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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 1 Episode 11 - Top 24 Solos
    3.8/10(52 votes)

    #1 - 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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. American Idol Season 2 Episode 11 - All-Star Duets Part 2
    3.8/10(52 votes)

    #2 - All-Star Duets Part 2

    S2:E11

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. American Idol Season 3 Episode 11 - This Is Me (1)
    3.8/10(52 votes)

    #3 - This Is Me (1)

    S3:E11

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. American Idol Season 4 Episode 11 - All Star Duets and Solos (2)
    3.8/10(52 votes)

    #4 - All Star Duets and Solos (2)

    S4:E11

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. American Idol Season 5 Episode 11 - Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (2)
    3.8/10(52 votes)

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

    S5:E11

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

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

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

    #8 - 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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  9. American Idol Season 1 Episode 17 - Top 5
    4.0/10(40 votes)

    #9 - 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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. American Idol Season 2 Episode 17 - Woodstock and Show Stoppers
    4.0/10(40 votes)

    #10 - Woodstock and Show Stoppers

    S2:E17

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. American Idol Season 4 Episode 17 - Coldplay Songbook & Mother's Day Dedication
    4.0/10(40 votes)

    #11 - Coldplay Songbook & Mother's Day Dedication

    S4:E17

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. American Idol Season 5 Episode 17 - The Great Idol Reunion
    4.0/10(40 votes)

    #12 - The Great Idol Reunion

    S5:E17

    "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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

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

    #14 - Disney Night

    S7:E17

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

    #15 - 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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  16. American Idol Season 1 Episode 12 - Top 24 Celebrity Duets
    4.1/10(50 votes)

    #16 - 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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. American Idol Season 2 Episode 12 - Top 14
    4.1/10(50 votes)

    #17 - Top 14

    S2:E12

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. American Idol Season 3 Episode 12 - This Is Me (2)
    4.1/10(50 votes)

    #18 - This Is Me (2)

    S3:E12

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. American Idol Season 4 Episode 12 - Top 16
    4.1/10(50 votes)

    #19 - Top 16

    S4:E12

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. American Idol Season 5 Episode 12 - Season 20's Top 20
    4.1/10(50 votes)

    #20 - Season 20's Top 20

    S5:E12

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

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

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

    #23 - 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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  24. American Idol Season 1 Episode 15 - Disney Night
    4.2/10(43 votes)

    #24 - 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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. American Idol Season 2 Episode 15 - Meet Your Finalists
    4.2/10(43 votes)

    #25 - Meet Your Finalists

    S2:E15

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Worst Episodes Summary

"Top 24 Solos" 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 4/15/2018. This episode scored 0.0 points lower than the second lowest rated, "All-Star Duets Part 2".