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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!

The Best Episodes of American Idol

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...
  1. Background image for Top 5 Results
    8.1/10(87 votes)

    #1 - Top 5 Results

    S8:E34

    A contestant is eliminated

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  2. Background image for 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

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  3. Background image for Finalists Chosen
    7.4/10(68 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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  4. Background image for Winner Is Crowned
    7.2/10(110 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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  5. Background image for Top 3 Finalists Perform
    7.1/10(59 votes)

    #5 - Top 3 Finalists Perform

    S8:E37

    3 Finalists Compete

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  6. Background image for Top 2 Finalists Perform
    7.1/10(67 votes)

    #6 - 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

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
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    The 20 WORST Episodes of American Idol

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  8. Background image for Winner Revealed
    7.1/10(96 votes)

    #7 - Winner Revealed

    S8:E40

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

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  9. Background image for 9 Finalists Compete
    6.8/10(57 votes)

    #8 - 9 Finalists Compete

    S10:E24

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

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  10. Background image for Auditions No. 1: Savannah
    6.8/10(59 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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  11. Background image for Final Performance Round
    6.8/10(57 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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  12. Background image for 2 of 7 Voted Off
    6.7/10(55 votes)

    #11 - 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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  13. Background image for 1 of 4 Voted Off
    6.7/10(55 votes)

    #12 - 1 of 4 Voted Off

    S11:E36

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

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  14. Background image for Winner Announced
    6.6/10(45 votes)

    #13 - Winner Announced

    S9:E43

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

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  15. Background image for Auditions No. 2
    6.6/10(40 votes)

    #14 - Auditions No. 2

    S13:E2

    Hopefuls perform for the judges.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  16. Background image for Auditions #1
    6.6/10(37 votes)

    #15 - Auditions #1

    S14:E1

    No description available

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  17. Background image for Auditions No. 2: New Orleans
    6.5/10(58 votes)

    #16 - 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....

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  18. Background image for 3 sing
    6.4/10(37 votes)

    #17 - 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

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  19. Background image for Phoenix Auditions
    6.3/10(73 votes)

    #18 - Phoenix Auditions

    S8:E1

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

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    Director:Ken Warwick
    Writer:Unknown
  20. Background image for Top 10 Finalists Perform
    6.3/10(50 votes)

    #19 - Top 10 Finalists Perform

    S8:E23

    The top 10 compete in Motown week with Smokey Robinson.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  21. Background image for Final Judgment, Part 2
    6.3/10(49 votes)

    #20 - Final Judgment, Part 2

    S11:E13

    The judges unveil the remaining semifinalists.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  22. Background image for I Bet It'll Be Ruben! Or Clay!
    6.2/10(24 votes)

    #21 - I Bet It'll Be Ruben! Or Clay!

    S2:E39

    The Top 3 become the Top 2, but who is in the finale and who has sung for the last time? Find out live.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  23. Background image for Hollywood Round 3
    6.2/10(50 votes)

    #22 - Hollywood Round 3

    S8:E10

    Now it is the individuals to show what they have and to shine out the rest of the competition and to show the judges that they did not make the wrong choice from choosing from the Group Week. This week they are solo with the help of the band or their own instrument.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  24. Background image for Finalists Compete
    6.2/10(62 votes)

    #23 - 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?

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  25. Background image for 1 of 11 Voted Off
    6.2/10(60 votes)

    #24 - 1 of 11 Voted Off

    S11:E20

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

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  26. Background image for 12 Finalists Have Been Chosen
    6.1/10(34 votes)

    #25 - 12 Finalists Have Been Chosen

    S3:E20

    No description available

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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".