The Worst Episodes of American Idol
Every episode of American Idol ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of American Idol!
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Lowest Rated Episodes Summary
The worst episode of "American Idol" is "Top 24 Solos", rated 3.8/10 from 49 user votes. It was directed by N/A and written by N/A. "Top 24 Solos" aired on 4/15/2018 and is rated 0.0 point(s) lower than the second lowest rated, "All-Star Duets Part 2".
3.8/10 49 votes#1 - 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
3.8/10 49 votes#2 - All-Star Duets Part 2
Season 2 Episode 11 - Aired 4/8/2019
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.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
3.8/10 49 votes#3 - This Is Me (1)
Season 3 Episode 11 - Aired 4/13/2020
A deeper look into the lives of the top 21 contestants, featuring never-before-seen performances.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
3.8/10 49 votes#4 - All Star Duets and Solos (2)
Season 4 Episode 11 - Aired 4/5/2021
Contestants perform duets with surprise celebrity guests for a chance to make it to live shows.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
3.8/10 49 votes#5 - Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (2)
Season 5 Episode 11 - Aired 4/11/2022
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.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 3.8/10 49 votes
#6 - Top 26 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (1)
Season 6 Episode 11 - Aired 4/16/2023
Singer-songwriter Allen Stone mentors hopefuls vying for America's first open vote of the season.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 3.8/10 49 votes
#7 - Top 14 Reveal
Season 7 Episode 11 - Aired 4/15/2024
The top 20 take the stage again as host Ryan Seacrest reveals the 10 hopefuls America has voted to advance; the judges select the remaining four who will round out the top 14.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
4.0/10 37 votes#8 - 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
4.0/10 37 votes#9 - Woodstock and Show Stoppers
Season 2 Episode 17 - Aired 5/5/2019
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.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
4.0/10 37 votes#10 - Coldplay Songbook & Mother's Day Dedication
Season 4 Episode 17 - Aired 5/9/2021
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.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
4.0/10 37 votes#11 - The Great Idol Reunion
Season 5 Episode 17 - Aired 5/2/2022
"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.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 4.0/10 37 votes
#12 - Top 8: Alanis Morissette/Ed Sheeran
Season 6 Episode 17 - Aired 5/7/2023
The Top 7 contestants perform LIVE coast to coast in front of Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie as audiences across the country cast their vote for the Top 5.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 4.0/10 37 votes
#13 - Disney Night
Season 7 Episode 17 - Aired 5/12/2024
No description available
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
4.1/10 48 votes#14 - 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
4.1/10 48 votes#15 - Top 14
Season 2 Episode 12 - Aired 4/14/2019
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.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 4.1/10 48 votes
#16 - This Is Me (2)
Season 3 Episode 12 - Aired 4/20/2020
A deeper look into the lives of the top 21 contestants, featuring never-before-seen performances.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
4.1/10 48 votes#17 - Top 16
Season 4 Episode 12 - Aired 4/11/2021
The top 16 are revealed and perform in hopes of securing America's vote.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
4.1/10 48 votes#18 - Season 20's Top 20
Season 5 Episode 12 - Aired 4/17/2022
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.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 4.1/10 48 votes
#19 - Top 26 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (2)
Season 6 Episode 12 - Aired 4/17/2023
Noah Cyrus serves as mentor, offering advice to contestants hoping to earn America's vote.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
- 4.1/10 48 votes
#20 - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Season 7 Episode 12 - Aired 4/21/2024
Performing live from Hollywood in front of judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, the Top 14 take on songs from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees as America votes. By the end of the show, the Top 12 will be revealed.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
4.2/10 53 votes#21 - 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
4.2/10 40 votes#22 - 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
4.2/10 53 votes#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
- 4.2/10 40 votes
#24 - Meet Your Finalists
Season 2 Episode 15 - Aired 4/22/2019
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.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
4.2/10 53 votes#25 - Auditions (3)
Season 3 Episode 3 - Aired 3/1/2020
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.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A