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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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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
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    American Idol Season 6 Episode 11 - Top 26 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (1)
    3.8/10(52 votes)

    #1 - Top 26 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (1)

    S6:E11

    Singer-songwriter Allen Stone mentors hopefuls vying for America's first open vote of the season.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. American Idol Season 7 Episode 11 - Top 14 Reveal
    3.8/10(52 votes)

    #2 - Top 14 Reveal

    S7:E11

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. American Idol Season 8 Episode 11 - Songs of Faith
    3.8/10(52 votes)

    #3 - 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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. American Idol Season 6 Episode 17 - Top 8: Alanis Morissette/Ed Sheeran
    4.0/10(40 votes)

    #4 - Top 8: Alanis Morissette/Ed Sheeran

    S6:E17

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. American Idol Season 7 Episode 17 - Disney Night
    4.0/10(40 votes)

    #5 - Disney Night

    S7:E17

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. American Idol Season 8 Episode 17 - Disney Night (Part 1)
    4.0/10(40 votes)

    #6 - 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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 BEST Episodes of American Idol

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  7. American Idol Season 6 Episode 12 - Top 26 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (2)
    4.1/10(50 votes)

    #7 - Top 26 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (2)

    S6:E12

    Noah Cyrus serves as mentor, offering advice to contestants hoping to earn America's vote.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. American Idol Season 7 Episode 12 - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
    4.1/10(50 votes)

    #8 - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

    S7:E12

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. American Idol Season 8 Episode 12 - Top 14 Reveal
    4.1/10(50 votes)

    #9 - Top 14 Reveal

    S8:E12

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. American Idol Season 6 Episode 15 - Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night
    4.2/10(43 votes)

    #10 - Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night

    S6:E15

    The competition heats up as the Top 12 contestants perform for superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie as America's vote for the Top 10 is revealed LIVE coast to coast.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. American Idol Season 7 Episode 15 - Judge's Song Contest
    4.2/10(43 votes)

    #11 - Judge's Song Contest

    S7:E15

    The Top 8 perform one of three songs anonymously selected by Luke Bryan, Katy Perry or Lionel Richie, who are each competing for most songs chosen. America votes live coast to coast for their Top 6, with the judges making one save for the Top 7.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. American Idol Season 8 Episode 15 - Ladies Night
    4.2/10(43 votes)

    #12 - 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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. American Idol Season 6 Episode 7 - Hollywood Week (1)
    4.3/10(50 votes)

    #13 - Hollywood Week (1)

    S6:E7

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. American Idol Season 6 Episode 10 - Showstopper/Final Judgment (2)
    4.3/10(54 votes)

    #14 - Showstopper/Final Judgment (2)

    S6:E10

    Performing with a band for the first time, Idol hopefuls sing their hearts out in their last chance to make it to America's vote. In the Final Judgement, two pairs of contestants face off with the judges sealing their fate for the next round.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. American Idol Season 6 Episode 13 - Top 20
    4.3/10(54 votes)

    #15 - Top 20

    S6:E13

    The contestants return to Hollywood to learn the results of America's first votes for the top 20; contestants perform in hopes of securing a spot in the top 12; "American Idol" 2022 winner Noah Thompson and runner-up HunterGirl also take the stage.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. American Idol Season 6 Episode 14 - Top 12 Reveal!
    4.3/10(41 votes)

    #16 - Top 12 Reveal!

    S6:E14

    The Top 20 contestants perform LIVE, with overnight voting results revealing 10 Idol hopefuls who will continue. The judges choose two singers to round out the Top 12 competing to be the next American Idol.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. American Idol Season 7 Episode 3 - Auditions, Part 3
    4.3/10(55 votes)

    #17 - Auditions, Part 3

    S7:E3

    Talented hopefuls inch one step closer to Hollywood stardom as they audition for judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Ryan Seacrest hosts. Meanwhile, viewers glimpse into the judges' own beginnings with memorable trips to their hometowns.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. American Idol Season 7 Episode 7 - Showstopper/Final Judgment
    4.3/10(50 votes)

    #18 - Showstopper/Final Judgment

    S7:E7

    The competition narrows during the final showcase round for judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, deciding who will earn a coveted spot in the Top 24 and compete for America's vote.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. American Idol Season 7 Episode 10 - Top 20
    4.3/10(54 votes)

    #19 - Top 20

    S7:E10

    The top 20 Idol hopefuls perform a song of their choice to capture America's vote once more as the results from the top 24 vote are revealed.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. American Idol Season 7 Episode 13 - Billboard #1 Hits
    4.3/10(54 votes)

    #20 - Billboard #1 Hits

    S7:E13

    The competition heats up as the Top 12 perform their favorite Billboard No. 1 hits live from Hollywood, giving their all to earn America's vote once more. Two Idol journeys will come to an end as the Top 10 is solidified by the end of the night.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. American Idol Season 7 Episode 14 - Top 10
    4.3/10(41 votes)

    #21 - Top 10

    S7:E14

    Country music icon Shania Twain mentors the top 10 as they vie for a spot in the top eight with songs from their birth years; performances from Scotty McCreery and Just Sam.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. American Idol Season 8 Episode 3 - Auditions (Part 3)
    4.3/10(56 votes)

    #22 - 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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. American Idol Season 8 Episode 7 - Hollywood Week: Showstopper
    4.3/10(50 votes)

    #23 - 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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. American Idol Season 8 Episode 10 - Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (Part 2)
    4.3/10(54 votes)

    #24 - 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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. American Idol Season 8 Episode 13 - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
    4.3/10(54 votes)

    #25 - 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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Worst Episodes Summary

"Top 26 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (1)" is the worst rated episode of "American Idol". It scored 3.8/10 based on 52 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 4/16/2023. This episode scored 0.0 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Top 14 Reveal".