The BEST episodes of American Idol season 11

Every episode of American Idol season 11, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of American Idol season 11!

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.

Last Updated: 11/8/2024Network: ABC (US)Status: Continuing
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star
7.79
122 votes

#1 - 9 Finalists Compete

Season 11 - Episode 23 - Aired 3/28/2012

The finalists perform songs by their own idols.

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star
7.76
178 votes

#2 - Semifinalist Boys Perform

Season 11 - Episode 14 - Aired 2/28/2012

The male semifinalists perform. Viewer voting begins.

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star
7.72
117 votes

#3 - 10 Finalists Compete

Season 11 - Episode 21 - Aired 3/21/2012

The finalists perform.

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star
7.71
94 votes

#4 - Grand Finale

Season 11 - Episode 40 - Aired 5/23/2012

The winning singer is revealed in the conclusion of the two-part Season 11 finale. Guest performers include Rihanna, Aerosmith, Neil Diamond and Chaka Khan, John Fogerty, Jennifer Holliday, Fantasia, Jordin Sparks and Reba McEntire. Also: a reunion of the Top 12 contestants.

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Auditions No. 4: Aspen
star
7.70
180 votes

#5 - Auditions No. 4: Aspen

Season 11 - Episode 4 - Aired 1/25/2012

More auditions are featured as the judges try to find the next singing superstar. Don't miss the auditions that everyone will be talking about the next day from Aspen, CO.

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Auditions No. 1: Savannah
star
7.59
149 votes

#6 - Auditions No. 1: Savannah

Season 11 - Episode 1 - Aired 1/18/2012

Television's No. 1 series returns for its highly anticipated 11th season with brand new contestants, a superstar judging panel and the best and worst of auditions. Host Ryan Seacrest and judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler traveled across the country to Charleston & Savannah where the good, the bad and the outrageous auditioned for their shot at stardom. This season promises to deliver the most talented group of singers yet and as always, it's up to the viewers to root and vote for their favorite contestants, ultimately crowning the next American Idol.

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star
7.55
121 votes

#7 - 13 Finalists Compete

Season 11 - Episode 17 - Aired 3/7/2012

Season 11's finalists perform songs by Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston. Mary J. Blige is the mentor.

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Auditions No. 3: San Diego
star
7.51
239 votes

#8 - Auditions No. 3: San Diego

Season 11 - Episode 3 - Aired 1/22/2012

The auditions continue on a special, extended primetime broadcast of American Idolas the judges continue their quest to find the next singing superstar from San Diego, CA.

star
7.50
121 votes

#9 - 1 of 7 Voted Off

Season 11 - Episode 28 - Aired 4/12/2012

One singer is eliminated in a results installment. Performing: Jennifer Hudson; Ne-Yo; James Durbin.

star
7.47
120 votes

#10 - 1 of 4 Voted Off

Season 11 - Episode 36 - Aired 5/10/2012

A finalist is eliminated in a results show. Jennifer Lopez and David Cook perform.

Auditions No. 5: Galveston
star
7.45
181 votes

#11 - Auditions No. 5: Galveston

Season 11 - Episode 5 - Aired 1/26/2012

The auditions continue as the judges travel to Galveston, TX to search for the next singing superstar. Don't miss another round of good, bad and outrageous auditions.

star
7.41
151 votes

#12 - Performance Challenge

Season 11 - Episode 11 - Aired 2/16/2012

A performance round is held in Las Vegas.

Hollywood Round, Part 3
star
7.31
176 votes

#13 - Hollywood Round, Part 3

Season 11 - Episode 10 - Aired 2/15/2012

Contestants try one last time to impress the judges, singing for their lives to prove who deserves to make it to the semi final round. For some, it's the end of the road, but for the first group of semifinalists whose names will be revealed tonight, the next part of the journey is about to begin

star
7.31
92 votes

#14 - 11 Finalists Compete

Season 11 - Episode 19 - Aired 3/14/2012

Season 11's finalists must bring it and sing it in a performance edition.

star
7.28
122 votes

#15 - 8 Finalists Compete

Season 11 - Episode 25 - Aired 4/4/2012

The finalists perform songs from the 1980s.

star
7.28
119 votes

#16 - Finalists Compete

Season 11 - Episode 37 - Aired 5/16/2012

The final three singers each perform three songs—a judges' choice, Jimmy Iovine's choice and their own choice. They also return to their hometowns to visit family, friends and fans.

star
7.24
92 votes

#17 - Finalists Results

Season 11 - Episode 38 - Aired 5/17/2012

A singer is eliminated in a results show. Lisa Marie Presley and Adam Lambert perform.

star
7.23
94 votes

#18 - 1 of 8 Voted Off

Season 11 - Episode 26 - Aired 4/5/2012

One finalist is eliminated in a results edition. Guest performers are the Wanted and Kellie Pickler. Also: the premiere of the Jennifer Lopez music video "Dance Again".

Hollywood Round, Part 2
star
7.20
148 votes

#19 - Hollywood Round, Part 2

Season 11 - Episode 9 - Aired 2/9/2012

The Hollywood Round continues as Randy, Jennifer and Steven narrow down the contestants after listening to the Group Round Performances.

star
7.20
151 votes

#20 - Final Judgment, Part 2

Season 11 - Episode 13 - Aired 2/23/2012

The judges unveil the remaining semifinalists.

Hollywood Round, Part 1
star
7.19
150 votes

#21 - Hollywood Round, Part 1

Season 11 - Episode 8 - Aired 2/8/2012

The Hollywood Round begins as Randy, Jennifer and Steven narrow down the auditioncontestants to see who may get a semifinal spot.

star
7.14
119 votes

#22 - 1 of 13 Voted Off

Season 11 - Episode 18 - Aired 3/8/2012

One finalist is eliminated in a results episode. The performers are Mary J. Blige and Lauren Alaina.

star
7.05
95 votes

#23 - Final Performance Round

Season 11 - Episode 39 - Aired 5/22/2012

The two finalists perform in Part 1 of the two-part Season 11 finale. Jason Derulo and Scotty McCreery perform. From the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.

Auditions No. 2: Pittsburgh
star
7.05
150 votes

#24 - Auditions No. 2: Pittsburgh

Season 11 - Episode 2 - Aired 1/19/2012

The auditions continue on the second part of three-night season premiere of American Idolas the judges continue their quest to find the next singing superstar from Pittsburgh, PA.

Auditions No. 7: St. Louis
star
7.01
147 votes

#25 - Auditions No. 7: St. Louis

Season 11 - Episode 7 - Aired 2/2/2012

In an American Idol exclusive, Madonna will world preview the video for her new single, "Give Me All Your Luvin," featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. Plus, more auditions – this time from St. Louis, MO – as the judges resume their search to find the next singing superstar.