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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!

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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(65 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(79 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 15 Episode 24 - Finale (2)
    7.5/10(35 votes)

    #3 - Finale (2)

    S15:E24

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. American Idol Season 10 Episode 15 - Finalists Chosen
    7.4/10(66 votes)

    #4 - 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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  5. American Idol Season 15 Episode 22 - American Dream
    7.4/10(21 votes)

    #5 - American Dream

    S15:E22

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. American Idol Season 6 Episode 41 - Winner Is Crowned
    7.2/10(92 votes)

    #6 - 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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    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of American Idol

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  7. American Idol Season 15 Episode 2 - Little Rock & San Francisco Auditions
    7.2/10(27 votes)

    #7 - Little Rock & San Francisco Auditions

    S15:E2

    The search for the most talented vocalists continues with auditions in Little Rock, Ark., and San Francisco.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. American Idol Season 8 Episode 40 - Winner Revealed
    7.1/10(74 votes)

    #8 - Winner Revealed

    S8:E40

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. American Idol Season 8 Episode 37 - Top 3 Finalists Perform
    7.0/10(48 votes)

    #9 - Top 3 Finalists Perform

    S8:E37

    3 Finalists Compete

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. American Idol Season 8 Episode 39 - Top 2 Finalists Perform
    7.0/10(52 votes)

    #10 - 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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  11. American Idol Season 15 Episode 16 - Top 10 Revealed and Perform
    6.9/10(18 votes)

    #11 - Top 10 Revealed and Perform

    S15:E16

    The first live show of the season is finally here! Host Ryan Seacrest will reveal America's Vote and announce the final two semi-finalists joining the Top 10. Then, the Top 10 finalists will perform for America's vote.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. American Idol Season 10 Episode 24 - 9 Finalists Compete
    6.8/10(45 votes)

    #12 - 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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  13. American Idol Season 15 Episode 3 - Philadelphia Auditions
    6.8/10(24 votes)

    #13 - Philadelphia Auditions

    S15:E3

    Ryan and the judges continue their search for talent with auditions in Philadelphia.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. American Idol Season 15 Episode 11 - Showcase #1: 1st 12 Performances
    6.8/10(22 votes)

    #14 - Showcase #1: 1st 12 Performances

    S15:E11

    The Top 24 have been chosen, and now it's time for the contestants to show the judges that they are here to stay. Twelve of the Top 24 perform in hopes of earning their spot.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. American Idol Season 11 Episode 39 - Final Performance Round
    6.7/10(47 votes)

    #15 - 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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  16. American Idol Season 9 Episode 43 - Winner Announced
    6.6/10(38 votes)

    #16 - Winner Announced

    S9:E43

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. American Idol Season 10 Episode 2 - Auditions No. 2: New Orleans
    6.6/10(48 votes)

    #17 - 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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  18. American Idol Season 11 Episode 1 - Auditions No. 1: Savannah
    6.6/10(50 votes)

    #18 - 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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  19. American Idol Season 11 Episode 36 - 1 of 4 Voted Off
    6.6/10(44 votes)

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

    #20 - Auditions No. 2

    S13:E2

    Hopefuls perform for the judges.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. American Idol Season 14 Episode 1 - Auditions #1
    6.6/10(39 votes)

    #21 - Auditions #1

    S14:E1

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. American Idol Season 15 Episode 1 - Denver & Atlanta Auditions
    6.6/10(34 votes)

    #22 - Denver & Atlanta Auditions

    S15:E1

    Host Ryan Seacrest and judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. begin their search for talented vocalists with auditions in Denver and Atlanta.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. American Idol Season 8 Episode 32 - 2 of 7 Voted Off
    6.5/10(46 votes)

    #23 - 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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  24. American Idol Season 15 Episode 9 - Hollywood Round #3
    6.4/10(18 votes)

    #24 - Hollywood Round #3

    S15:E9

    Hollywood week continues and the contestants are put to the test. Who will come out on top?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. American Idol Season 15 Episode 10 - Hollywood Round #4
    6.4/10(18 votes)

    #25 - Hollywood Round #4

    S15:E10

    The contestants have survived Hollywood week and it is time to find out who will continue on in the competition. Only the best of the best will make it through as the Top 24 are revealed.

    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 65 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".