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The Best Episodes of American Idol

Every episode of American Idol ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of American Idol!

Binge this in 33d 10h•Peaking at 8.1/10

Each year, hopeful singers from all over the country audition to be part of one of the biggest shows in American television history. Who will become the new American Idol?

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    American Idol Season 8 Episode 34 - Top 5 Results
    8.1/10(87 votes)

    #1 - Top 5 Results

    S8:E34

    A contestant is eliminated

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. American Idol Season 7 Episode 42 - Winner Announced
    7.5/10(101 votes)

    #2 - Winner Announced

    S7:E42

    On tonight's exciting performance show, the last of the season, the final two contestants will battle it out live at the NOKIA Theatre LA LIVE in Downtown Los Angeles. One will be the next American Idol and one will go home. Tonight's Theme Is: Clive Davis's choice, Songwriter's Competition choice, & Contestant's choice of any song from the season. Performing Tonight are: David Archuleta David Cook

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. American Idol Season 10 Episode 15 - Finalists Chosen
    7.4/10(69 votes)

    #3 - Finalists Chosen

    S10:E15

    The results are in and the Top 24 are going to be cut down to 13 tonight. This is the most cut at this point in the competition and all hopefuls are nervous. Who has made the cut to be part of America's Top 10 and the 3 Wildcard spots? Jennifer Lopez's new music video is also premiered.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. American Idol Season 6 Episode 41 - Winner Is Crowned
    7.2/10(111 votes)

    #4 - Winner Is Crowned

    S6:E41

    On tonight’s exciting performance show, the last of the season, the final two contestants, Blake Lewis, & Jordin Sparks will battle it out live at the famed Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. Your votes decide which one will be the next American Idol and which one will be the Runner-Up. Tonight's Themes Are: One song they have performed previously; a new song of their own choosing; and the winning song from this season's songwriting competition.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. American Idol Season 8 Episode 40 - Winner Revealed
    7.1/10(96 votes)

    #5 - Winner Revealed

    S8:E40

    The top-13 finalists reunite on stage; the winner is announced.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. American Idol Season 8 Episode 37 - Top 3 Finalists Perform
    7.0/10(59 votes)

    #6 - Top 3 Finalists Perform

    S8:E37

    3 Finalists Compete

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of American Idol

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  7. American Idol Season 8 Episode 39 - Top 2 Finalists Perform
    7.0/10(67 votes)

    #7 - Top 2 Finalists Perform

    S8:E39

    The Top 2 Finalist perform. Both Adam Lambert and Kris Allen sing three songs: one song they sang before on the competition, one song chosen by 'Idol' creator Simon Fuller and the song that will be their first Single, co-written by judge Kara DioGuardi

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. American Idol Season 10 Episode 24 - 9 Finalists Compete
    6.8/10(56 votes)

    #8 - 9 Finalists Compete

    S10:E24

    The contestants perform songs from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, accompanied by guitarist Jeff Beck.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. American Idol Season 11 Episode 1 - Auditions No. 1: Savannah
    6.8/10(60 votes)

    #9 - Auditions No. 1: Savannah

    S11:E1

    Television's No. 1 series returns for its highly anticipated 11th season with brand new contestants, a superstar judging panel and the best and worst of auditions. Host Ryan Seacrest and judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler traveled across the country to Charleston & Savannah where the good, the bad and the outrageous auditioned for their shot at stardom. This season promises to deliver the most talented group of singers yet and as always, it's up to the viewers to root and vote for their favorite contestants, ultimately crowning the next American Idol.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. American Idol Season 11 Episode 39 - Final Performance Round
    6.8/10(58 votes)

    #10 - Final Performance Round

    S11:E39

    The two finalists perform in Part 1 of the two-part Season 11 finale. Jason Derulo and Scotty McCreery perform. From the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. American Idol Season 11 Episode 36 - 1 of 4 Voted Off
    6.7/10(55 votes)

    #11 - 1 of 4 Voted Off

    S11:E36

    A finalist is eliminated in a results show. Jennifer Lopez and David Cook perform.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. American Idol Season 9 Episode 43 - Winner Announced
    6.6/10(45 votes)

    #12 - Winner Announced

    S9:E43

    And the Winner IS.................

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. American Idol Season 10 Episode 2 - Auditions No. 2: New Orleans
    6.6/10(59 votes)

    #13 - Auditions No. 2: New Orleans

    S10:E2

    As the old saying goes, be careful what you wish for. After many viewers (yours truly included) complained that American Idol's Season 10 premiere on Wednesday didn't offer anything remarkably different from past seasons, Thursday's episode gave us something we've never seen before: Randy Jackson's bare stomach. I'm pretty sure that's not what any of us were hoping for. So, what had Randy (and Steven!) taking off their clothes? And which New Orleans singers gave J. Lo goose bumps and moved her to tears? Let's find out....

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. American Idol Season 13 Episode 2 - Auditions No. 2
    6.6/10(41 votes)

    #14 - Auditions No. 2

    S13:E2

    Hopefuls perform for the judges.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. American Idol Season 14 Episode 1 - Auditions #1
    6.6/10(38 votes)

    #15 - Auditions #1

    S14:E1

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. American Idol Season 8 Episode 32 - 2 of 7 Voted Off
    6.5/10(55 votes)

    #16 - 2 of 7 Voted Off

    S8:E32

    This episode will end with 2 contestants being eliminated. Performances from disco week include Harry Casey, Thelma Houston and Freda Payne singing a medley of the genres gems. Also, season 7 runner up David Archuleta stops by to sing a song.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. American Idol Season 8 Episode 1 - Phoenix Auditions
    6.3/10(73 votes)

    #17 - Phoenix Auditions

    S8:E1

    Season 8 begins as Simon, Paula and Randy are back to hear the auditions for this year's show.

    Director:Ken Warwick
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. American Idol Season 10 Episode 16 - Finalists Compete
    6.3/10(62 votes)

    #18 - Finalists Compete

    S10:E16

    Casey Abrams, Lauren Alaina, James Durbin, Thia Megia, Haley Reinhart, Karen Rodriguez, Pia Toscano, Jacob Lusk, Scott McCreery, Paul McDonald, Ashthon Jones, Stefano Langone and Naima Adedapo are up for the spot of American Idol as the Top 13 perform for the spot into the next round. Who will show that they can sing the best?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. American Idol Season 11 Episode 13 - Final Judgment, Part 2
    6.3/10(50 votes)

    #19 - Final Judgment, Part 2

    S11:E13

    The judges unveil the remaining semifinalists.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. American Idol Season 11 Episode 20 - 1 of 11 Voted Off
    6.2/10(60 votes)

    #20 - 1 of 11 Voted Off

    S11:E20

    One singer is cut from the competition in a results episode. Daughtry perform.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. American Idol Season 3 Episode 40 - 3 sing
    6.1/10(38 votes)

    #21 - 3 sing

    S3:E40

    Last week America eliminated George Huff, the last male contestant. Now it's up to the 4 diva's, Barrino, Degarmo, London, & Trias. They will battle it out for your votes to keep them in the competition. This Week's theme is Disco Night. Preforming Tonight is: Fantasia Barrino, Diana DeGarmo, LaToya London, Jasmine Trias

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. American Idol Season 8 Episode 23 - Top 10 Finalists Perform
    6.1/10(50 votes)

    #22 - Top 10 Finalists Perform

    S8:E23

    The top 10 compete in Motown week with Smokey Robinson.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. American Idol Season 11 Episode 15 - Semifinalist Girls Perform
    6.1/10(51 votes)

    #23 - Semifinalist Girls Perform

    S11:E15

    The female semifinalists perform.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. American Idol Season 14 Episode 2 - Auditions No. 2
    6.1/10(31 votes)

    #24 - Auditions No. 2

    S14:E2

    Hopefuls try to impress the judges as auditions continue.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. American Idol Season 8 Episode 35 - Top 4 Finalists Perform
    6.0/10(49 votes)

    #25 - Top 4 Finalists Perform

    S8:E35

    Top 4 Finalists perform for Rock Week.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Best Episodes Summary

"Top 5 Results" is the best rated episode of "American Idol". It scored 8.1/10 based on 87 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 4/29/2009. This episode scored 0.6 points higher than the second highest rated, "Winner Announced".