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.

Last Updated: 1/10/2025Network: ABC (US)Status: Continuing
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#1 - 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.

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#2 - 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.

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#3 - 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.

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#4 - 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.

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#5 - 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?

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#6 - 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.

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#7 - 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.

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#8 - 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.

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#9 - 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.

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#10 - 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.

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#11 - 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.

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#12 - 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.

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#13 - 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.

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#14 - 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.

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#15 - 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.

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#16 - 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.

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#17 - Top 8

Season 17 - Episode 16 - Aired 4/28/2019

Each contestant takes on a song from the legendary Queen catalogue before partnering up for classic movie duet performances. Guest mentor Adam Lambert helps prepare the Top 8 to rock the stage live from coast to coast.

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#18 - Disney Night

Season 17 - Episode 14 - Aired 4/21/2019

The Top 10 contestants head to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, to prepare for Disney Night. The finalists are joined by celebrity mentor Rebel Wilson. The 3 judges perform a timeless Disney song in Fantasyland. The Top 10 then return to the iconic Idol stage to perform fan-favorite Disney songs in the hope of winning America’s vote for a spot in the Top 8. Lea Michele performs the song “Under the Sea.” Also, Maddie Poppe and Caleb Lee Hutchinson return to the stage to sing a Disney classic duet.

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#19 - 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.

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#20 - On with the Show: Homeward Bound

Season 18 - Episode 14 - Aired 5/3/2020

Find out who America voted into the Top 10 and whether or not judges choose to use their only save of the season. In this home-themed episode, the judges team up with friends and industry heavyweights to give the finalists a masterclass on what it takes to be a superstar. Plus, Phillip Phillips returns to the Idol stage remotely to open the show with an acoustic performance of his bestselling hit song, “Home.”

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#21 - On with the Show: Disney / Mother's Day

Season 18 - Episode 15 - Aired 5/10/2020

The remaining finalists perform 2 songs each: one from the Disney songbook and one dedicated to the mother figures in their lives. Laine Hardy returns to perform “Life is a Highway.”

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#22 - On with the Show: Grand Finale

Season 18 - Episode 16 - Aired 5/17/2020

The top 5 each perform a song that celebrates their Idol journey and a previously performed song. America’s real-time vote determines the winner. Special performances from music legends, including a performance of “We Are the World.”

Auditions 2
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#23 - Auditions 2

Season 19 - Episode 2 - Aired 2/21/2021

Auditions across California – Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ojai – continue.

Auditions 1
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#24 - Auditions 1

Season 19 - Episode 1 - Aired 2/14/2021

The auditions begin in 3 California cities: Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ojai. Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie return, along with host Ryan Seacrest.

Auditions 3
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#25 - Auditions 3

Season 19 - Episode 3 - Aired 2/28/2021