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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!

The Worst Episodes of American Idol

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Seasons8

  1. Background image for Auditions
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    #1 - Auditions

    S1:E1

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  2. Background image for Auditions
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    #2 - Auditions

    S1:E2

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  3. Background image for Auditions
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    #3 - Auditions

    S1:E3

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  4. Background image for Auditions
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    #4 - Auditions

    S1:E4

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  5. Background image for Auditions
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    #5 - Auditions

    S1:E5

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  6. Background image for Hollywood Week
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    #6 - Hollywood Week

    S1:E6

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
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  8. Background image for Hollywood Week
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    #7 - Hollywood Week

    S1:E7

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  9. Background image for Showcase & Final Judgment
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    #8 - Showcase & Final Judgment

    S1:E8

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  10. Background image for Top 24 Solos
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    #9 - Top 24 Solos

    S1:E9

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  11. Background image for Top 24 Celebrity Duets
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    #10 - Top 24 Celebrity Duets

    S1:E10

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  12. Background image for Top 24 Solos
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    #11 - Top 24 Solos

    S1:E11

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
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  13. Background image for Top 24 Celebrity Duets
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    #12 - Top 24 Celebrity Duets

    S1:E12

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
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  14. Background image for Top 14
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    #13 - Top 14

    S1:E13

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
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  15. Background image for Top 10 Reveal
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    #14 - Top 10 Reveal

    S1:E14

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  16. Background image for Disney Night
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    #15 - Disney Night

    S1:E15

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  17. Background image for Top 7
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    #16 - Top 7

    S1:E16

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
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  18. Background image for Top 5
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    #17 - Top 5

    S1:E17

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  19. Background image for Performance Finals
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    #18 - Performance Finals

    S1:E18

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  20. Background image for Grand Finale
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    #19 - Grand Finale

    S1:E19

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  21. Background image for Auditions (1)
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    #20 - Auditions (1)

    S3:E1

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  22. Background image for Auditions (2)
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    #21 - Auditions (2)

    S3:E2

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

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  23. Background image for Auditions (3)
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    #22 - Auditions (3)

    S3:E3

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  24. Background image for Auditions (4)
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    #23 - Auditions (4)

    S3:E4

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  25. Background image for Auditions (5)
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    #24 - Auditions (5)

    S3:E5

    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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  26. Background image for Hollywood Week - Genre Challenge
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    #25 - Hollywood Week - Genre Challenge

    S3:E6

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

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

Worst Episodes Summary

"Auditions" is the worst rated episode of "American Idol". It scored /10 based on 0 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 3/11/2018. This episode scored 0.0 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Auditions".