Watch American Idol
Each season of American Idol begins with three weeks of auditions in various cities across the United States. Thousands of hopeful contestants come to these initial casting calls. Talent scouts and producers select those who will audition onscreen before the program's three celebrity judges, producer Randy Jackson, rock and roll icon Steven Tyler and actress and singer Jennifer Lopez.
The judges award golden tickets to worthy contestants who then progress to the next stage of the competition in Hollywood. In Hollywood, the contestants must sing in groups as well as individually. Over the course of several weeks, the judges eliminate contestants until they whittle the number down to 24 semi-finalists.
From this point on, the celebrity judges do not choose which contestants to eliminate. The public votes by calling a toll-free number, texting or going online. Millions of viewers select their favorites each week, and the 24 semi-finalists get reduced to 12 finalists. The 12 finalists then get reduced to two finalists and, after that, a single winner is chosen.
Themed weekly shows require the contestants to sing songs from a certain era, or perform the tunes of a certain pop star or singing group. Previous winners and guest stars make appearances also.
From the amusing auditions of some of the less talented contestants at the beginning of the season to the inspiring performances of the finalists, American Idol provides endless entertainment. It has become an American tradition and has jumpstarted the careers of numerous talented performers.
- Sundays & Mondays at 8:00 PM et/pt on ABC
- 17 Seasons, 625 Episodes
- January 8, 2009
- Music, Reality
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/10 - Cast: Ryan Seacrest, Mark Thompson, Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell
TV Shows
Watch Full Episodes of American Idol
American Idol Full Episode Guide
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The winner is announced.
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The 3 finalists perform for America's votes.
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The top five contestants perform.
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The Top 7 perform.
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The judges push 10 hopefuls a step closer to stardom
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The Top 10 is announced.
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The Top 14 perform.
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The second half of the top 24 finalists perform duets with celebrity partners.
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The second half of the top 24 finalists perform solos. Radio show host Bobby Bones mentors.
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The first half of the top 24 finalists perform duets with celebrity partners.
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The first half of the top 24 finalists perform solos. Radio show host Bobby Bones mentors.
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Contestants perform for a live crowd and the judges.
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In this second episode of Hollywood Week, Idol hopefuls from across the country gather 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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In this first episode of Hollywood Week, Idol hopefuls from across the country head to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood to battle it out in solo and group performances in hopes of making it through to the showcase round.
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Hopefuls audition in Los Angeles, Nashville, New Orleans, New York City, and Savannah. They include a choreographer from Tennessee, a hostess from Colorado and a personal assistant from Alabama, perform for the judges.
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Hopefuls audition in Los Angeles, Nashville, New Orleans, and New York City. They include a teacher from Michigan, a construction worker from Alabama, and a goat farmer from Oklahoma.
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Hopefuls audition in Los Angeles, Nashville, New York City, and Savannah. They include a cattle farmer from Texas, twin teenagers from Southern California, and a furniture salesman from Illinois.
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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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Hopefuls audition in New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville, Tenn before judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie.
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In the second part of the series finale, the final winner is crowned.
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In the first part of the series finale, the final three contestants perform in front of a live audience and hope to impress America and the judges.
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Find out who must say goodbye and who has advanced to the Top 3.
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Who will be eliminated following America's vote? Plus, the 4 remaining singers perform.
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Find out who will move on and who has reached the end of the road. The Top 5 perform. Also, a special performance by Adam Lambert.
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Find out who will move on and who has reached the end of the road. The Top 6 perform.
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America has voted. Who will advance in the competition? The Top 8 perform.
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In the first live show of the season, host Ryan Seacrest reveals the final two semi-finalists joining the Top 10. Then, the Top 10 singers will perform for America's vote.
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Who will fill the final spots in this farewell season's Top 10?
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IDOL fan favorites are back to mentor and perform, as the judges decide which five contestants will be going home.
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The remaining 12 of the Top 24 perform hoping to impress the judges.
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The second half of the Top 24 perform, hoping to impress America and the judges.
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The first half of the Top 24 perform hoping to impress the judges and advance to the next round of the competition.
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Watch who has survived Hollywood week and will advance to the Top 24.
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The judges search for the Top 12 Male and Top 12 Female singers.
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It's Hollywood Week! With hundreds of contestants, the judges do their best to file down the contestants.
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It's Hollywood Week! With hundreds of contestants, the judges do their best to file down the contestants.
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The auditions continue as the judges search for the next big superstar.
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The auditions continue as the judges search for the next big superstar.
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The auditions continue as the judges search for the next big superstar.
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The auditions continue in Philadelphia.
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The auditions continue in Little Rock, Arkansas and San Francisco, California.
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In the final season premiere, judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr., join Ryan Seacrest as they hold auditions in Detroit and Atlanta.
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As the show is about to come to an end, Ryan Seacrest hosts this 90-minute retrospective of American Idol - the cultural phenomenon - with former judges and contestants. Plus, some of the best Idol memories.
Most Popular American Idol Episodes
Watch American Idol Online - Watch online anytime anywhere: Stream, Download
American Idol is currently available to watch free on Hulu, ABC and stream on ABC. You can also stream, download American Idol on demand at DIRECTV NOW, Hulu online.
American Idol News
The 'American Idol' star admits that she doesn't always feel pretty.
The formal end of hostilities was announced via social media.
The 'Idol' judge had trouble keeping her lips to herself on the show's premiere.
The return of 'Idol" was not the hit that ABC had been hoping for.
The sexual misconduct allegations against Seacrest might have had something to do with it.
E! News is worried that allegations of sexual misconduct are going to sabotage its red-carpet coverage.
Accusations of sexual harassment may make Seacrest unpopular on the red carpet.
Seacrest denies the claims by his former stylist.
Rumors of a pending divorce have begun to circulate.
In the new song, Underwood declares that she's "invincible."
The 'American Idol' alum alarmed fans this week with a cryptic warning about her appearance.
The 'American Idol' alum suffered significant injuries to her face.
The musician admits that he's still got an interest in his ex-girlfriend.
The 'American Idol' judge won't be allowed to perform in the country.
The former 'American Idol' judge is doing everything she can to shock you.
