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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

The iconic series that revolutionized the television landscape by pioneering the music competition genre is back!

Seasons8

  1. Background image for Auditions
    5.2/10(77 votes)

    #1 - Auditions

    S1:E1

    The nationwide search for the next superstar kicked off in August, as the Idol Bus traveled from Portland, Oregon, to Orlando, Florida, in its pursuit for talent, covering 23 cities across the country. Auditioning was made easier than ever as hopefuls also had the opportunity to submit audition videos online, as well as via select social media platforms using an official tag, #TheNextIdol, cultivating over 300,000 posts. Also, for the first time in “American Idol” history, hopefuls had the opportunity to audition through a livestream platform.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  2. Background image for Auditions (1)
    5.2/10(77 votes)

    #2 - Auditions (1)

    S2:E1

    Auditions in Louisville KY, Coeur d’Alene ID, Los Angeles CA, New York NY, and Denver CO.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  3. Background image for Auditions (1)
    5.2/10(77 votes)

    #3 - Auditions (1)

    S3:E1

    Hopefuls perform for the judges in Savannah, Ga.; Milwuakee, Wis.; Washington, D.C.; and Los Angeles; including a subway performer from Harlem, N.Y., a garbage collector and a hopeless romantic who encounters her own fairy-tale twist.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  4. Background image for Auditions (1)
    5.2/10(77 votes)

    #4 - Auditions (1)

    S4:E1

    The auditions begin in 3 California cities: Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ojai. Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie return, along with host Ryan Seacrest.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  5. Background image for Auditions (1)
    5.2/10(77 votes)

    #5 - Auditions (1)

    S5:E1

    Hopefuls perform for the judges in three cities.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  6. Background image for Auditions (1)
    5.2/10(78 votes)

    #6 - Auditions (1)

    S6:E1

    With help from superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, viewers embark on a nationwide search across New Orleans, Las Vegas and Nashville to find the next singing sensation.

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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 Auditions, Part 1
    5.2/10(77 votes)

    #7 - Auditions, Part 1

    S7:E1

    Viewers embark on a nationwide search across Los Angeles, Nashville and the judges' hometowns to find the next singing sensation.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  9. Background image for Post Oscars: Auditions (Part 1)
    5.2/10(78 votes)

    #8 - Post Oscars: Auditions (Part 1)

    S8:E1

    Preview the new season as former "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood joins Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan at the judges' table, bringing her music expertise to the next generation of talent vying for a shot at stardom. Ryan Seacrest hosts.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  10. Background image for Grand Finale
    4.8/10(41 votes)

    #9 - Grand Finale

    S5:E20

    The top three perform, and a winner is chosen; guest performers include Carrie Underwood, James Arthur, Sara Bareilles, Gabby Barrett, Michael Bublé, Deana Carter, Earth, Wind & Fire, Melissa Etheridge, Flo Rida, Ben Platt and more.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  11. Background image for Season Finale
    4.8/10(41 votes)

    #10 - Season Finale

    S6:E20

    The live coast-to-coast, three-hour season finale features special performances from music legends and today's top artists, with the Top 3 contestants taking the stage for the final time as America decides who will become the next American Idol.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  12. Background image for Grand Finale
    4.6/10(40 votes)

    #11 - Grand Finale

    S1:E19

    The winner of Season 1 of American Idol on ABC is finally crowned. Leading up to the big reveal with amazing performances by music superstars and legends, including our very own American Idol judges, the search for America's next superstar comes to a close.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  13. Background image for Grand Finale
    4.6/10(40 votes)

    #12 - Grand Finale

    S2:E19

    The second season rounds out with an epic grand finale event, featuring the Top 3 contestants. The crowning moment is preceded by special performances from music legends, including our own superstar judges, the return of fan-favorite contestants and a special visit by last season’s winner, Maddie Poppe.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  14. Background image for Grand Finale
    4.6/10(40 votes)

    #13 - Grand Finale

    S4:E19

    The top three finalists perform and the winner is announced; scheduled performers include Lindsey Buckingham, Alessia Cara, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Fall Out Boy, Mickey Guyton, Chaka Khan, Leona Lewis and Macklemore.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  15. Background image for Top 5
    4.6/10(40 votes)

    #14 - Top 5

    S5:E19

    The Top 5 contestants travel to Las Vegas to be mentored by Carrie Underwood; each contestant will perform two songs.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  16. Background image for Auditions (2)
    4.6/10(61 votes)

    #15 - Auditions (2)

    S6:E2

    With help from superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, viewers embark on a nationwide search across New Orleans, Las Vegas and Nashville to find the next singing sensation.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  17. Background image for Auditions (3A)
    4.6/10(55 votes)

    #16 - Auditions (3A)

    S6:E4

    With help from superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, viewers embark on a nationwide search across New Orleans, Las Vegas and Nashville to find the next singing sensation.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  18. Background image for Auditions (4)
    4.6/10(52 votes)

    #17 - Auditions (4)

    S6:E5

    With help from superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, viewers embark on a nationwide search across New Orleans, Las Vegas and Nashville to find the next singing sensation.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  19. Background image for Journey to the Finale
    4.6/10(40 votes)

    #18 - Journey to the Finale

    S6:E19

    What does it take to become the next American Idol? Featuring never-before-seen footage of this season's finalists, this special episode takes a deeper look at the journeys from hometown to Hollywood for this season's contestants.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  20. Background image for Finale
    4.6/10(41 votes)

    #19 - Finale

    S7:E18

    No description available

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  21. Background image for Auditions (Part 4)
    4.6/10(55 votes)

    #20 - Auditions (Part 4)

    S8:E4

    Auditions continue as Luke, Lionel, Carrie and Ryan are wowed by exceptional talent and unforgettable performances.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  22. Background image for Grand Finale
    4.6/10(40 votes)

    #21 - Grand Finale

    S8:E19

    The top three give their final performances in a star-studded night with music legends and top stars; this year's winner is revealed.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  23. Background image for Auditions
    4.5/10(60 votes)

    #22 - Auditions

    S1:E2

    In episode two of auditions, Idol hopefuls, including a shoe salesman from Washington D.C., a construction worker from Southern California and a student from Louisiana, sing their hearts out for the judges to see if they have what it takes to earn a ticket to Hollywood.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  24. Background image for Auditions
    4.5/10(54 votes)

    #23 - Auditions

    S1:E4

    American Idol heads to Los Angeles, Nashville, New Orleans and New York City, as the search for America's next superstar continues. In episode four of auditions, Idol hopefuls, including a teacher from Michigan, a construction worker from Alabama and a goat farmer from Oklahoma, sing their hearts out for the judges to see if they have what it takes to earn a ticket to Hollywood.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  25. Background image for Auditions
    4.5/10(51 votes)

    #24 - Auditions

    S1:E5

    In episode five of auditions, Idol hopefuls, including a choreographer from Tennessee, a hostess from Colorado and a personal assistant from Alabama, sing their hearts out for the judges to see if they have what it takes to earn a ticket to Hollywood.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  26. Background image for Hollywood Week
    4.5/10(54 votes)

    #25 - Hollywood Week

    S1:E6

    In this first episode of Hollywood Week, Idol hopefuls from across the country head to the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood to battle it out in solo and group performances, singing their hearts out in hopes of making it through to the showcase round.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

Best Episodes Summary

"Auditions" is the best rated episode of "American Idol". It scored 5.2/10 based on 77 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 3/11/2018. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "Auditions (1)".