The episode begins as usual, with the whole thing starting. They go behind the scenes for the first hour and the final 10 come back, sing for about half an hour, and then the question on everyone's mind since the series began, who is the american idol? And the winner is...

Live, two-hour season finale, when either Fantasia or Diana takes the crown! The winner of American Idol season 3 is .... FANTASIA BARRINO!!!!

Past Idols sing songs from their new solo album releases as well as holiday classics. Tonight's theme is: Holiday Classics Performing Tonight is: Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino

Host Ryan Seacrest and judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. begin their search for talented vocalists with auditions in Denver and Atlanta.

The search for the most talented vocalists continues with auditions in Little Rock, Ark., and San Francisco.

Ryan and the judges continue their search for talent with auditions in Philadelphia.

Ryan, Jennifer, Keith, and Harry search the country for the most talented vocalists as the auditions continue in Denver and Little Rock, Ark.

Hopefuls audition for the judges in Atlanta, Little Rock, Ark., Philadelphia and San Francisco.

Hopefuls perform for the judges in Atlanta, Philadelphia and San Francisco.

The judges have heard auditions from all over the country, and now it's time for the best of the best to see if they are cut out for Hollywood.

The contestants press on to show the judges what they've got as Hollywood Week continues.

Hollywood week continues and the contestants are put to the test. Who will come out on top?

The contestants have survived Hollywood week and it is time to find out who will continue on in the competition. Only the best of the best will make it through as the Top 24 are revealed.

The Top 24 have been chosen, and now it's time for the contestants to show the judges that they are here to stay. Twelve of the Top 24 perform in hopes of earning their spot.

Favorite former Idols will return to mentor and sing with the contestants. Then, after giving it their all, the first round of performers will find out who will make the cut. The judges vote on who will stay in the competition to become the next, and final, American Idol.

The remaining 12 of the Top 24 get their chance to shine as they perform for the judges' votes.

Idol fan favorites return to mentor and perform, as the judges vote on the second showcase and five contestants are sent home. Find out who advances to the Top 14 in the quest to become the final Idol.

After proving themselves alongside Idol legends, some semifinalists will reach the end of their journey. The judges will announce the first eight semi-finalists to make it into the Top 10, leaving six to sing for America's vote and the final two spots in this farewell season's Top 10.

The first live show of the season is finally here! Host Ryan Seacrest will reveal America's Vote and announce the final two semi-finalists joining the Top 10. Then, the Top 10 finalists will perform for America's vote.

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As the competition moves forward, Idol hopefuls have limited time to make a name for themselves. Find out who will move on and who has reached the end of the road.

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