Every season of American Idol ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best seasons of American Idol!

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 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 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.

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.

Hollywood Week

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.

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.

Showcase & Final Judgment

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.

Top 24 Solos

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.

Top 24 Celebrity Duets

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.

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.

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.

Top 14

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.

Top 10 Reveal

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.

Disney Night

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.

Top 7

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.

Top 5

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.

Performance Finals

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.

Grand Finale

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

Auditions (1)

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

Auditions (2)

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

Auditions (3)

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.

Auditions (4)

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.

Auditions (5)

Tensions are high as this year’s crop of hopefuls battles it out in solo and group round performances from the famous stage of The Orpheum Theatre. Helping to guide them through the rigorous week is in-house mentor Bobby Bones. Don’t miss phenomenal performances from returning fan favorites, an emergency trip to the hospital in an ambulance, and a special moment when one lucky contestant receives a heartfelt gift from Luke Bryan.

Hollywood Week (1)

Contestants battle it out in group rounds and solo performances in the hope of advancing to the next round of the competition. Also, don't miss a surprise on-stage marriage proposal.

Hollywood Week (2)

The showcase round goes to Aulani, A Disney Resort in Ko Olina, Hawaii, where the show’s Top 40 contestants take to the beach for solo performances in front of a live audience and the judge panel. Afterward, the judges sit down with each contestant to reveal their fate, culminating with the show’s Top 20 finalists.

The top 20 finalists perform in front of a live audience.

Top 20 Solos

The first 10 of the Top 20 finalists perform duets with all-star celebrity partners. Following the performances and during a shocking elimination, the “American Idol” judges will determine which 7 finalists will advance to the Top 14 and get the chance to perform for America’s vote.

All-Star Duets

The remaining 10 of the Top 20 finalists perform duets with all-star celebrity partners. Following the performances, the contestants find out who has made the last 7 spots, rounding out the Top 14 during a final elimination that will leave audiences stunned.

All-Star Duets Part 2

The top 14 contestants perform on the iconic Idol stage for the first time, in hope of winning over the hearts of viewers and being voted through to the next phase of the competition.

The 7 contestants with the most votes by America take their spot in the top 10, while the 7 remaining contestants must sing to impress the judges.

The Top 10 contestants head to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, to prepare for Disney Night. The finalists are joined by celebrity mentor Rebel Wilson. The 3 judges perform a timeless Disney song in Fantasyland. The Top 10 then return to the iconic Idol stage to perform fan-favorite Disney songs in the hope of winning America’s vote for a spot in the Top 8. Lea Michele performs the song “Under the Sea.” Also, Maddie Poppe and Caleb Lee Hutchinson return to the stage to sing a Disney classic duet.

This 2-hour special episode takes a deep dive into each finalist’s journey on the show thus far, highlighting new, never-before-seen songs, stories, performances, and footage, as well as revisiting favorite moments from this season.

Meet Your Finalists

The finalists continue their journey in the competition, paying tribute to one of the world’s most iconic bands, Queen. Each contestant takes on a song from the legendary Queen catalogue, before partnering up for classic movie duet performances. Helping to prepare the Top 8 to rock the stage is alumnus Adam Lambert.

Queen Night

Each contestant performs one inspirationally powerful “showstopper” song, with the help of Grammy Award-winning artist, Lauren Daigle, who serves as celebrity guest mentor. Each finalist also takes on a song performed at the famed Woodstock music festival in 1969.

Woodstock and Show Stoppers

The journey to find the next superstar continues as the remaining five Idol hopefuls leave it all on the stage, singing their hearts out to win America’s vote and land themselves a spot in the coveted season finale.

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.

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.

Aspiring singers from Savannah, Ga., Milwaukee, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Sunriver, Ore. perform in hopes of earning a ticket to Hollywood.

This week’s episode sees a determined hopeful defy the odds for a chance to audition in front of the judges, resulting in an “American Idol” first. Then, a fan favorite from season one returns for another chance to wow the judges, while another hopeful’s great-grandmother fulfills her lifelong dream of meeting Lionel Richie.

Idol heads to Savannah GA, Milwaukee WI, Washington D.C., Los Angeles CA, and Sunriver OR as the search for America’s next superstar continues.

Auditions across Savannah GA, Milwaukee WI, Washington D.C., Los Angeles CA, and Sunriver OR come to an end with the final search for America’s next superstar.

Contestants head to Hollywood to perform a song in a genre of their choice.

Hollywood Week - Genre Challenge

The contestants pick just one partner for a duet group round. One pair’s tensions run high as they can’t agree on a song. Sparks fly with another pair.

Hollywood Week - Duets

Hollywood Week wraps up with with solo performances. One contestant experiences an unprecedented medical emergency. Will one couple’s love survive the latest elimination?

Hollywood Week - Solos

The Top 40 contestants go to Hawaii to soak up the sun and sing to impress the judges in a concert on the beach before awaiting their Final Judgement for a spot in the coveted Top 20.

Hawaii Showcase and Final Judgment (1)

The Top 40 contestants perform in a concert before awaiting their final judgment for a spot in the coveted top 20. Watch a shocking first-ever twist in the show’s history for two contestants.

Hawaii Showcase and Final Judgment (2)

A deeper look into the lives of the top 21 contestants, featuring never-before-seen performances.

This Is Me (1)

This Is Me (2)

The top 20 perform remotely for a spot in the top 10.

On with the Show: Top 20 Sing for Your Vote

Find out who America voted into the Top 10 and whether or not judges choose to use their only save of the season.

On with the Show: Homeward Bound

In the hybrid Disney and Mother’s Day show, the remaining finalists will perform two songs each; one from the renowned Disney songbook and the second dedicated to the mother figures in their lives as a Mother’s Day tribute. Season two winner, Laine Hardy, returns to perform “Life is a Highway” and share his journey after winning the show last year.

On with the Show: Disney / Mother's Day

On with the Show: Grand Finale

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.

Auditions across California – Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ojai – continue.

The search for the next superstar across Los Angeles, California; San Diego, California; and Ojai, California, comes to an end as "American Idol" auditions wrap. Saving some of the best for last, this week features the final auditions in front of the celebrity judges before heading to Hollywood Week, where contestants get one step closer to being crowned the next "American Idol."

The search for the next superstar continues with Hollywood week; fan favorites from auditions return to the stage for the genre challenge.

Hollywood Week: Genre Challenge

The hopefuls encounter surprises as they continue to compete with the Hollywood duets challenge.

Hollywood Duets Challenge

The contestants showcase their talent by performing with a band for their last chance to make it into the coveted top 24.

Showstopper/Final Judgment (1)

The remaining contestants perform for their first time this season with a band, vying for their spot in the top 24; the judges share a surprising twist.

Showstopper/Final Judgment (2)

Contestants perform duets with surprise celebrity guests for a chance to make it to live shows.

All Star Duets and Solos (1)

All Star Duets and Solos (2)

The top 16 are revealed and perform in hopes of securing America's vote.

Top 16

Following America's overnight vote, 10 contestants are revealed from the top 16; six contestants perform for a chance to be in the top 12.

Top 12 Live Reveal

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

Oscar Nominated Songs

Ten finalists from the previous season return to make their debut on the "American Idol" stage, where they sing for America's vote; one remains in the competition this season, rounding out the top 10.

The Comeback

The results of the comeback show; the top nine travel to Walt Disney World for a one-on-one session with a celebrity mentor; the top seven finalists are revealed.

The remaining finalists perform one song dedicated to the special loved ones in their lives in honor of Mother's Day and a second song from the Coldplay songbook, mentored by the band's lead singer, Chris Martin.

Coldplay Songbook & Mother's Day Dedication

Artist FINNEAS mentors the finalists, who are grouped to perform two of his songs; the top four perform two additional songs each; FINNEAS performs with Ashe; the top three finalists are revealed.

My Personal Idol/Artist Singles

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.

Hopefuls perform for the judges in three cities.

Hopefuls perform for the judges in three cities; the second platinum ticket winner is revealed.

Auditions continue across Los Angeles, Calif., Austin, Texas and Nashville, Tenn.

Auditions continue across Los Angeles, Calif.; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, Tenn., where the show's iconic judge auditions will surprise audiences and hopefuls alike with never-before-seen twists.

Auditions across Los Angeles; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, Tenn., come to an end; the final Platinum Ticket winner is revealed.

The judges continue their search for the next singing sensation in Los Angeles; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, Tenn.

Auditions (6)

The search for the next superstar continues as some of the most prolific alums in the shows history return to mentor the contestants; fan favorites from auditions take the stage for the genre challenge to sing their hearts out.

Fan favorites form dynamic duos and hit the Hollywood stage for the duets challenge; platinum ticket winners handpick their duet partners and rejoin the competition in hopes of making it through to the next round.

The search for the next superstar continues with the showstoppers round; taking the stage for their first time with a band, Idol hopefuls sing their hearts out in their last chance to make it into the coveted top 24.

Showstopper/Final Judgment

The contestants wrap up two nights of top 24 performances; Bebe Rexha mentors hopefuls as they belt out unforgettable tunes in hopes of making it through to the next round.

Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (1)

Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (2)

The competition heats up as last week's votes are in and this seasons top 20 hand-picked by America will be revealed; the remaining contestants perform and viewers at home will vote once again to determine who will make it to the next round.

Season 20's Top 20

America's votes determine which 10 hopefuls continue on their musical journey; the judges choose an additional four singers to join the top 14

Top 14 Live Reveal

Country music star Gabby Barrett returns to mentor the top 14.

The judges pick songs for each of the top 11 to perform; each contestant selects their favorite song.

Judge's Song Contest

Contestants perform beloved Disney tunes in hopes of securing America's vote.

"American Idol" greats -- including Ruben Studdard, Scotty McCreery, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Lauren Alaina, Kris Allen, Maddie Poppe, Laine Hardy, Willie Spence and Caleb Lee Hutchinson -- reunite on the Idol stage.

The Great Idol Reunion

In a special Mother's Day episode, the top seven dedicate songs to their mother or the mother figure in their lives; will.i.am returns to mentor the remaining contestants vying for a spot in the top five.

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

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.

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.

Auditions (3A)

Fan-favorite "American Idol" alumni return as contestant mentors to build confidence, stage presence and songwriting as they prepare for amazing performances on the iconic Hollywood Week stage.

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

The Best Seasons of American Idol

The Best Seasons of American Idol

Season 6

Season 5

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

Season 8

Season 7