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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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Genre:Reality
Network:ABC

Best Episodes Summary

"Oscar Nominated Songs" is the best rated episode of "American Idol". It scored 8/10 based on 1 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 4/18/2021. This episode scored NaN points higher than the second highest rated, "Auditions".

  • Oscar Nominated Songs
    8.0/101 votes
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    #1 - Oscar Nominated Songs

    Season 4 Episode 14 - Aired 4/18/2021

    The top 12 contestants perform Oscar-nominated songs in hopes of securing America's vote into the top nine; Lionel Richie performs.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Auditions
    NaN/100 votes
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    #2 - Auditions

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 3/11/2018

    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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Auditions
    NaN/100 votes
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    #3 - Auditions

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 3/12/2018

    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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Auditions
    NaN/100 votes
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    #4 - Auditions

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 3/18/2018

    American Idol heads to Los Angeles, Nashville, New York City and Savannah, as the search for America's next superstar continues. In episode three of auditions, Idol hopefuls, including a cattle farmer from Texas, twin teenagers from Southern California and a furniture salesman from Illinois, sing their hearts out for the judges to see if they have what it takes to earn a ticket to Hollywood.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Auditions
    NaN/100 votes
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    #5 - Auditions

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 3/19/2018

    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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Auditions
    NaN/100 votes
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    #6 - Auditions

    Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 3/25/2018

    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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Hollywood Week
    NaN/100 votes
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    #7 - Hollywood Week

    Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 3/26/2018

    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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Hollywood Week
    NaN/100 votes
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    #8 - Hollywood Week

    Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 4/1/2018

    In this second episode of Hollywood Week, Idol hopefuls from across the country gather at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood to battle it out in solo performances, singing their hearts out in hopes of making it through to the Showcase Round.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Showcase & Final Judgment
    NaN/100 votes
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    #9 - Showcase & Final Judgment

    Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 4/2/2018

    Idol hopefuls head to Exchange LA in downtown Los Angeles for the Showcase Round, where contestants perform solos in front of a live crowd and the judges. Following the performances, the judges sit down with each contestant for the Final Judgment and reveal which finalists made it through to the Top 24.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Top 24 Solos
    NaN/100 votes
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    #10 - Top 24 Solos

    Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 4/8/2018

    As the pool has been narrowed to the top 24 contestants, 12 of the top 24 finalists perform solos at Academy LA in Hollywood during this week in the competition, as the search for America's next superstar continues on its new home on America's network.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Top 24 Celebrity Duets
    NaN/100 votes
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    #11 - Top 24 Celebrity Duets

    Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 4/9/2018

    As the pool has been narrowed to the top 24 contestants, 12 of the top 24 finalists perform duets with celebrity partners at Academy LA in Hollywood during this week in the competition, as the search for America's next superstar continues on its new home on America's network.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Top 24 Solos
    NaN/100 votes
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    #12 - Top 24 Solos

    Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 4/15/2018

    As the pool has been narrowed to the top 24 contestants, 12 of the top 24 finalists perform solos at Academy LA in Hollywood during this week in the competition, as the search for America's next superstar continues. Nationally-syndicated host of iHeartMedia's "The Bobby Bones Show" and New York Times best-selling author Bobby Bones returns as a mentor for the top 24 contestants, meeting with each contender and helping them to reach the next level in their artistry and performances.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Top 24 Celebrity Duets
    NaN/100 votes
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    #13 - Top 24 Celebrity Duets

    Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 4/16/2018

    As the pool has been narrowed to the top 24 contestants, 12 of the top 24 finalists perform duets with celebrity partners at Academy LA in Hollywood during this week in the competition, as the search for America's next superstar continues.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Top 14
    NaN/100 votes
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    #14 - Top 14

    Season 1 Episode 13 - Aired 4/22/2018

    After solo and celebrity duet performances with the Top 24 contestants, the judges narrowed down the field to the Top 14 finalists. Now the judges are handing over the reigns to America to start voting on who they want to crown the next Idol, as the search for America's next superstar continues.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Top 10 Reveal
    NaN/100 votes
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    #15 - Top 10 Reveal

    Season 1 Episode 14 - Aired 4/23/2018

    America's overnight vote from Sunday will solidify the safety of the six contestants with the most votes. Those that are safe will perform a victory song, and the eight contestants who are in jeopardy will sing to impress the judges. The judges will choose four contestants to join America's top six picks, pushing 10 talented Idol hopefuls one step closer to stardom.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Disney Night
    NaN/100 votes
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    #16 - Disney Night

    Season 1 Episode 15 - Aired 4/29/2018

    American Idol heads to the happiest place on earth, Disneyland Parks and Resorts, then returns to the Idol stage with a sprinkle of magic to perform fan-favorite Disney songs.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Top 7
    NaN/100 votes
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    #17 - Top 7

    Season 1 Episode 16 - Aired 5/6/2018

    American Idol breaks more boundaries as the show pays tribute to music luminary Prince. The Top 7 take on the legendary Prince catalogue, paying homage to the late icon in a historic first-time tribute episode by a singing competition series. The tribute continues American Idol's longstanding relationship with the Prince family, following Prince's live performance on the show in 2006. Iconic musician Sheila E., who toured with Prince earlier in her career, performs with American Idol music director, Kris Pooley, and the house band for this special tribute.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Top 5
    NaN/100 votes
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    #18 - Top 5

    Season 1 Episode 17 - Aired 5/13/2018

    In this episode in honor of Mother's Day, the Top 5 finalists will sing songs dedicated to moms, in addition to performing from the catalogue of American Idol alum and seven time GRAMMY® winner Carrie Underwood. The Top 5 finalists were surprised with a trip to Nashville and the opportunity to learn from Underwood while she served as superstar guest mentor for the week. Underwood will also perform her hit single, "Cry Pretty," which she co-wrote and co-produced, from the Idol stage on Sunday.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Performance Finals
    NaN/100 votes
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    #19 - Performance Finals

    Season 1 Episode 18 - Aired 5/20/2018

    In part one of the two-night season finale, the Top 3 finalists visit their hometowns to celebrate their time on the show then return to the Idol stage for their last chance to win America's vote, as the search for America's next superstar continues.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Grand Finale
    NaN/100 votes
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    #20 - Grand Finale

    Season 1 Episode 19 - Aired 5/27/2018

    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.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Auditions (1)
    NaN/100 votes
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    #21 - Auditions (1)

    Season 2 Episode 1 - Aired 3/3/2019

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Auditions (2)
    NaN/100 votes
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    #22 - Auditions (2)

    Season 2 Episode 2 - Aired 3/6/2019

    Auditions in Coeur d’Alene ID, Louisville KY, and Los Angeles CA.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Auditions (3)
    NaN/100 votes
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    #23 - Auditions (3)

    Season 2 Episode 3 - Aired 3/10/2019

    Auditions in Coeur d’Alene ID, New York NY, Louisville KY, and Los Angeles CA. Lionel Richie reminisces about Mohammed Ali.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Auditions (4)
    NaN/100 votes
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    #24 - Auditions (4)

    Season 2 Episode 4 - Aired 3/17/2019

    Auditions from Los Angeles CA, Louisville KY, New York NY, and Coeur d’Alene ID. Stories include a girl reuniting with her egg donor, a performance that Katy Perry shares as one of her favorite voices she has ever heard, an audition that makes Luke Bryan drop to the floor, and emotional family stories that will touch audiences across America.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Auditions (5)
    NaN/100 votes
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    #25 - Auditions (5)

    Season 2 Episode 5 - Aired 3/18/2019

    Auditions from Los Angeles CA, New York NY, Louisville KY, and Denver CO see if they have what it takes to move on in the competition. Stories include one surprise audition that no one saw coming, a reunion for judge Luke Bryan, and an incredible story of defying the odds.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A