The BEST episodes of American Idol season 12

Every episode of American Idol season 12, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of American Idol season 12!

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: 12/12/2024Network: ABC (US)Status: Continuing
Semifinalist Round, Part 1 -- Girls Perform
star
8.20
103 votes

#1 - Semifinalist Round, Part 1 -- Girls Perform

Season 12 - Episode 11 - Aired 2/20/2013

Ten female semifinalists perform in Las Vegas.

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Top 10 Perform -- Live
star
8.16
107 votes

#2 - Top 10 Perform -- Live

Season 12 - Episode 18 - Aired 3/13/2013

The top 10 finalists perform songs that have been performed by previous Idols.

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1st 10 Semifinalists Perform - LIVE
star
7.98
102 votes

#3 - 1st 10 Semifinalists Perform - LIVE

Season 12 - Episode 15 - Aired 3/5/2013

Ten singers perform in Las Vegas.

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Baton Rouge, LA Auditions
star
7.96
106 votes

#4 - Baton Rouge, LA Auditions

Season 12 - Episode 4 - Aired 1/24/2013

Hopefuls perform for the judges in Baton Rouge.

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Finalists Announced
star
7.96
103 votes

#5 - Finalists Announced

Season 12 - Episode 17 - Aired 3/7/2013

Top 10 announced

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Finalists Compete
star
7.95
83 votes

#6 - Finalists Compete

Season 12 - Episode 20 - Aired 3/20/2013

The top nine take on songs from The Beatles (John Lennon/Paul McCartney Songbook).

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Semifinalist Round, Part 2 -- Guys Perform
star
7.93
102 votes

#7 - Semifinalist Round, Part 2 -- Guys Perform

Season 12 - Episode 12 - Aired 2/21/2013

Ten male semifinalists perform in Las Vegas.

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Finalists Compete
star
7.92
104 votes

#8 - Finalists Compete

Season 12 - Episode 34 - Aired 5/8/2013

Each finalist performs a song chosen by Jimmy Iovine, the judges and the producers. Highlights also shown from their hometown visits.

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Results Show
star
7.89
81 votes

#9 - Results Show

Season 12 - Episode 31 - Aired 4/25/2013

The contestants face elimination. Stefano Langone performs; Lee DeWyze performs.

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San Antonio, TX & Los Angeles, CA Auditions
star
7.78
101 votes

#10 - San Antonio, TX & Los Angeles, CA Auditions

Season 12 - Episode 5 - Aired 1/30/2013

Hopefuls perform for the judges in San Antonio, TX & Los Angeles, CA.

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Hollywood Round, Part 2
star
7.77
102 votes

#11 - Hollywood Round, Part 2

Season 12 - Episode 8 - Aired 2/7/2013

The tough Hollywood Round continues, as judges Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban narrow down the contestants. Some will leave with shattered dreams, others will move on in the competition.

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Top 10 Results Show
star
7.76
51 votes

#12 - Top 10 Results Show

Season 12 - Episode 19 - Aired 3/14/2013

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Charlotte, NC Auditions
star
7.73
107 votes

#13 - Charlotte, NC Auditions

Season 12 - Episode 3 - Aired 1/23/2013

Hopefuls perform for the judges in Charlotte.

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Finalists Compete
star
7.70
81 votes

#14 - Finalists Compete

Season 12 - Episode 28 - Aired 4/17/2013

The top 5 perform songs from the Year They Were Born and songs by Divas.

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Results Show
star
7.52
54 votes

#15 - Results Show

Season 12 - Episode 23 - Aired 3/28/2013

The contestants face elimination. Colton Dixon performs; OneRepublic featuring Katharine McPhee performs; Keith Urban performs.

Results Show
star
7.51
79 votes

#16 - Results Show

Season 12 - Episode 35 - Aired 5/9/2013

The top 2 finalists are determined. Lauren Alaina performs; Alicia Keys performs.

Finalists Compete
star
7.48
73 votes

#17 - Finalists Compete

Season 12 - Episode 32 - Aired 5/1/2013

The top 4 finalists performs a hit song of 2013 and a song from the Great American Songbook standards.

Results Show
star
7.48
73 votes

#18 - Results Show

Season 12 - Episode 33 - Aired 5/2/2013

The contestants face elimination. David Cook performs; will.i.am peforms; Harry Connick Jr. performs.

Results Show
star
7.35
109 votes

#19 - Results Show

Season 12 - Episode 29 - Aired 4/18/2013

The contestants face elimination. Clay Aiken performs; Fantasia Barrino performs.

Chicago, IL Auditions
star
7.35
137 votes

#20 - Chicago, IL Auditions

Season 12 - Episode 2 - Aired 1/17/2013

Hopefuls perform for the judges in Chicago..

Winner Announced
star
7.28
79 votes

#21 - Winner Announced

Season 12 - Episode 37 - Aired 5/16/2013

Finalists Compete
star
7.28
83 votes

#22 - Finalists Compete

Season 12 - Episode 30 - Aired 4/24/2013

The top 4 finalists perform Contestant's Choice and One-Hit Wonders.

Finalists Compete
star
7.26
84 votes

#23 - Finalists Compete

Season 12 - Episode 24 - Aired 4/3/2013

The top 7 finalists perform classic rock songs.

Semifinalist Round, Part 4 -- Guys Perform
star
7.26
77 votes

#24 - Semifinalist Round, Part 4 -- Guys Perform

Season 12 - Episode 14 - Aired 2/28/2013

Ten male semifinalists perform in Las Vegas

Top 8 Perform
star
7.26
81 votes

#25 - Top 8 Perform

Season 12 - Episode 22 - Aired 3/27/2013

The finalists perform music from Detroit, particularly from the Motown era, for the judges. Smokey Robinson mentors the contestants.