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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!

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...
Genre:Reality
Network:FOX
Episodes
567
Avg. Rating
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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 86 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 4/29/2009. This episode scored 0.6 points higher than the second highest rated, "Winner Announced".

  • Top 5 Results
    8.1/10(86)
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    #1 - Top 5 Results

    Season 8 Episode 34

    Aired 4/29/2009

    A contestant is eliminated

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Winner Announced
    7.5/10(100)
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    #2 - Winner Announced

    Season 7 Episode 42

    Aired 5/21/2008

    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: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Finalists Chosen
    7.4/10(67)
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    #3 - Finalists Chosen

    Season 10 Episode 15

    Aired 3/3/2011

    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: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Winner Is Crowned
    7.2/10(110)
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    #4 - Winner Is Crowned

    Season 6 Episode 41

    Aired 5/23/2007

    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: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Winner Revealed
    7.2/10(95)
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    #5 - Winner Revealed

    Season 8 Episode 40

    Aired 5/20/2009

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Top 2 Finalists Perform
    7.1/10(66)
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    #6 - Top 2 Finalists Perform

    Season 8 Episode 39

    Aired 5/19/2009

    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: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Top 3 Finalists Perform
    7.0/10(58)
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    #7 - Top 3 Finalists Perform

    Season 8 Episode 37

    Aired 5/12/2009

    3 Finalists Compete

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Winner Announced
    6.8/10(44)
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    #8 - Winner Announced

    Season 9 Episode 43

    Aired 5/26/2010

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • 9 Finalists Compete
    6.8/10(56)
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    #9 - 9 Finalists Compete

    Season 10 Episode 24

    Aired 4/6/2011

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Final Performance Round
    6.8/10(56)
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    #10 - Final Performance Round

    Season 11 Episode 39

    Aired 5/22/2012

    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: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Auditions No. 1: Savannah
    6.7/10(58)
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    #11 - Auditions No. 1: Savannah

    Season 11 Episode 1

    Aired 1/18/2012

    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: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • 1 of 4 Voted Off
    6.7/10(53)
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    #12 - 1 of 4 Voted Off

    Season 11 Episode 36

    Aired 5/10/2012

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Auditions #1
    6.7/10(36)
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    #13 - Auditions #1

    Season 14 Episode 1

    Aired 1/7/2015

    No description available

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • 2 of 7 Voted Off
    6.6/10(54)
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    #14 - 2 of 7 Voted Off

    Season 8 Episode 32

    Aired 4/22/2009

    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: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Auditions No. 2
    6.6/10(39)
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    #15 - Auditions No. 2

    Season 13 Episode 2

    Aired 1/16/2014

    Hopefuls perform for the judges.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Auditions No. 2: New Orleans
    6.5/10(57)
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    #16 - Auditions No. 2: New Orleans

    Season 10 Episode 2

    Aired 1/20/2011

    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: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • 3 sing
    6.4/10(37)
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    #17 - 3 sing

    Season 3 Episode 40

    Aired 5/18/2004

    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: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Phoenix Auditions
    6.3/10(72)
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    #18 - Phoenix Auditions

    Season 8 Episode 1

    Aired 1/13/2009

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

    Director: Ken Warwick

    Writer: N/A

  • I Bet It'll Be Ruben! Or Clay!
    6.2/10(24)
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    #19 - I Bet It'll Be Ruben! Or Clay!

    Season 2 Episode 39

    Aired 5/21/2003

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Top 10 Finalists Perform
    6.2/10(49)
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    #20 - Top 10 Finalists Perform

    Season 8 Episode 23

    Aired 3/25/2009

    The top 10 compete in Motown week with Smokey Robinson.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Finalists Compete
    6.2/10(61)
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    #21 - Finalists Compete

    Season 10 Episode 16

    Aired 3/9/2011

    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: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Final Judgment, Part 2
    6.2/10(48)
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    #22 - Final Judgment, Part 2

    Season 11 Episode 13

    Aired 2/23/2012

    The judges unveil the remaining semifinalists.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • 12 Finalists Have Been Chosen
    6.1/10(34)
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    #23 - 12 Finalists Have Been Chosen

    Season 3 Episode 20

    Aired 3/16/2004

    No description available

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • 7 sing!!
    6.1/10(41)
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    #24 - 7 sing!!

    Season 3 Episode 30

    Aired 4/20/2004

    The 7 Idols compete to stay in the competition. This week's theme is: music of Barry Manilow.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Hollywood Round 3
    6.1/10(49)
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    #25 - Hollywood Round 3

    Season 8 Episode 10

    Aired 2/10/2009

    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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A