The BEST episodes of American Idol season 5
Every episode of American Idol season 5, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of American Idol season 5!
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 - And Then There Were 20
Season 5 - Episode 13 - Aired 2/23/2006
The 24 semifinalists performed for America this week, and the viewers have determined their fate. Tonight, four contestants – two males and two females – will go home, leaving 20 finalists vying for the American Idol crown. Will your favorites return?
Watch Now:Amazon#2 - Hollywood Round #1
Season 5 - Episode 8 - Aired 2/8/2006
Contestants chosen from around the nation arrive in Hollywood for their big chance at the American Idol crown. Faced with a grueling schedule, pressure-packed rehearsals and the judges’ criticism, some will survive and more will go home.
#3 - Hollywood Round #2
Season 5 - Episode 9 - Aired 2/14/2006
Contestants chosen from around the nation endure a grueling rehearsal schedule and pressure-packed auditions as they vie for a coveted spot in the Top 24.
#4 - Performance Show Males #1 (Top 12)
Season 5 - Episode 12 - Aired 2/22/2006
Of the 24 semifinalists chosen last week, the Top 12 boys will perform for America for the first time. Then it’s up to the viewers to vote for their favorites. Who will survive and who will go home? Performing tonight: Ace Young, Bobby Bennett, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, David Radford, Elliott Yamin, Gedeon McKinney, Jose "Sway" Penala, Kevin Covais, Patrick Hall, Taylor Hicks, and Will Makar.
#5 - Top 12 Perform Live
Season 5 - Episode 20 - Aired 3/14/2006
Tonight the Top 12 finalists perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. In this special two-hour show, contestants will sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week in the competiton. Tonights theme: Stevie Wonder Hits. Performing tonight: Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Lisa Tucker, Mandisa, Melissa McGhee, Paris Bennett, Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Kevin Covais, and Taylor Hicks.
#6 - Top 9 Perform Live
Season 5 - Episode 26 - Aired 4/4/2006
Tonight the Top 9 finalists will perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants will sing their hearts out tonight to the theme of country music in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week in the competition. This week's theme: Country Music. Performing tonight: Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Mandisa, Paris Bennett, Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, and Taylor Hicks.
#7 - Top 8 Perform Live
Season 5 - Episode 28 - Aired 4/11/2006
The Top 8 finalists will perform live for the nation. The contestants will perform their hearts out to the theme of Queen in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week. This week's theme: Queen. Performing tonight: Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Paris Bennett, Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, and Taylor Hicks.
#8 - Top 7 Perform Live
Season 5 - Episode 30 - Aired 4/18/2006
Tonight the Top 7 finalists will perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants will perform their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week. Tonight's theme: Songs from The Great American Songbook. Performing tonight: Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Paris Bennett, Ace Young, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, and Taylor Hicks.
#9 - And Then There Were 6
Season 5 - Episode 31 - Aired 4/19/2006
Last night, the Top 7 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live who will sing again next week and who will go home. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition.
#10 - Top 5 Perform Live
Season 5 - Episode 34 - Aired 5/2/2006
Tonight the Top 5 finalists will perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants will sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week in the competition. This week's theme: songs from the year they were born & any song from this week’s Top 10 Billboard Charts. Performing tonight: Katharine McPhee, Paris Bennett, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, and Taylor Hicks.
#11 - The Finale
Season 5 - Episode 41 - Aired 5/24/2006
The most anticipated night of the television season is here! Two finalists, one American Idol – find out tonight who America has chosen. The Top 12 reunite on the Kodak Theatre stage one last time before the newest American Idol is crowned. And the winner is....... Taylor Hicks
#12 - Performance Show Males #2 (Top 10)
Season 5 - Episode 15 - Aired 3/1/2006
The Top 10 boys perform for America, hoping to win enough votes to stay in the competition. Who will be back to sing next week? America will decide. Performing tonight: Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, David Radford, Elliott Yamin, Gedeon McKinney, Jose "Sway" Penala, Kevin Covais, Taylor Hicks, and Will Makar.
#13 - And Then There Were 12
Season 5 - Episode 19 - Aired 3/9/2006
Top 12 Finalists to be Revealed in the most dramatic results show of the season, four more semifinalists – two boys and two girls – will go home, leaving the Top 12 Finalists to vie for the American Idol crown.
#14 - Chicago, IL Auditions
Season 5 - Episode 1 - Aired 1/17/2006
The best and worst of auditions starting in Chicago, IL.
#15 - Greensboro, NC Auditions
Season 5 - Episode 3 - Aired 1/24/2006
The best and worst of auditions from Greensboro, NC.
#16 - Performance Show Females #2 (Top 10)
Season 5 - Episode 14 - Aired 2/28/2006
Having survived last week’s competition, the Top 10 girls perform again for America. After the show, the viewers will vote for their favorites. Who will keep singing, and who will go home? Performing tonight: Ayla Brown, Brenna Gethers, Heather Cox, Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Kinnik Sky, Lisa Tucker, Mandisa, Melissa McGhee, and Paris Bennett.
#17 - Denver, CO Auditions
Season 5 - Episode 2 - Aired 1/18/2006
The best and worst of auditions from Denver, CO.
#18 - San Fransisco, CA Auditions
Season 5 - Episode 4 - Aired 1/25/2006
The best and worst of auditions from San Francisco, CA
#19 - Top 2 Perform Live
Season 5 - Episode 40 - Aired 5/23/2006
On tonight’s exciting performance show, the last of the season, Taylor Hicks & Katharine McPhee will battle it out live at the famed Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. One will be the next American Idol and one will go home. This week's theme: Songs from previous episodes & Kat & Taylor's debut singles. Performing tonight: Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee.
#20 - And Then There Were 2
Season 5 - Episode 39 - Aired 5/17/2006
TV’s hottest show revs up to a crescendo! Last night, the Top 3 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live which two finalists will compete in next week’s exciting season finale. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition
#21 - Top 3 Perform Live
Season 5 - Episode 38 - Aired 5/16/2006
Tonight the Top 3 finalists will perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants will sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s vote and the coveted opportunity to compete in next week’s season finale. Each contestant will sing 3 songs This week's theme: one song of the contestant's choice, one song chosen by the Judges and one song chosen by legendary music producer Clive Davis. Performing tonight: Katharine McPhee, Elliott Yamin, and Taylor Hicks.
#22 - And Then There Were 3
Season 5 - Episode 37 - Aired 5/10/2006
Last night, the Top 4 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live who will be in the Final 3 and who will go home. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition
#23 - Top 4 Perform Live
Season 5 - Episode 36 - Aired 5/9/2006
Tonight the Top 4 finalists will perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants will sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week in the competition. This week's theme: Elvis Presley songs. Performing tonight: Katharine McPhee, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, and Taylor Hicks.
#24 - And Then There Were 4
Season 5 - Episode 35 - Aired 5/3/2006
Last night, the Top 5 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live who will be in the Final 4 and who will go home. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition
#25 - And Then There Were 5
Season 5 - Episode 33 - Aired 4/26/2006
Last night, the Top 6 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live who will sing again next week and who will go home. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition. There will also be a special performace by Andrea Bocelli.