
30	"Top 8 Results"	April 10, 2008 (2008-04-10)	728B
Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown performed "No Air". Eliminated: Michael Johns.
31	"Top 7 Perform"	April 15, 2008 (2008-04-15)	729
Theme: Mariah Carey Songs
32	"Top 7 Results"	April 16, 2008 (2008-04-16)	729A
Mariah Carey performed "Bye Bye" and Elliott Yamin performed "Free". Eliminated: Kristy Lee Cook.
33	"Top 6 Perform"	April 22, 2008 (2008-04-22)	730
Theme: Andrew Lloyd Webber Songs
34	"Top 6 Results"	April 23, 2008 (2008-04-23)	730A
Leona Lewis performed "Bleeding Love". Eliminated: Carly Smithson.
35	"Top 5 Perform"	April 29, 2008 (2008-04-29)	731
Theme: Neil Diamond Songs
36	"Top 5 Results"	April 30, 2008 (2008-04-30)	731A
Natasha Bedingfield performed "Pocketful of Sunshine" and Neil Diamond performed "Pretty Amazing Grace". Eliminated: Brooke White.
37	"Top 4 Perform"	May 6, 2008 (2008-05-06)	732
Theme: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
38	"Top 4 Results"	May 7, 2008 (2008-05-07)	732A
Maroon 5 performed "If I Never See Your Face Again" and Bo Bice performed "Witness". Eliminated: Jason Castro.
39	"Top 3 Perform"	May 13, 2008 (2008-05-13)	733
Theme: Judges' Choice, Contestants' Choice, Producers' Choice
40	"Top 3 Results"	May 14, 2008 (2008-05-14)	733A
Fantasia Barrino performed "Bore Me (Yawn)". Eliminated: Syesha Mercado.
41	"Top 2 Perform"	May 20, 2008 (2008-05-20)	734
Theme: Clive Davis' Choice, Choice from Winning Songwriter Contest Songs, and Contestants' Choice Ruben Studdard performed "Celebrate Me Home".
42	"American Idol Season 7 Finale"	May 21, 2008 (2008-05-21)	735 & 736
David Cook is crowned the winner of American Idol (season 7).

Season 8 (2009)

No. in season	Title	Original air date	Prod. code
1	"Phoenix, Arizona Auditions"	January 13, 2009 (2009-01-13)	801 & 802
27 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from Phoenix. Semi-finalists Shown: Arianna Afsar, Michael Sarver, Stevie Wright, Alex Wagner-Trugman, Mishavonna Henson and Scott MacIntyre.
2	"Kansas City, Missouri Auditions"	January 14, 2009 (2009-01-14)	803 & 804
27 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from Kansas City. Semi-finalists Shown: Matt Breitzke, Von Smith, Casey Carlson, Danny Gokey, Anoop Desai and Lil Rounds.
3	"San Francisco, California Auditions"	January 20, 2009 (2009-01-20)	805
12 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from San Francisco. Semi-finalists Shown: Tatiana Del Toro, Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta and Kai Kalama.
4	"Louisville, Kentucky Auditions"	January 21, 2009 (2009-01-21)	806
19 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from Louisville. Semi-finalists Shown: Brent Keith, Matt Giraud, Alexis Grace, Kris Allen and Felicia Barton.
5	"Jacksonville, Florida Auditions"	January 27, 2009 (2009-01-27)	807
16 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from Jacksonville. Semi-finalists Shown: Jasmine Murray and Ann Marie Boskovich.
6	"Salt Lake City, Utah Auditions"	January 28, 2009 (2009-01-28)	808
13 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from Salt Lake City. Semi-finalists Shown: Megan Joy Corkrey and Taylor Vaifanua.
7	"New York, New York and San Juan, Puerto Rico Auditions"	January 29, 2009 (2009-01-29)	809
26 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from New York and 9 contestants move on from San Juan. Semi-finalists Shown (New York): Jackie Tohn and Nick Mitchell. Semi-finalists Shown (San Juan): Jorge Núñez and Kendall Beard.
8	"Hollywood Round #1"	February 3, 2009 (2009-02-03)	810
After intense individual auditions, the contestant pool is narrowed from 147 to 107.
9	"Hollywood Round #2"	February 4, 2009 (2009-02-04)	811
After group performances, the contestant pool is further narrowed from 107 to 72.
10	"Hollywood Round #3"	February 10, 2009 (2009-02-10)	812
One last round of individual auditions leads to a final cut, leaving 54 contestants.
11	"Hollywood Round #4: Top 36 Chosen"	February 11, 2009 (2009-02-11)	813 & 814
The top 36 semi-finalists are announced.
12	"Group 1 Semi-finalists Perform"	February 17, 2009 (2009-02-17)	815 & 816
Semi-final Round Theme: Billboard Hot 100 Hits
13	"Group 1 Results Show"	February 18, 2009 (2009-02-18)	815A – 816A
Michael Johns & Carly Smithson performed "The Letter". Danny Gokey, Alexis Grace and Michael Sarver advance to the top 12.
14	"Group 2 Semi-finalists Perform"	February 25, 2009 (2009-02-25)	817 & 818
Semi-final Round Theme: Billboard Hot 100 Hits
15	"Group 2 Results Show"	February 26, 2009 (2009-02-26)	817A – 818A
Brooke White performed "Hold Up My Heart". Allison Iraheta, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert advance to the top 12.
16	"Group 3 Semi-finalists Perform"	March 3, 2009 (2009-03-03)	819 & 820
Semi-final Round Theme: Billboard Hot 100 Hits
17	"Group 3 Results Show"	March 4, 2009 (2009-03-04)	819A – 820A
Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre and Jorge Núñez advance to the top 12. The 8 wild card contestants are announced.
18	"Wild Card Round"	March 5, 2009 (2009-03-05)	819B – 820B
The 8 wild card contestants performed. Jasmine Murray, Megan Joy Corkrey, Matt Giraud and Anoop Desai advance to the top 13.
19	"Top 13 Perform"	March 10, 2009 (2009-03-10)	821 & 822
Theme: Michael Jackson Songs
20	"Top 13 Results"	March 11, 2009 (2009-03-11)	821A – 822A
Kanye West performed "Heartless", Kelly Clarkson performed "My Life Would Suck Without You". Eliminated: Jasmine Murray and Jorge Núñez.
21	"Top 11 Perform"	March 17, 2009 (2009-03-17)	823 & 824
Theme: Grand Ole Opry Songs Mentor: Randy Travis
22	"Top 11 Results"	March 18, 2009 (2009-03-18)	823A – 824A
Brad Paisley performed "Then", Carrie Underwood & Randy Travis performed "I Told You So". Eliminated: Alexis Grace.
23	"Top 10 Perform"	March 25, 2009 (2009-03-25)	825 & 826
Theme: Motown Hits Mentor: Smokey Robinson
24	"Top 10 Results"	March 26, 2009 (2009-03-26)	825A – 826A
Ruben Studdard performed "Together", Joss Stone & Smokey Robinson performed "You’re the One for Me", Stevie Wonder performed a Motown Medley. Eliminated: Michael Sarver.
25	"Top 9 Perform"	March 31, 2009 (2009-03-31)	827
Theme: Popular iTunes Downloads
26	"Top 9 Results"	April 1, 2009 (2009-04-01)	827A
David Cook performed "Come Back to Me", Lady Gaga performed "Poker Face". Eliminated: Megan Joy Corkrey.
27	"Top 8 Perform"	April 7, 2009 (2009-04-07)	828
Theme: Songs from the Year Contestants Were Born
28	"Top 8 Results"	April 8, 2009 (2009-04-08)	828A
Frankie Avalon performed "Venus", Flo Rida performed "Right Round", Kellie Pickler performed "Best Days of Your Life". Eliminated: Scott MacIntyre.
29	"Top 7 Perform"	April 14, 2009 (2009-04-14)	829
Theme: Songs from the Cinema Mentor: Quentin Tarantino
30	"Top 7 Results"	April 15, 2009 (2009-04-15)	829A
Miley Cyrus performed "The Climb", Jennifer Hudson performed "If This Isn't Love". Judges saved Matt Giraud from elimination.
31	"Top 7 Perform Again"	April 21, 2009 (2009-04-21)	830
Theme: Disco
32	"Top 7 Results"	April 22, 2009 (2009-04-22)	830A
David Archuleta performed "Touch My Hand", Freda Payne performed, Thelma Houston & KC performed a Medley of "Band of Gold", "Don't Leave Me This Way" & "Get Down Tonight". Eliminated: Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai.
33	"Top 5 Perform"	April 28, 2009 (2009-04-28)	831
Theme: Rat Pack Standards Mentor: Jamie Foxx
34	"Top 5 Results"	April 29, 2009 (2009-04-29)	831A
Natalie Cole performed "Something's Gotta Give", Taylor Hicks performed "Seven Mile Breakdown", Jamie Foxx performed "Blame It". Eliminated: Matt Giraud.
35	"Top 4 Perform"	May 5, 2009 (2009-05-05)	832
Theme: Rock Mentor: Slash
36	"Top 4 Results"	May 6, 2009 (2009-05-06)	832A
Daughtry performed "No Surprise", No Doubt performed "Just a Girl", Paula Abdul performed "I'm Just Here for the Music" Eliminated: Allison Iraheta
37	"Top 3 Perform"	May 12, 2009 (2009-05-12)	833
Theme: The contestants sang a song chosen by the judges & also each got to choose a song to perform
38	"Top 3 Results"	May 13, 2009 (2009-05-13)	833A
Jordin Sparks performed "Battlefield", Katy Perry performed "Waking Up in Vegas". Alicia Keys introduced a child she sponsored from Africa, Noah, who performed. Eliminated: Danny Gokey
39	"Top 2 Perform (Pre-Finale)"	May 19, 2009 (2009-05-19)	834
Theme: The contestant’s favorite / Simon Fuller’s choice / The winner’s single. Carrie Underwood performed "Home Sweet Home" during a look back at American Idol.
40	"Season 8 Finale"	May 20, 2009 (2009-05-20)	834A
Kris Allen is crowned the winner of American Idol (season 8).

Season 9 (2010)

No. in season	Title	Original air date	Prod. code
1	"Boston, Massachusetts Auditions"	January 12, 2010 (2010-01-12)	901 & 902
32 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from Boston Guest Judge: Victoria Beckham Semifinalist(s) shown: Ashley Rodriguez, Tyler Grady, Katie Stevens.
2	"Atlanta, Georgia Auditions"	January 13, 2010 (2010-01-13)	903
25 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from Atlanta. Guest Judge: Mary J. Blige Semifinalist(s) shown: Jermaine Sellers
3	"Chicago, Illinois Auditions"	January 19, 2010 (2010-01-19)	904
13 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from Chicago. Guest Judge: Shania Twain Semifinalist(s) shown: Katelyn Epperly, Lee DeWyze (shown with Ticket), John Park.
4	"Orlando, Florida Auditions"	January 20, 2010 (2010-01-20)	905
31 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from Orlando. Guest Judge: Kristin Chenoweth (Day 1) Semifinalist(s) shown: Lacey Brown (shown with Ticket), Michael Lynche (shown with Ticket), Janell Wheeler
5	"Los Angeles, California Auditions"	January 26, 2010 (2010-01-26)	906
22 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from Los Angeles. Guest Judges: Avril Lavigne (Day 1) & Katy Perry (Day 2) Semifinalist(s) shown: Andrew Garcia.
6	"Dallas, Texas Auditions"	January 27, 2010 (2010-01-27)	907
31 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from Dallas. Guest Judges: Neil Patrick Harris (Day 1) & Joe Jonas (Day 2) Semifinalist(s) shown: Todrick Hall.
7	"Denver, Colorado Auditions"	February 2, 2010 (2010-02-02)	908
26 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from Denver. Guest Judge: Victoria Beckham Semifinalist(s) shown: Casey James, Haeley Vaughn.
8	"The Road to Hollywood"	February 3, 2010 (2010-02-03)	909
A recap of the auditions including some good and bad moments. Guest Judges: Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, and Shania Twain Semifinalist(s) shown: Didi Benami, Crystal Bowersox, Lacey Brown, Lee DeWyze, Aaron Kelly, Michael Lynche.
9	"Hollywood Round: Part 1"	February 9, 2010 (2010-02-09)	910
Ellen DeGeneres is introduced and completes the judging panel. Hollywood round begins.
10	"Hollywood Round: Part 2"	February 10, 2010 (2010-02-10)	911
Hollywood round, Group Day performances.
11	"Hollywood Round: Part 3"	February 16, 2010 (2010-02-16)	912
Hollywood round 3, 71 people are divided into 3 separate rooms. The remaining 46 people from 2 rooms vie for a spot the Top 24. The judges start building the Top 24. Semifinalists: Michael Lynche, Katelyn Epperly, Didi Benami, Casey James, Aaron Kelly, Lee Dewyze, Todrick Hall
12	"Hollywood Round: Part 4"	February 17, 2010 (2010-02-17)	913
The remaining Top 24 is completed. Semifinalists: Janell Wheeler, Tyler Grady, Lacey Brown, Ashley Rodriguez, Alex Lambert, Joe Munoz, Crystal Bowersox, Katie Stevens, Lilly Scott, Paige Miles, Siobhan Magnus, Michelle Delamor, Jermaine Sellers, John Park, Haeley Vaughn, Andrew Garcia, and Tim Urban.
13	"Top 12 Female Perform"	February 23, 2010 (2010-02-23)	914
The Top 12 Girls perform. Theme: Hits from the Billboard Chart
14	"Top 12 Male Perform"	February 24, 2010 (2010-02-24)	915
The Top 12 Guys perform. Theme: Hits from the Billboard Chart
15	"Top 24 Results"	February 25, 2010 (2010-02-25)	916
Past year Idol alums Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen perform. Eliminated: Janell Wheeler, Ashley Rodriguez, Joe Munoz, Tyler Grady
16	"Top 10 Male Perform"	March 2, 2010 (2010-03-02)	917
The Top 10 Guys perform unexpectedly today, as a result of Crystal being admitted to hospital in the morning. Theme: Hits from the Billboard Chart
17	"Top 10 Female Perform"	March 3, 2010 (2010-03-03)	918
Crystal Bowersox returned and the Top 10 Girls perform. Theme: Hits from the Billboard Chart
18	"Top 20 Results"	March 4, 2010 (2010-03-04)	919
Season 8's 3rd placed Danny Gokey performs his new single, "My Best Days Are Ahead of Me". Eliminated: John Park, Jermaine Sellers, Michelle Delamor, Haeley Vaughn
19	"Top 8 Female Perform"	March 9, 2010 (2010-03-09)	920
Theme: Hits from the Billboard Chart
20	"Top 8 Male Perform"	March 10, 2010 (2010-03-10)	921
Theme: Hits from the Billboard Chart
21	"Top 16 Results"	March 11, 2010 (2010-03-11)	922
Season 8's Matt Giraud and Scott MacIntyre performs Billy Joel's "Tell Her About It" The Top 12 is revealed: Didi Benami, Siobhan Magnus, Paige Miles, Casey James, Tim Urban, Lee DeWyze, Crystal Bowersox, Michael Lynche, Lacey Brown, Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia and Katie Stevens Eliminated: Katelyn Epperly, Todrick Hall, Alex Lambert, Lilly Scott
22	"Top 12 Perform"	March 16, 2010 (2010-03-16)	923
Theme: Rolling Stones
23	"Top 12 Results"	March 17, 2010 (2010-03-17)	924
David Cook performs "Jumpin' Jack Flash", Kesha and 3Oh!3 performs "Blah Blah Blah", and Orianthi performs "According to You". Eliminated: Lacey Brown
24	"Top 11 Perform"	March 23, 2010 (2010-03-23)	925
Theme: Billboard No. 1 Hits Mentor: Miley Cyrus
25	"Top 11 Results"	March 24, 2010 (2010-03-24)	926
Miley Cyrus performs "When I Look At You", Joe Jonas and Demi Lovato perform "Make A Wave". Eliminated: Paige Miles
26	"Top 10 Perform"	March 30, 2010 (2010-03-30)	927
Theme: R&B and Soul. Mentor: Usher
27	"Top 10 Results"	March 31, 2010 (2010-03-31)	928
Usher performs. Eliminated: Didi Benami
28	"Top 9 Perform"	April 6, 2010 (2010-04-06)	929
Theme: Lennon/McCartney Songbook.
29	"Top 9 Results"	April 7, 2010 (2010-04-07)	930
Rihanna performs "Rockstar 101", Jason Derülo performs "In My Head", David Archuleta performs "Imagine". Eliminated: none – due to Judges' Save on Michael Lynche
30	"Top 9 Perform Again"	April 13, 2010 (2010-04-13)	931
Theme: Elvis Presley. Mentor: Adam Lambert
31	"Top 9 Results"	April 14, 2010 (2010-04-14)	932
Adam Lambert performs "Whataya Want from Me", Brooke White and Justin Gaston performs "If I Can Dream" Eliminated:Andrew Garcia and Katie Stevens
32	"Top 7 Perform"	April 20, 2010 (2010-04-20)	933
Theme: Inspirational Songs. Mentor: Alicia Keys
33	"Idol Gives Back & Top 7 Results"	April 21, 2010 (2010-04-21)	934
Idol Gives Back returns for the 3rd time with lots of guest performances and Queen Latifah co-hosted the event at the Pasadena Civic Center. Eliminated: Tim Urban
34	"Top 6 Perform"	April 27, 2010 (2010-04-27)	935
Theme: Shania Twain Mentor: Shania Twain
35	"Top 6 Results"	April 28, 2010 (2010-04-28)	936
Rascal Flatts performs "Unstoppable", Shakira and Rascal Flatts performs "Gyspy". Eliminated: Siobhan Magnus
36	"Top 5 Perform"	May 4, 2010 (2010-05-04)	937
Theme: Frank Sinatra Mentor: Harry Connick, Jr.
37	"Top 5 Results"	May 5, 2010 (2010-05-05)	938
Lady Gaga performs "Bad Romance" and Alejandro, Harry Connick, Jr. performs "And I Love Her" Eliminated: Aaron Kelly
38	"Top 4 Perform"	May 11, 2010 (2010-05-11)	939
Theme: Songs of the Cinema Mentor: Jamie Foxx
39	"Top 4 Results"	May 12, 2010 (2010-05-12)	940
Bon Jovi performs "Superman Tonight". Idol alums Daughtry and Fantasia Barrino return home to Idol to perform "September" and "Bittersweet" respectively. Eliminated: Michael Lynche
40	"Top 3 Perform"	May 18, 2010 (2010-05-18)	941
Theme: Judge's choice/Contestant's choice
41	"Top 3 Results"	May 19, 2010 (2010-05-19)	942
Travis Garland performs "Believe", Justin Bieber performs "U Smile" and "Baby" Eliminated: Casey James
42	"Top 2 Perform (Pre-Finale)"	May 25, 2010 (2010-05-25)	943
Theme: Contestant's choice, Simon Fuller's choice & coronation song Original Pop Idol winner Will Young performs "Leave Right Now"
43	"Top 2 Results (Finale)"	May 26, 2010 (2010-05-26)	944
Lee DeWyze is crowned the winner of American Idol (season 9).

Season 10 (2011)

No. in season	Title	Original air date	Prod. code
1	"East Rutherford, New Jersey Auditions"	January 19, 2011 (2011-01-19)	1001 & 1002
51 contestants move on to the Hollywood round from East Rutherford, New Jersey Semifinalist(s) Shown: Rachel Zevita, Robbie Rosen, Pia Toscano
2	"New Orleans, Louisiana Auditions"	January 20, 2011 (2011-01-20)	1003
37 contestants move on to the Hollywood Round from New Orleans, Louisiana Semifinalist(s) Shown: Jordan Dorsey, Jovany Baretto, Brett Loewenstern, Lauren Turner
3	"Milwaukee, Wisconsin Auditions"	January 26, 2011 (2011-01-26)	1004
53 contestants move on to the Hollywood Round from Milwaukee, Wisconsin Semifinalist(s) Shown: Scotty McCreery, Thia Megia, Haley Reinhart, Naima Adedapo, TaTynisa Wilson
4	"Nashville, Tennessee Auditions"	January 27, 2011 (2011-01-27)	1005
56 contestants move on to the Hollywood Round from Nashville, Tennessee Semifinalist(s) Shown: Paul McDonald, Lauren Alaina, Kendra Chantelle, Ashthon Jones
5	"Austin, Texas Auditions"	February 2, 2011 (2011-02-02)	1006
50 contestants move on to the Hollywood Round from Austin, Texas Semifinalist(s) Shown: Casey Abrams
6	"Los Angeles, California Auditions"	February 3, 2011 (2011-02-03)	1007
26 contestants move on to the Hollywood Round from Los Angeles, California Semifinalist(s) Shown: Karen Rodriguez, Tim Halperin, Jacob Lusk
7	"San Francisco, California Auditions"	February 9, 2011 (2011-02-09)	1008
47 contestants move on to the Hollywood Round from San Francisco, California. Semifinalist(s) Shown: Stefano Langone, Clint Jun Gamboa, Julie Zorrilla, James Durbin
8	"Hollywood Round: Part 1"	February 10, 2011 (2011-02-10)	1009
9	"Hollywood Round: Part 2"	February 16, 2011 (2011-02-16)	1010
10	"Hollywood Round: Part 3"	February 17, 2011 (2011-02-17)	1011
11	"Las Vegas Round/Top 24 Chosen: Part 1"	February 23, 2011 (2011-02-23)	1012
12	"Top 24 Chosen: Part 2"	February 24, 2011 (2011-02-24)	1013
The chosen Top 24 contestants are: Clint Jun Gamboa, Jovany Barreto, Jordan Dorsey, Tim Halperin, Brett Loewenstern, James Durbin, Robbie Rosen, Scotty McCreery, Stefano Langone, Paul McDonald, Jacob Lusk, Casey Abrams, Ta-Tynisa Wilson, Naima Adedapo, Kendra Chantelle, Rachel Zevita, Karen Rodriguez, Lauren Turner, Ashthon Jones, Julie Zorrilla, Haley Reinhart, Thia Megia, Lauren Alaina, and Pia Toscano.
13	"Top 12 Males Perform"	March 1, 2011 (2011-03-01)	1014
The Top 12 Guys Perform
14	"Top 12 Females Perform"	March 2, 2011 (2011-03-02)	1015
The Top 12 Girls Perform
15	"Top 24 Results"	March 3, 2011 (2011-03-03)	1016
The music video premiere of "On the Floor" by Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull. Clint Jun Gamboa, Jovany Barreto, Jordan Dorsey, Tim Halperin, Brett Loewenstern, Robbie Rosen, Ta-Tynisa Wilson, Kendra Chantelle, Rachel Zevita, Lauren Turner, Julie Zorrilla are eliminated while Pia Toscano, Lauren Alaina, Ashthon Jones, Haley Reinhart, Thia Megia, Karen Rodriguez, Naima Adedapo, James Durbin, Jacob Lusk, Casey Abrams, Paul McDonald, Scotty McCreery, and Stefano Langone are safe and become finalists as part of the Top 13.
16	"Top 13 Perform"	March 9, 2011 (2011-03-09)	1017
Theme: Their Personal Idols
17	"Top 13 Results"	March 10, 2011 (2011-03-10)	1018
Adam Lambert performs Aftermath, Diddy Dirty Money and Skylar Grey perform Coming Home. Eliminated: Ashthon Jones
18	"Top 12 Perform"	March 16, 2011 (2011-03-16)	1019
Theme: The Year They Were Born
19	"Top 12 Results"	March 17, 2011 (2011-03-17)	1020
Lee DeWyze performs "Beautiful Like You", The Black Eyed Peas perform "Just Can't Get Enough". Eliminated: Karen Rodriguez
20	"Top 11 Perform"	March 23, 2011 (2011-03-23)	1021
Theme: Motown
21	"Top 11 Results"	March 24, 2011 (2011-03-24)	1022
Jennifer Hudson performs "Where You At", Sugarland performs "Stuck Like Glue". Eliminated: None – due to Judges' Save on Casey Abrams
22	"Top 11 Perform Again"	March 30, 2011 (2011-03-30)	1023
Theme: Elton John
23	"Top 11 Results"	March 31, 2011 (2011-03-31)	1024
Fantasia Barrino performs "Collard Greens & Cornbread", will.i.am & Jamie Foxx perform "Hot Wings (I Wanna Party)". Eliminated: Naima Adedapo and Thia Megia
24	"Top 9 Perform"	April 6, 2011 (2011-04-06)	ID-1028
Theme: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
25	"Top 9 Results"	April 7, 2011 (2011-04-07)	ID2-1028A
Constantine Maroulis performs "Unchained Melody", Iggy Pop performs "Wild One". Eliminated: Pia Toscano
26	"Top 8 Perform"	April 13, 2011 (2011-04-13)	ID-1029
Theme: Songs From Movies
27	"Top 8 Results"	April 14, 2011 (2011-04-14)	ID2-1029A
Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson perform "Don't You Wanna Stay", Rihanna performs "California King Bed". Eliminated: Paul McDonald
28	"Top 7 Perform"	April 20, 2011 (2011-04-20)	ID-1030
Theme: Songs from the 21st Century
29	"Top 7 Results"	April 21, 2011 (2011-04-21)	ID2-1030A
David Cook performs "The Last Goodbye", Katy Perry and Kanye West perform "E.T.". Eliminated: Stefano Langone
30	"Top 6 Perform"	April 27, 2011 (2011-04-27)	TBA
Theme: Carole King
31	"Top 6 Results"	April 28, 2011 (2011-04-28)	TBA
Crystal Bowersox performs "Ridin with the Radio", Bruno Mars performs "The Lazy Song". Eliminated: Casey Abrams
32	"Top 5 Perform"	May 4, 2011 (2011-05-04)	TBA
Theme: Songs From Now and Then Mentor: Sheryl Crow
33	"Top 5 Results"	May 5, 2011 (2011-05-05)	TBA
Lady Antebellum performs "Just a Kiss", Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull perform "On the Floor". Eliminated: Jacob Lusk
34	"Top 4 Perform"	May 11, 2011 (2011-05-11)	TBA
Theme: Leiber & Stoller Songbook Mentor: Lady Gaga
35	"Top 4 Results"	May 12, 2011 (2011-05-12)	TBA
Lady Gaga performs "You and I", Enrique Iglesias performs "Dirty Dancer" and "I Like It", Jordin Sparks performs "I Am Woman", and the music video premiere of "(It) Feels So Good" by Steven Tyler. Eliminated: James Durbin
36	"Top 3 Perform"	May 18, 2011 (2011-05-18)	TBA
Theme: Contestant's Choice/Jimmy Iovine's Choice/Judges' Choice Mentor: Beyoncé
37	"Top 3 Results"	May 19, 2011 (2011-05-19)	TBA
Nicole Scherzinger and 50 Cent perform "Right There", Il Volo performs "'O Sole Mio", and the music video premiere of "Run the World (Girls)" by Beyoncé. Eliminated: Haley Reinhart
38	"Top 2 Perform (Pre-Finale)"	May 24, 2011 (2011-05-24)	TBA
Theme: Contestant's Favorite/Contestant's Idol's Choice/The Winner's Single
39	"Top 2 Results (Finale)"	May 25, 2011 (2011-05-25)	TBA
Scotty McCreery is crowned winner of American Idol (season 10). Lauren Alaina is the runner-up.

Season 11 (2012)

No. in season	Title	Original air date	Prod. code
1	"Savannah Auditions"	January 18, 2012 (2012-01-18)	1101 & 1102
42 contestants move on to the Hollywood Round from Savannah, Georgia
2	"Pittsburgh Auditions"	January 19, 2012 (2012-01-19)	1103
38 contestants move on to the Hollywood Round from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
3	"San Diego Auditions"	January 22, 2012 (2012-01-22)	1104
53 contestants move on to the Hollywood Round from San Diego, California
4	"Aspen Auditions"	January 25, 2012 (2012-01-25)	1105
31 contestants move on to the Hollywood Round from Aspen, Colorado
5	"Galveston Auditions"	January 26, 2012 (2012-01-26)	1106
55 contestants move on to the Hollywood Round from Galveston, Texas
6	"Portland Auditions"	February 1, 2012 (2012-02-01)	1107
45 contestants move on to the Hollywood Round from Portland, Oregon
7	"St. Louis Auditions"	February 2, 2012 (2012-02-02)	1108
46 contestants move on to the Hollywood Round from St. Louis, Missouri. Part 2 of this audition episode continued and aired on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012.
8	"Hollywood Round, Part 1"	February 8, 2012 (2012-02-08)	1109
Vocalists compete for a spot in the semifinals.
9	"Hollywood Round, Part 2"	February 9, 2012 (2012-02-09)	1110
Competitors are put into groups and competing for a spot in the semifinals.
10	"Hollywood Round, Part 3"	February 15, 2012 (2012-02-15)	1111
Contestants vie for a spot in the next round.
11	"Las Vegas Round"	February 16, 2012 (2012-02-16)	1112
Performance challenge where the judges continue to narrow down the contestants.
12	"Final Judgement, Part 1"	February 22, 2012 (2012-02-22)	1115
Contestants try one last time to impress the judges, singing for their lives to prove who deserves to make it to the next round. For some, it's the end of the road, but for the first group of The Top 24 whose names will be revealed tonight, the next part of the journey is about to begin.
13	"Final Judgement, Part 2"	February 23, 2012 (2012-02-23)	1117
The first phase of the competition comes to a dramatic end when Randy, Jennifer and Steven reveal this season's remaining Top 24.
14	"Top 13 Boys Perform"	February 28, 2012 (2012-02-28)	1118
Top 13 Boys perform.
15	"Top 12 Girls Perform"	February 29, 2012 (2012-02-29)	1119
Top 12 Girls perform.
16	"Top 25 Results"	March 1, 2012 (2012-03-01)	1120
Finalists are announced and the judges' wild card picks are revealed.
17	"Top 13 Perform"	March 7, 2012 (2012-03-07)	1121
Theme: Whitney Houston & Stevie Wonder Mentor: Mary J. Blige
18	"Top 13 Results"	March 8, 2012 (2012-03-08)	1122
Lauren Alaina performs "Georgia Peaches" and Mary J. Blige performs "Why". Eliminated: Jeremy Rosado
19	"Top 11 Perform"	March 14, 2012 (2012-03-14)	1123
Jermaine Jones was disqualified prior to this performance show. Theme: Year They Were Born Mentor: will.i.am
20	"Top 11 Results"	March 15, 2012 (2012-03-15)	1124
Demi Lovato performs "Give Your Heart a Break" and Daughtry performs "Outta My Head". Eliminated: Shannon Magrane
21	"Top 10 Perform"	March 21, 2012 (2012-03-21)	1125
Theme: Billy Joel Mentor: Diddy
22	"Top 10 Results"	March 22, 2012 (2012-03-22)	1126
Lana Del Rey performs "Video Games" and Haley Reinhart performs "Free". Eliminated: Erika Van Pelt
23	"Top 9 Perform"	March 28, 2012 (2012-03-28)	1127
Theme: Their Personal Idols Mentor: Stevie Nicks
24	"Top 9 Results"	March 29, 2012 (2012-03-29)	1128
Nicki Minaj performs "Starships" and Scotty McCreery performs "Water Tower Town". Eliminated: Heejun Han
25	"Top 8 Perform"	April 4, 2012 (2012-04-04)	1129
Theme: Songs from the 1980s Mentors: Gwen Stefani & Tony Kanal
26	"Top 8 Results"	April 5, 2012 (2012-04-05)	1130
The Wanted perform "Glad You Came", Kellie Pickler performs "Where's Tammy Wynette", and the music video premiere of "Dance Again" by Jennifer Lopez. Eliminated: DeAndre Brackensick
27	"Top 7 Perform"	April 11, 2012 (2012-04-11)	1131
Theme: Songs from the 2010s Mentor: Akon
28	"Top 7 Results"	April 12, 2012 (2012-04-12)	1132
James Durbin performs "Higher Than Heaven" and Jennifer Hudson & Ne-Yo perform "Think Like a Man". Eliminated: No one due to the judges using their save on Jessica Sanchez
29	"Top 7 Perform Again"	April 18, 2012 (2012-04-18)	1133
Theme: Songs from Now & Then
30	"Top 7 Results Again"	April 19, 2012 (2012-04-19)	1134
Kris Allen performs "The Vision of Love" and LMFAO perform "Sorry for Party Rocking". Eliminated: Colton Dixon
31	"Top 6 Perform"	April 25, 2012 (2012-04-25)	1135
Theme: Queen / Contestant's Choice
32	"Top 6 Results"	April 26, 2012 (2012-04-26)	1136
Queen Extravaganza perform "Somebody to Love", Stefano performs "I'm on a Roll", and Katy Perry performs "Part of Me". Eliminated: Elise Testone
33	"Top 5 Perform"	May 2, 2012 (2012-05-02)	1137
Theme: Songs from the 1960s / British Pop Mentor: Steven Van Zandt
34	"Top 5 Results"	May 3, 2012 (2012-05-03)	1138
Coldplay perform "Paradise", Carrie Underwood performs "Blown Away", and Coldplay perform "Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall". Eliminated: Skylar Laine
35	"Top 4 Perform"	May 9, 2012 (2012-05-09)	1139
Theme: Music of California / Songs They Wish They'd Written
36	"Top 4 Results"	May 10, 2012 (2012-05-10)	1140
David Cook performs "The Last Song I'll Write for You" and Jennifer Lopez performs "Dance Again". Eliminated: Hollie Cavanagh
37	"Top 3 Perform"	May 16, 2012 (2012-05-16)	1141
Theme: Judge's Choice / Contestant's Choice / Jimmy Iovine's Choice
38	"Top 3 Results"	May 17, 2012 (2012-05-17)	1142
Lisa Marie Presley performs "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet" and Adam Lambert performs "Never Close Our Eyes". Eliminated: Joshua Ledet
39	"Top 2 Perform (Pre-Finale)"	May 22, 2012 (2012-05-22)	1143
Theme: Simon Fuller's Choice / Favorite Performance / Winner's Single
40	"Top 2 Results (Finale)"	May 23, 2012 (2012-05-23)	1144
Phillip Phillips is crowned the winner of American Idol (season 11). Jessica Sanchez is the runner-up.

Season 12 (2013)

No. in season	Title	Original air date	Prod. code
1	"New York City Auditions"	January 16, 2013 (2013-01-16)	1201
41 contestants move on to the Hollywood Round from New York City, New York
2	"Chicago Auditions"	January 17, 2013 (2013-01-17)	1202
47 contestants move on to the Hollywood Round from Chicago, Illinois
3	"Charlotte Auditions"	January 23, 2013 (2013-01-23)	1203
37 contestants move on to the Hollywood Round from Charlotte, North Carolina
4	"New Orleans Auditions"	January 24, 2013 (2013-01-24)	1204
35 contestants move on to the Hollywood Round from New Orleans, Louisiana
5	"San Antonio & Los Angeles Auditions"	January 30, 2013 (2013-01-30)	1205 & 1206
31 contestants move on to the Hollywood Round from San Antonio, Texas, and 50 contestants move on from Long Beach, California
6	"Oklahoma City Auditions"	January 31, 2013 (2013-01-31)	1207
45 contestants move on to the Hollywood Round from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
7	"Hollywood Round Part 1"	February 6, 2013 (2013-02-06)	1208
Male vocalists compete for a spot at Las Vegas singing a capella then group performance.
8	"Hollywood Round Part 2"	February 7, 2013 (2013-02-07)	1209
Male vocalists compete for a spot at the Las Vegas.
9	"Hollywood Round Part 3"	February 13, 2013 (2013-02-13)	1210
Female vocalists compete for a spot at Las Vegas singing a capella then group performance.
10	"Hollywood Round Part 4"	February 14, 2013 (2013-02-14)	1211
Female vocalists compete for a spot at the Las Vegas.
11	"Las Vegas, Girls Perform"	February 20, 2013 (2013-02-20)	1212
First set of females compete for a spot at the semi-finals.
12	"Las Vegas, Guys Perform"	February 21, 2013 (2013-02-21)	1213
First set of males compete for a spot at the semi-finals.
13	"Las Vegas, Girls Perform 2"	February 27, 2013 (2013-02-27)	1214
Second set of females compete for a spot at the semi-finals.
14	"Las Vegas, Guys Perform 2"	February 28, 2013 (2013-02-28)	1215
Second set of males compete for a spot at the semi-finals.
15	"Semifinalists Girls Perform"	March 5, 2013 (2013-03-05)	1216
Top 10 Girls perform.
16	"Semifinalists Boys Perform"	March 6, 2013 (2013-03-06)	1217
Top 10 Guys perform.
17	"Finalists Chosen"	March 7, 2013 (2013-03-07)	1218
Finalists are announced and the announcement of a fan tour save for the 6th placer of each gender.
18	"Top 10 Perform"	March 13, 2013 (2013-03-13)	1219
Theme: Music of the American Idols
19	"Top 10 Results"	March 14, 2013 (2013-03-14)	1220
Bon Jovi performs "Because We Can" and Phillip Phillips performs "Gone, Gone, Gone". The 6th place finishers of each respective gender perform. Eliminated: Curtis Finch, Jr.
20	"Top 9 Perform"	March 20, 2013 (2013-03-20)	1221
The announcement of the winner of the fan tour save. Theme: The Beatles
21	"Top 9 Results"	March 21, 2013 (2013-03-21)	1222
Casey Abrams performs "I Saw Her Standing There" and Jessica Sanchez & Ne-Yo perform "Tonight". Eliminated: Paul Jolley
22	"Top 8 Perform"	March 27, 2013 (2013-03-27)	1223
Theme: Motown Mentor: Smokey Robinson
23	"Top 8 Results"	March 28, 2013 (2013-03-28)	1224
Colton Dixon performs "Love Has Come For Me", OneRepublic & Katharine McPhee perform "If I Lose Myself", and Keith Urban performs "Long Hot Summer". Eliminated: Devin Velez
24	"Top 7 Perform"	April 3, 2013 (2013-04-03)	1225
Theme: Rock
25	"Top 7 Results"	April 4, 2013 (2013-04-04)	1226
Casey James performs "The Good Life", and Carrie Underwood performs "See You Again." Eliminated: Burnell Taylor
26	"Top 6 Perform"	April 10, 2013 (2013-04-10)	1227
Theme: Burt Bacharach and Hal David / Songs They Wish They'd Written
27	"Top 6 Results"	April 11, 2013 (2013-04-11)	1228
Scotty McCreery performs "See You Tonight" and Kelly Clarkson performs "People Like Us" Eliminated: Lazaro Arbos
28	"Top 5 Perform"	April 17, 2013 (2013-04-17)	1229
Theme: Year They Were Born / Divas
29	"Top 5 Results"	April 18, 2013 (2013-04-18)	1230
Clay Aiken performs Bridge Over Troubled Water and Fantasia performs Lose to Win. Eliminated: Janelle Arthur
30	"Top 4 Perform"	April 24, 2013 (2013-04-24)	1231
Theme: Contestant's Choice / One-Hit Wonders (AT&T Idol™ Fan Theme Pick)
31	"Top 4 Results"	April 25, 2013 (2013-04-25)	1232
Stefano Langone performs "Yes to Love" and Lee DeWyze performs "Silver Lining." Eliminated: No one — due to a non-elimination week.
32	"Top 4 Perform Again"	May 1, 2013 (2013-05-01)	1233
Theme: Songs from Now & Then Mentor: Harry Connick, Jr.
33	"Top 4 Results Again"	May 2, 2013 (2013-05-02)	1234
David Cook performs "Laying Me Low", will.i.am performs "Bang Bang", and Harry Connick, Jr. performs "Every Man Should Know". Eliminated: Amber Holcomb
34	"Top 3 Perform"	May 8, 2013 (2013-05-08)	1235
Theme: Judge's Choice / Producer's Choice / Jimmy Iovine's Choice
35	"Top 3 Results"	May 9, 2013 (2013-05-09)	1236
Eliminated: Angie Miller
36	"Top 2 Perform (Pre-finale)"	May 15, 2013 (2013-05-15)	1237
Theme: Simon Fuller's Choice / Favorite Performance / Winner's Single
37	"Top 2 Results (Finale)"	May 16, 2013 (2013-05-16)	1238
Candice Glover is crowned winner of the twelfth season Runner Up: Kree Harrison

Season 13 (2014)

Season 14 (2015)

Season 15 (2016)

Most watched episodes

American Idol has seen its fair share of viewership changes over the years, peaking at 38.1 million viewers in the season 2 finale, to an all-time low with a mere 5.55 million viewers tuning in to watch fourteenth season's final performances.

Rank	Season	Episode Title	Original Air-Date	Viewers (millions)	Rating/Share (18-49)	Rating/Share (HH)	Notes	Source(s)
1	2	"Season 2 Finale"	May 21, 2003	38.1	16.8/?	N/A	The most-watched American Idol episode of all-time	^[1]
2	6	"Minneapolis Auditions"	January 16, 2007	37.44	15.8/36	20.3/29	The highest-rated Idol premiere	^[2]
3	6	"Seattle Auditions"	January 17, 2007	36.94	15.5/36	20.1/30	The highest-rated non-premiere/non-finale	^[2]
4	5	"Season 5 Finale"	May 26, 2006	36.38	14.2/35	20.5/32		^[3]
5	5	"Chicago Auditions"	January 17, 2006	35.53	15.3/34	19.3/28		^[4]
6	5	"Greensboro Auditions"	January 24, 2006	34.96	15.1/35	19.6/29		^[4]
7	6	"New York Auditions"	January 24, 2007	33.87	14.1/35	18.9/28		^[2]
8	6	"Birmingham Auditions"	January 30, 2007	33.65	13.5/33	18.6/28		^[2]
9	4	"Washington D.C. Auditions"	January 18, 2005	33.6	14.0/?	N/A		^[5]
10	5	"Top 11 Perform"	March 21, 2006	33.36	13.6/33	19.2/28		^[4]
10	6	"San Antonio Auditions	February 6, 2007	33.36	13.5/33	18.6/28		^[2]

References

↑ "The Sad Fall Of "American Idol"". Buzzfeed.com. 2012-11-05. Retrieved 2015-06-06.
1 2 3 4 5 American Idol (season 6)#US Nielsen ratings
↑ http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6561370/american-idol-ratings-season-finale-ratings-graphic
1 2 3 American Idol (season 5)#US Nielsen ratings
↑ American Idol (season 4)#US Nielsen ratings

American Idol

Episodes
- Season 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15

Finalists

Winners	Kelly Clarkson Ruben Studdard Fantasia Barrino Carrie Underwood Taylor Hicks Jordin Sparks David Cook Kris Allen Lee DeWyze Scotty McCreery Phillip Phillips Candice Glover Caleb Johnson Nick Fradiani Trent Harmon
Runners-up	Justin Guarini Clay Aiken Diana DeGarmo Bo Bice Katharine McPhee Blake Lewis David Archuleta Adam Lambert Crystal Bowersox Lauren Alaina Jessica Sanchez Kree Harrison Jena Irene Clark Beckham La'Porsha Renae

Winners' singles

Concert tours

Related programming

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