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

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.

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

Hopefuls perform for the judges in three cities.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.