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The Best Episodes of American Idol Season 8

Every episode of American Idol Season 8 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of American Idol Season 8!

Binge this in 1d 11h•Peaking at 6.3/10

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 8 Episode 1 - Phoenix Auditions
    6.3/10(73 votes)

    #1 - Phoenix Auditions

    S8:E1

    Season 8 begins as Simon, Paula and Randy are back to hear the auditions for this year's show.

    Director:Ken Warwick
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. American Idol Season 8 Episode 2 - Kansas City Auditions
    4.2/10(46 votes)

    #2 - Kansas City Auditions

    S8:E2

    The auditions continue from Kansas City.

    Director:Ken Warwick
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. American Idol Season 8 Episode 3 - San Francisco Auditions
    4.8/10(47 votes)

    #3 - San Francisco Auditions

    S8:E3

    Domarna förflyttar sig till San Francisco förr att höra nästa grupp provsjunga.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. American Idol Season 8 Episode 4 - Louisville Auditions
    5.0/10(44 votes)

    #4 - Louisville Auditions

    S8:E4

    More than 10,000 hardy performers braved extremely hot and muggy weather and turned out for auditions for Season 8 of American Idol in Louisville.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. American Idol Season 8 Episode 5 - Jacksonville Auditions
    5.2/10(44 votes)

    #5 - Jacksonville Auditions

    S8:E5

    12,000 hardy auditioners turned out in torrential rain in Jacksonville, Florida to sing for the chance to be on season 8 of American Idol.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. American Idol Season 8 Episode 6 - Salt Lake City Auditions
    5.2/10(43 votes)

    #6 - Salt Lake City Auditions

    S8:E6

    Thousands of hopeful auditioners streamed into Salt Lake City for their chance to show us that they have the talent to be the next American Idol.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. American Idol Season 8 Episode 7 - New York City & San Juan, PR Auditions
    5.7/10(47 votes)

    #7 - New York City & San Juan, PR Auditions

    S8:E7

    The final auditions take place as the judges head to New York City and then San Juan, PR. in search for the next American Idol.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. American Idol Season 8 Episode 8 - Hollywood Round 1
    4.8/10(52 votes)

    #8 - Hollywood Round 1

    S8: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 8 Episode 9 - Hollywood Round 2
    5.7/10(47 votes)

    #9 - Hollywood Round 2

    S8: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 8 Episode 10 - Hollywood Round 3
    5.8/10(51 votes)

    #10 - Hollywood Round 3

    S8: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 8 Episode 11 - Hollywood Round 4
    5.6/10(51 votes)

    #11 - Hollywood Round 4

    S8:E11

    The contestants from all over the country have performed tirelessly in front of the judges and faced stiff competition while in Hollywood. Now it's time they reveal the Top 36 who will move on and have a chance at becoming this year's American Idol.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. American Idol Season 8 Episode 12 - Top 36 Finalists Group 1 Perform
    5.6/10(51 votes)

    #12 - Top 36 Finalists Group 1 Perform

    S8:E12

    Top 36 Finalists Group 1 Perform

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. American Idol Season 8 Episode 13 - Top 36 Finalists Group 1 Results
    5.0/10(42 votes)

    #13 - Top 36 Finalists Group 1 Results

    S8:E13

    Top 36 Finalists Group 1 Results

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. American Idol Season 8 Episode 14 - Top 36 Finalists Group 2 Perform
    5.3/10(45 votes)

    #14 - Top 36 Finalists Group 2 Perform

    S8:E14

    Top 36 Finalists Group 2 Perform

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. American Idol Season 8 Episode 15 - Top 36 Finalists Group 2 Results
    5.5/10(48 votes)

    #15 - Top 36 Finalists Group 2 Results

    S8:E15

    Top 36 Finalists Group 2 Results

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. American Idol Season 8 Episode 16 - Top 36 Finalists Group 3 Perform
    5.1/10(41 votes)

    #16 - Top 36 Finalists Group 3 Perform

    S8:E16

    Top 36 Finalists Group 3 Perform

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. American Idol Season 8 Episode 17 - Top 36 Finalists Group 3 Results
    5.3/10(39 votes)

    #17 - Top 36 Finalists Group 3 Results

    S8:E17

    Top 36 Finalists Group 3 Results

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. American Idol Season 8 Episode 18 - Wild Card / 3 Finalists Chosen
    5.3/10(41 votes)

    #18 - Wild Card / 3 Finalists Chosen

    S8:E18

    Wild Card Results

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. American Idol Season 8 Episode 19 - Top 13 Finalists Perform
    5.6/10(51 votes)

    #19 - Top 13 Finalists Perform

    S8:E19

    Season eight sees it's first performances from the 13 chosen contestants.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. American Idol Season 8 Episode 20 - 2 of 13 Voted Off
    5.2/10(46 votes)

    #20 - 2 of 13 Voted Off

    S8:E20

    Two of the 13 finalists are voted off the show.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. American Idol Season 8 Episode 21 - Top 11 Finalists Perform
    5.3/10(48 votes)

    #21 - Top 11 Finalists Perform

    S8:E21

    Top 11 Finalists Perform Live

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. American Idol Season 8 Episode 22 - 1 of 11 Voted Off
    5.3/10(46 votes)

    #22 - 1 of 11 Voted Off

    S8:E22

    The top 10 is set. Performances by Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. American Idol Season 8 Episode 23 - Top 10 Finalists Perform
    6.1/10(50 votes)

    #23 - Top 10 Finalists Perform

    S8:E23

    The top 10 compete in Motown week with Smokey Robinson.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. American Idol Season 8 Episode 24 - 1 of 10 Voted Off
    5.3/10(41 votes)

    #24 - 1 of 10 Voted Off

    S8:E24

    Ruebin Studdard, Smokey Robinson, Joss Stone and Stevie Wonder perform.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. American Idol Season 8 Episode 25 - Top 9 Finalists Perform
    5.6/10(49 votes)

    #25 - Top 9 Finalists Perform

    S8:E25

    Top 9 Finalists Perform

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 8 Ratings Summary

"Phoenix Auditions" is the best rated episode of "American Idol" season 8. It scored 6.3/10 based on 73 votes. Directed by Ken Warwick and written by Unknown, it aired on 1/13/2009. This episode is rated 2.1 points higher than the second-best, "Kansas City Auditions".