The BEST Episodes of American Idol
Every episode ever - ranked by fan votes!
Last Updated: Aug 5, 2019
The smash reality series showcases wannabe pop stars competing for a record deal by crooning for a panel of judges. The judges review a performer's talent (or lack thereof), and at-home viewers then vote for their favorite potential star. The show helped launch the careers of such artists as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert.
#1 - I Bet It'll Be Ruben! Or Clay!
Season 2 - Episode 39
In the two hour season 2 finale there are many special performances and then the big announcement every is waiting for. The winner of American Idol Season 2 is........ RUBEN STUDDARD!!!!
10.00 #2 - New Orleans, Louisiana Auditions
Season 4 - Episode 3
Continuing with the auditions for season 4 from New Orleans, Louisiana
10.00 #3 - Las Vegas, Nevada Auditions
Season 4 - Episode 4
Continuing with the auditions for season 4 from Las Vegas, Nevada.
10.00 #4 - Cleveland, Ohio & Orlando, Florida Auditions
Season 4 - Episode 5
Continuing the auditions for season 4 from Cleveland, Ohio & Orlando, Florida.
10.00 #5 - EL FINALE!
Season 1 - Episode 25
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...
9.38 #6 - Tonight Is The Night When 3 Become 2
Season 4 - Episode 40
Who did America choose for 2005's top two Idols?
9.00 
#7 - 9 Finalists Compete
Season 11 - Episode 23
The finalists perform songs by their own idols.
8.64 #8 - Three Do Two
Season 1 - Episode 22
Tonight the Top 3 will each perform two songs live for the nation, vying for the American Idol title. The contestants will give it their all in hopes of winning America's vote and surviving one last week. Who will play it safe and who will take the big risk? Their fate rests in your hands. Tonight the contestants sing a song of their choice and a song the judges picked for them. Performing tonight are Justin Guarini, Kelly Clarkson, and Nikki McKibbin.
8.50 
#9 - 5 Finalists Perform
Season 13 - Episode 32
8.45 #10 - 10 Finalists Compete
Season 11 - Episode 21
The finalists perform.
8.40 #11 - 13 Finalists Compete
Season 11 - Episode 17
Season 11's finalists perform songs by Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston. Mary J. Blige is the mentor.
8.39 
#12 - Finalists Compete
Season 12 - Episode 28
The top 5 perform songs from the Year They Were Born and songs by Divas.
8.36 
#13 - 11 Finalists Perform
Season 13 - Episode 18
8.34 #14 - Bo Bice vs. Carrie Underwood
Season 4 - Episode 41
The two perform tonight!
8.33 
#15 - Two Finalists Compete
Season 13 - Episode 38
8.33 
#16 - Hollywood Round, Week No. 2
Season 13 - Episode 9
8.30 #17 - Clash of the Titanic Egos
Season 1 - Episode 13
Last night, the Top 8 finalists performed hits from the 60's. Tonight, the show is live and the votes are in. Who will sing again next week and who will be sent home? The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition. Another dream is about to end. Find out who America voted for.
8.25 
#18 - 3 Finalists Perform
Season 13 - Episode 36
8.25 
#19 - 11 Finalists Compete Again
Season 10 - Episode 22
The finalists perform the songs of Elton John.
8.22 
#21 - Auditions No. 4
Season 13 - Episode 4
8.19 
#22 - Winner Chosen
Season 13 - Episode 39
8.18 
#23 - Finalists Compete
Season 12 - Episode 30
The top 4 finalists perform Contestant's Choice and One-Hit Wonders.
8.17 #24 - 1 of 7 Voted Off
Season 11 - Episode 28
One singer is eliminated in a results installment. Performing: Jennifer Hudson; Ne-Yo; James Durbin.
8.16 
#25 - Auditions No. 3
Season 13 - Episode 3
8.15