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The Best Episodes of American Idol Season 10

Every episode of American Idol Season 10 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of American Idol Season 10!

Binge this in 1d 10h•Peaking at 7.4/10

Each year, hopeful singers from all over the country audition to be part of one of the biggest shows in American television history. Who will become the new American Idol?

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    American Idol Season 10 Episode 1 - Auditions No. 1: New York/New Jersey
    5.9/10(59 votes)

    #1 - Auditions No. 1: New York/New Jersey

    S10:E1

    The talent contest opens Season 10 with auditions in New York and New Jersey.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. American Idol Season 10 Episode 2 - Auditions No. 2: New Orleans
    6.6/10(59 votes)

    #2 - Auditions No. 2: New Orleans

    S10:E2

    As the old saying goes, be careful what you wish for. After many viewers (yours truly included) complained that American Idol's Season 10 premiere on Wednesday didn't offer anything remarkably different from past seasons, Thursday's episode gave us something we've never seen before: Randy Jackson's bare stomach. I'm pretty sure that's not what any of us were hoping for. So, what had Randy (and Steven!) taking off their clothes? And which New Orleans singers gave J. Lo goose bumps and moved her to tears? Let's find out....

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. American Idol Season 10 Episode 3 - Auditions No. 3: Milwaukee
    5.9/10(55 votes)

    #3 - Auditions No. 3: Milwaukee

    S10:E3

    The American Idol audition train rolled on to Milwaukee, which served up yet another batch of really young youngsters, a few more impressive standouts and the most ridiculous auditions we've seen thus far. But while watching and judging the wannabes, some interesting things happened to the judging panel: Steven Tyler became an even more inappropriate softie, Jennifer Lopez finally looked comfortable crushing people's dreams and Randy Jackson ... actually said something smart? So which singers inspired these changes?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. American Idol Season 10 Episode 4 - Auditions No. 4: Nashville
    5.9/10(45 votes)

    #4 - Auditions No. 4: Nashville

    S10:E4

    The auditions continue from Nashville, TN on the new season of American Idol as the judges continue their quest to find the next singing superstar.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. American Idol Season 10 Episode 5 - Auditions No. 5: Austin
    5.1/10(45 votes)

    #5 - Auditions No. 5: Austin

    S10:E5

    Before American Idol got down to wild and wacky business in Austin, the producers decided to start the show with a somber moment. Responding to some recent outrage over Steven Tyler's outlandish (and sometimes vulgar) outbursts and his inappropriate come-ons toward some of the younger female singers, the producers apologized for his "outrageous behavior." So did the Aerosmith rocker straighten up?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. American Idol Season 10 Episode 6 - Auditions No. 6: Los Angeles
    5.1/10(49 votes)

    #6 - Auditions No. 6: Los Angeles

    S10:E6

    Well, the other shoe finally dropped. After a season that, so far, has mostly favored the good auditions, Thursday's episode focused almost exclusively on the bad. Steven Tyler attributed the change to the city of Los Angeles, which he deduced is full of delusional people. Things got so bad that even J. Lo discovered her potty mouth. So, who was the worst of the worst?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. American Idol Season 10 Episode 7 - Auditions No. 7: San Francisco, CA
    5.8/10(45 votes)

    #7 - Auditions No. 7: San Francisco, CA

    S10:E7

    The auditions continue from San Francisco, CA on the new season of American Idol as the judges continue their quest to find the next singing superstar.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. American Idol Season 10 Episode 8 - Hollywood Round: Part 1
    5.0/10(37 votes)

    #8 - Hollywood Round: Part 1

    S10:E8

    With the auditions out of the way, now is the time to separate the good from the bad and to find the real talent that holds in the rooms. With the individuals hoping to make a name for themselves, who is going to outshine the rest and make it through to the next round?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. American Idol Season 10 Episode 9 - Hollywood Round, Part 2
    5.5/10(41 votes)

    #9 - Hollywood Round, Part 2

    S10:E9

    It is Group Week and no one is safe for this round of tough auditions. With many already to go, a twist forces them to separate and form new groups and make new friends. Which group is going to make it through to the next round and which are going home? The judges decide.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. American Idol Season 10 Episode 10 - Hollywood Round, Part 3
    5.4/10(40 votes)

    #10 - Hollywood Round, Part 3

    S10:E10

    Now it is the individuals to show what they have and to shine out the rest of the competition and to show the judges that they did not make the wrong choice from choosing from the Group Week. This week they are solo with the help of the band or their own instrument.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. American Idol Season 10 Episode 11 - Hollywood Round, Part 4
    5.9/10(40 votes)

    #11 - Hollywood Round, Part 4

    S10:E11

    The 61 contestants are going to have to sing the Beatles to show that they have what it takes to handle the pressure of the competition. A lot happens in the 2 hour show. A contestant gets married, hearts are broken and one judge doesn't know if it is possible to continue to tell people the bad news that they didn't make it through. Some of the Top 24 are revealed.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. American Idol Season 10 Episode 12 - Top 24 Chosen
    5.1/10(40 votes)

    #12 - Top 24 Chosen

    S10:E12

    The eliminations continue to reveal the Top 24 contestants for the American Idol Live Shows. With a lot riding on this and after Jennifer's big blow up, will she been able to go on? The contestants await their fate.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. American Idol Season 10 Episode 13 - Top 12 Boys Perform
    5.7/10(39 votes)

    #13 - Top 12 Boys Perform

    S10:E13

    The Top 12 Boys perform. Clint Jun Gamboa, Jovany Barreto, Jordan Dorsey, Tim Halperin, Brett Loewenstern, James Durbin, Robbie Rosen, Scott McCreery, Stefano Langone, Paul McDonald, Jacob Lusk, and Casey Abrams take to the stage to show that they have what it takes to be the next American Idol. Who will outshine the rest and who will fall short?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. American Idol Season 10 Episode 14 - Top 12 Girls Perform
    5.3/10(40 votes)

    #14 - Top 12 Girls Perform

    S10:E14

    The Top 12 Girls perform and Naima Adedapo, Lauren Alaina, Kendra Chantelle, Ashthon Jones, Thia Megia, Haley Reinhart, Karen Rodriguez, Pia Toscano, Lauren Turner, TaTynisa Wilson, Rachel Zevita, and Julie Zorrilla each perform at their best to show that they have what it takes to make it to the next stage in the competition. Is there the next American Idol in this bunch?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. American Idol Season 10 Episode 15 - Finalists Chosen
    7.4/10(69 votes)

    #15 - Finalists Chosen

    S10:E15

    The results are in and the Top 24 are going to be cut down to 13 tonight. This is the most cut at this point in the competition and all hopefuls are nervous. Who has made the cut to be part of America's Top 10 and the 3 Wildcard spots? Jennifer Lopez's new music video is also premiered.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. American Idol Season 10 Episode 16 - Finalists Compete
    6.3/10(62 votes)

    #16 - Finalists Compete

    S10:E16

    Casey Abrams, Lauren Alaina, James Durbin, Thia Megia, Haley Reinhart, Karen Rodriguez, Pia Toscano, Jacob Lusk, Scott McCreery, Paul McDonald, Ashthon Jones, Stefano Langone and Naima Adedapo are up for the spot of American Idol as the Top 13 perform for the spot into the next round. Who will show that they can sing the best?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. American Idol Season 10 Episode 17 - One Voted Off
    5.0/10(39 votes)

    #17 - One Voted Off

    S10:E17

    The Votes are in for the first eliminations of the Top 13. With Adam Lambert and Diddy Dirty Money performing tonight, the hopefuls all get a taste of fame when they go to the premiere of "Red Riding Hood" and see their home.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. American Idol Season 10 Episode 18 - 12 Finalists Compete
    5.2/10(38 votes)

    #18 - 12 Finalists Compete

    S10:E18

    The American Idol top 12 finalists perform once again hoping to impress the judges and the nation. Tune in to see who amazes the judges and who falls flat.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. American Idol Season 10 Episode 19 - One Voted Off
    4.9/10(40 votes)

    #19 - One Voted Off

    S10:E19

    One singer is eliminated in a results edition. The Black Eyed Peas and Lee DeWyze perform.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. American Idol Season 10 Episode 20 - 11 Finalists Compete
    5.5/10(47 votes)

    #20 - 11 Finalists Compete

    S10:E20

    The finalists perform Motown songs.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. American Idol Season 10 Episode 21 - One of 11 Voted Off
    5.1/10(39 votes)

    #21 - One of 11 Voted Off

    S10:E21

    One of the finalists is eliminated in a results edition. Stevie Wonder, Season 3 finalist Jennifer Hudson and country duo Sugarland perform. Appearing: Hulk Hogan.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. American Idol Season 10 Episode 22 - 11 Finalists Compete Again
    5.0/10(38 votes)

    #22 - 11 Finalists Compete Again

    S10:E22

    The finalists perform the songs of Elton John.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. American Idol Season 10 Episode 23 - Two of 11 Voted Off
    5.1/10(41 votes)

    #23 - Two of 11 Voted Off

    S10:E23

    Two contestants are eliminated; performances by will.i.am, Jamie Foxx and Fantasia.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. American Idol Season 10 Episode 24 - 9 Finalists Compete
    6.8/10(56 votes)

    #24 - 9 Finalists Compete

    S10:E24

    The contestants perform songs from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, accompanied by guitarist Jeff Beck.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. American Idol Season 10 Episode 25 - One of Nine Voted Off
    5.3/10(45 votes)

    #25 - One of Nine Voted Off

    S10:E25

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 10 Ratings Summary

"Auditions No. 1: New York/New Jersey" is the best rated episode of "American Idol" season 10. It scored 5.9/10 based on 59 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 1/19/2011. This episode is rated 0.7 points higher than the second-best, "Auditions No. 2: New Orleans".