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The Best Episodes of American Idol Season 8

Every episode of American Idol Season 8 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of American Idol Season 8!

The Best Episodes of American Idol Season 8

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Seasons8

  1. 5.2/10(78 votes)

    #1 - 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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  2. 4.6/10(55 votes)

    #2 - 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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  3. 4.6/10(40 votes)

    #3 - 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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  4. 4.5/10(61 votes)

    #4 - Season Premiere: Auditions (Part 2)

    S8:E2

    Luke, Lionel, Carrie and Ryan head to New York, Los Angeles and Nashville to jump-start auditions, where raw talent and unforgettable performances set the stage for the competition ahead.

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  5. 4.5/10(51 votes)

    #5 - Auditions (Part 5)

    S8:E5

    As the final auditions before Hollywood Week unfold, Idol hopefuls turn up the heat with electrifying performances that leave the judges stunned and eager for what's to come.

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  6. 4.5/10(54 votes)

    #6 - Hollywood Week: Idol Arena

    S8:E6

    In the high stakes of Hollywood Week, singers battle through intense challenges and group performances. Luke, Lionel and Carrie face tough decisions that shape the competitors' futures.

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  8. 4.5/10(52 votes)

    #7 - Head to Head

    S8:E8

    The competition heats up as competitors face off in intense head-to-head battles, and this season's new artist in residence, Jelly Roll, makes his highly anticipated debut.

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  9. 4.5/10(50 votes)

    #8 - Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (Part 1)

    S8:E9

    From Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina Hawai'i, the Top 12 of 24 take the stage with guidance from GRAMMY® Award-winning mentor Ashanti as Jelly Roll steps in as "American Idol"'s artist in residence, and nationwide voting begins.

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  10. 4.5/10(42 votes)

    #9 - Judge's Song Contest

    S8:E16

    The Top 8 perform songs secretly selected by Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie or Carrie Underwood in the "Judge's Song Contest." With Jelly Roll as artist in residence, America votes for the Top 6, and the judges save one to complete the Top 7.

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  11. 4.5/10(40 votes)

    #10 - Disney Night (Part 2)

    S8:E18

    "Disney Night" continues with heroes, villains and a special appearance by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Top 5 travel to Disneyland Resort and perform twice as America votes live for the three heading to the finale.

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  12. 4.4/10(55 votes)

    #11 - Auditions (Part 3)

    S8:E3

    Luke, Lionel, Carrie and Ryan continue auditions in New York, Los Angeles and Nashville, where impressive competitors showcase their talents in fierce competition.

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  13. 4.4/10(50 votes)

    #12 - Hollywood Week: Showstopper

    S8:E7

    "American Idol" competitors bring their A-game in the "Showstopper" episode, delivering powerful performances that could make or break their journey to fame. Jelly Roll joins as the first artist in residence to guide them along the way.

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  14. 4.4/10(54 votes)

    #13 - Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (Part 2)

    S8:E10

    The second night at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina Hawai'i, brings powerhouse performances. GRAMMY® winner Josh Groban mentors the remaining Top 12 of 24, and Jelly Roll continues his role as artist in residence as voting intensifies.

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  15. 4.4/10(53 votes)

    #14 - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

    S8:E13

    With guidance from an award-winning guest mentor, the Top 14 take on iconic songs from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends as America votes live for the Top 12.

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  16. 4.4/10(40 votes)

    #15 - Iconic Idol Moments

    S8:E14

    The Top 12 perform unforgettable songs inspired by iconic "American Idol" moments, honoring the show's legendary history. Season three winner Fantasia returns to the "Idol" stage, and artist in residence Jelly Roll joins our live studio audience.

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  17. 4.3/10(42 votes)

    #16 - Ladies Night

    S8:E15

    Powerhouse performances celebrate the Iconic Women of Music, featuring Miranda Lambert, as the Top 10 return hoping to earn a spot in the Top 8. America votes live to decide who moves one step closer to becoming the next American Idol.

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  18. 4.2/10(50 votes)

    #17 - Top 14 Reveal

    S8:E12

    The Top 14 are revealed as the finalists return to the stage with powerful, emotional live performances from Hollywood.

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  19. 4.2/10(39 votes)

    #18 - Disney Night (Part 1)

    S8:E17

    "Disney Night" celebrates Mother's Day with special guest Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Top 7 travel to Disneyland Resort and light up the stage with Disney classics as America votes live for the five moving forward in the competition.

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  20. 4.0/10(51 votes)

    #19 - Songs of Faith

    S8:E11

    "American Idol" celebrates Easter! Enjoy songs of faith from the finalists, GRAMMY(R) winner CeCe Winans, and artist in residence Jelly Roll with Brandon Lake. Plus, judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan perform as voting continues.

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Season 8 Ratings Summary

"Post Oscars: Auditions (Part 1)" is the best rated episode of "American Idol" season 8. It scored 5.2/10 based on 78 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 3/2/2025. This episode is rated 0.6 points higher than the second-best, "Auditions (Part 4)".