The WORST episodes of American Idol
Every episode of American Idol ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of American Idol!
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 - Auditions 4
Season 18 - Episode 4 - Aired 3/8/2020
Idol heads to Savannah GA, Milwaukee WI, Washington D.C., Los Angeles CA, and Sunriver OR as the search for America’s next superstar continues.
#2 - This Is Me 2
Season 18 - Episode 12 - Aired 4/19/2020
A deeper look into the lives of the top 21 contestants, featuring never-before-seen performances.
#3 - This Is Me 1
Season 18 - Episode 11 - Aired 4/12/2020
Before America gears up to vote for the Top 20 finalists, Idol delves deeper into the lives of the Top 21 contestants as they share their journey so far with stories along the way and all-new spectacular, never-before-seen performances.
#4 - Hawaii Showcase and Final Judgment Part #2
Season 18 - Episode 10 - Aired 4/5/2020
The Top 40 contestants perform in a concert before awaiting their final judgment for a spot in the coveted top 20. Watch a shocking first-ever twist in the show’s history for two contestants.
#5 - Hawaii Showcase and Final Judgment Part #1
Season 18 - Episode 9 - Aired 3/29/2020
The Top 40 contestants go to Hawaii to soak up the sun and sing to impress the judges in a concert on the beach before awaiting their Final Judgement for a spot in the coveted Top 20.
#6 - Hollywood Week: Solos
Season 18 - Episode 8 - Aired 3/23/2020
Hollywood Week wraps up with with solo performances. One contestant experiences an unprecedented medical emergency. Will one couple’s love survive the latest elimination?
#7 - Hollywood Week: Genre Challenge
Season 18 - Episode 6 - Aired 3/16/2020
Contestants head to Hollywood to perform a song in a genre of their choice.
#8 - Hollywood Week: Duets
Season 18 - Episode 7 - Aired 3/22/2020
The contestants pick just one partner for a duet group round. One pair’s tensions run high as they can’t agree on a song. Sparks fly with another pair. Two pop divas come together for a powerful rendition of a Celine Dion song. One pop vocalist and country singer team up to wow the judges with their unexpected harmony.
#9 - Auditions 5
Season 18 - Episode 5 - Aired 3/15/2020
Auditions across Savannah GA, Milwaukee WI, Washington D.C., Los Angeles CA, and Sunriver OR come to an end with the final search for America’s next superstar.
#10 - On with the Show: Top 20 Sing for Your Vote
Season 18 - Episode 13 - Aired 4/26/2020
Top 20 perform for a spot in the Top 10. The judges, host, in-house mentor, and contestants all participate from different locations.
#11 - Auditions 3
Season 18 - Episode 3 - Aired 3/1/2020
This week’s episode sees a determined hopeful defy the odds for a chance to audition in front of the judges, resulting in an Idol first. Then, a fan favorite from season one returns for another chance to wow the judges, while another hopeful’s great-grandmother fulfills her lifelong dream of meeting Lionel Richie.
#12 - Auditions 2
Season 18 - Episode 2 - Aired 2/23/2020
In Savannah, the judges take to the streets as one Idol hopeful sings for her life, while the Philadelphia Eagles cheer team visits the D.C. auditions as one of their own goes in front of the judges. In Los Angeles, another hopeful unleashes her love for sardines with an original song. An emergency in Sunriver results in a visit from local firefighters who save the day, then celebrate with a victory song alongside the judges. Plus, more heartfelt stories and extraordinary voices from across the nation are unveiled as singers vie for their spot in Hollywood.
#13 - Auditions 1
Season 18 - Episode 1 - Aired 2/16/2020
Viewers embark on a journey across Savannah GA, Milwaukee WI, Washington D.C., Los Angeles CA, and Sunriver OR, where the show’s auditions provide never-before-seen twists. Those auditioning include a subway performer from Harlem who gives one of the most emotional auditions in Idol history, a garbage collector with no experience who warms up in the streets of Savannah with the help of Ryan Seacrest, and a hopeless romantic who encounters her own fairy tale twist during her audition as she sings from the heart.
#14 - Meet Your Finalists
Season 17 - Episode 15 - Aired 4/22/2019
This 2-hour special episode takes a deep dive into each finalist’s journey on the show thus far, highlighting new, never-before-seen songs, stories, performances, and footage, as well as revisiting favorite moments from this season.
#15 - Season Finale
Season 17 - Episode 19 - Aired 5/19/2019
The Final 3 perform live from coast to coast and the winner is announced at the end of the show. Also, special performances from music legends and other surprises.
#16 - Top 5
Season 17 - Episode 18 - Aired 5/12/2019
Each contestant performs 3 songs, including a pick from mentor Bobby Bones, a song dedicated to their heroes in honor of Mother’s Day, and a selection from Elton John’s catalog.
#17 - Woodstock and Show Stoppers
Season 17 - Episode 17 - Aired 5/5/2019
Each contestant sings one inspirationally powerful song with the help of Lauren Daigle, and then takes on a song performed at the famed 1969 Woodstock music festival. Gabby Barrett also performs.
#18 - Auditions 5
Season 19 - Episode 5 - Aired 3/14/2021
The auditions conclude in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ojai.
#19 - Top 12 Live Reveal
Season 19 - Episode 13 - Aired 4/12/2021
After the overnight vote, 10 contestants are revealed as safe, leaving 6 contestants to try to impress the judges for their chance at the final 2 spots in the Top 12.
#20 - Top 16
Season 19 - Episode 12 - Aired 4/11/2021
The Top 16 are revealed and perform in the hope of securing America’s vote to the next round.
#21 - All Star Duets and Solos
Season 19 - Episode 11 - Aired 4/5/2021
#22 - All Star Duets and Solos
Season 19 - Episode 10 - Aired 4/4/2021
Contestants perform duets with surprise celebrity guests for a chance to make it to live shows.
#23 - Showstopper/Final Judgment Part #2
Season 19 - Episode 9 - Aired 3/29/2021
#24 - Showstopper/Final Judgment Part #1
Season 19 - Episode 8 - Aired 3/28/2021
The Showstopper round has the contestants perform with a band for their last chance to make it into the Top 24.
#25 - Hollywood Duets Challenge
Season 19 - Episode 7 - Aired 3/22/2021
The iconic Hollywood Week wraps up with Hollywood Duets. Idol hopefuls continue to compete for their chance to make it through to the next round.