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 - 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.
#2 - 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.
#3 - Hollywood Week: Genre Challenge
Season 19 - Episode 6 - Aired 3/21/2021
Hollywood Week kicks off with fan favorites from auditions returning to the stage for the Genre Challenge in hopes of making it through to the next round.
#4 - Auditions 5
Season 19 - Episode 5 - Aired 3/14/2021
The auditions conclude in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ojai.
#5 - Auditions 4
Season 19 - Episode 4 - Aired 3/7/2021
Auditions continue in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ojai.
#6 - Auditions 3
Season 19 - Episode 3 - Aired 2/28/2021
#7 - 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.
#8 - Auditions 2
Season 19 - Episode 2 - Aired 2/21/2021
Auditions across California – Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ojai – continue.
#9 - 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.”
#10 - 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.”
#11 - 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.”
#12 - 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.
#13 - 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.
#14 - 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.
#15 - 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.
#16 - 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.
#17 - 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?
#18 - 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.
#19 - 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.
#20 - 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.
#21 - 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.
#22 - Coldplay Songbook & Mother's Day Dedication
Season 19 - Episode 17 - Aired 5/9/2021
The Top 7 contestants are live coast-to-coast. Each performs a song in honor of Mother’s Day and a second song from the Coldplay songbook, mentored by the band’s lead singer, Chris Martin. Coldplay performs their recently announced new single, “Higher Power.” Voting starts at the beginning of the episode and the Top 5 finalists are revealed at the end.
#23 - Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (1)
Season 20 - Episode 10 - Aired 4/10/2022
Idol returns to Aulani Resort in Ko Olina, Hawaii, to kick off 2 nights of performances by the Top 24. Idol alum Jimmie Allen serves as a mentor.
#24 - Showstopper/Final Judgment
Season 20 - Episode 9 - Aired 4/4/2022
Taking the stage for their first time with a band, Idol hopefuls sing their hearts out in their last chance to make it into the Top 24. In the Final Judgment, two pairs of contestants face off in a sing-off.
#25 - Hollywood Duets Challenge
Season 20 - Episode 8 - Aired 4/3/2022
Fan favorites form dynamic duos and hit the Hollywood stage for the Duets Challenge. Platinum Ticket winners handpick their duet partners and rejoin the competition.