American Idol_
"Heading back to where it all began."
The iconic series that revolutionized the television landscape by pioneering the music competition genre is back!
Network
ABC
Episodes
151
Updated Feb 16, 2026
WHERE TO WATCH
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Overview
American Idol has 9 seasons with 151 episodes spanning 2018-2025.
Year context
American Idol first aired 8 years ago in 2018.
CAST (4)
SEASONS (9 seasons, 151 episodes)
SEASON 1
01
Auditions
The nationwide search for the next superstar kicked off in August, as the Idol Bus traveled from Portland, Oregon, to Orlando, Florida, in its pursuit…
02
Auditions
In episode two of auditions, Idol hopefuls, including a shoe salesman from Washington D.C., a construction worker from Southern California and a student from Louisiana,…
03
Auditions
American Idol heads to Los Angeles, Nashville, New York City and Savannah, as the search for America's next superstar continues. In episode three of auditions,…
04
Auditions
American Idol heads to Los Angeles, Nashville, New Orleans and New York City, as the search for America's next superstar continues. In episode four of…
05
Auditions
In episode five of auditions, Idol hopefuls, including a choreographer from Tennessee, a hostess from Colorado and a personal assistant from Alabama, sing their hearts…
06
Hollywood Week
In this first episode of Hollywood Week, Idol hopefuls from across the country head to the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood…
07
Hollywood Week
In this second episode of Hollywood Week, Idol hopefuls from across the country gather at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood…
08
Showcase & Final Judgment
Idol hopefuls head to Exchange LA in downtown Los Angeles for the Showcase Round, where contestants perform solos in front of a live crowd and…
09
Top 24 Solos
As the pool has been narrowed to the top 24 contestants, 12 of the top 24 finalists perform solos at Academy LA in Hollywood during…
10
Top 24 Celebrity Duets
As the pool has been narrowed to the top 24 contestants, 12 of the top 24 finalists perform duets with celebrity partners at Academy LA…
11
Top 24 Solos
As the pool has been narrowed to the top 24 contestants, 12 of the top 24 finalists perform solos at Academy LA in Hollywood during…
12
Top 24 Celebrity Duets
As the pool has been narrowed to the top 24 contestants, 12 of the top 24 finalists perform duets with celebrity partners at Academy LA…
13
Top 14
After solo and celebrity duet performances with the Top 24 contestants, the judges narrowed down the field to the Top 14 finalists. Now the judges…
14
Top 10 Reveal
America's overnight vote from Sunday will solidify the safety of the six contestants with the most votes. Those that are safe will perform a victory…
15
Disney Night
American Idol heads to the happiest place on earth, Disneyland Parks and Resorts, then returns to the Idol stage with a sprinkle of magic to…
16
Top 7
American Idol breaks more boundaries as the show pays tribute to music luminary Prince. The Top 7 take on the legendary Prince catalogue, paying homage…
17
Top 5
In this episode in honor of Mother's Day, the Top 5 finalists will sing songs dedicated to moms, in addition to performing from the catalogue…
18
Performance Finals
In part one of the two-night season finale, the Top 3 finalists visit their hometowns to celebrate their time on the show then return to…
19
Grand Finale
The winner of Season 1 of American Idol on ABC is finally crowned. Leading up to the big reveal with amazing performances by music superstars…
SEASON 2
01
Auditions (1)
Auditions in Louisville KY, Coeur d’Alene ID, Los Angeles CA, New York NY, and Denver CO.
02
Auditions (2)
Auditions in Coeur d’Alene ID, Louisville KY, and Los Angeles CA.
03
Auditions (3)
Auditions in Coeur d’Alene ID, New York NY, Louisville KY, and Los Angeles CA. Lionel Richie reminisces about Mohammed Ali.
04
Auditions (4)
Auditions from Los Angeles CA, Louisville KY, New York NY, and Coeur d’Alene ID. Stories include a girl reuniting with her egg donor, a performance…
05
Auditions (5)
Auditions from Los Angeles CA, New York NY, Louisville KY, and Denver CO see if they have what it takes to move on in the…
06
Hollywood Week (1)
Tensions are high as this year’s crop of hopefuls battles it out in solo and group round performances from the famous stage of The Orpheum…
07
Hollywood Week (2)
Contestants battle it out in group rounds and solo performances in the hope of advancing to the next round of the competition. Also, don't miss…
08
Showcase & Final Judgment
The showcase round goes to Aulani, A Disney Resort in Ko Olina, Hawaii, where the show’s Top 40 contestants take to the beach for solo…
09
Top 20 Solos
The top 20 finalists perform in front of a live audience.
10
All-Star Duets
The first 10 of the Top 20 finalists perform duets with all-star celebrity partners. Following the performances and during a shocking elimination, the “American Idol”…
11
All-Star Duets Part 2
The remaining 10 of the Top 20 finalists perform duets with all-star celebrity partners. Following the performances, the contestants find out who has made the…
12
Top 14
The top 14 contestants perform on the iconic Idol stage for the first time, in hope of winning over the hearts of viewers and being…
13
Top 10 Reveal
The 7 contestants with the most votes by America take their spot in the top 10, while the 7 remaining contestants must sing to impress…
14
Disney Night
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…
15
Meet Your Finalists
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,…
16
Queen Night
The finalists continue their journey in the competition, paying tribute to one of the world’s most iconic bands, Queen. Each contestant takes on a song…
17
Woodstock and Show Stoppers
Each contestant performs one inspirationally powerful “showstopper” song, with the help of Grammy Award-winning artist, Lauren Daigle, who serves as celebrity guest mentor. Each finalist…
18
Top 5
The journey to find the next superstar continues as the remaining five Idol hopefuls leave it all on the stage, singing their hearts out to…
19
Grand Finale
The second season rounds out with an epic grand finale event, featuring the Top 3 contestants. The crowning moment is preceded by special performances from…
SEASON 3
01
Auditions (1)
Hopefuls perform for the judges in Savannah, Ga.; Milwuakee, Wis.; Washington, D.C.; and Los Angeles; including a subway performer from Harlem, N.Y., a garbage collector…
02
Auditions (2)
Aspiring singers from Savannah, Ga., Milwaukee, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Sunriver, Ore. perform in hopes of earning a ticket to Hollywood.
03
Auditions (3)
This week’s episode sees a determined hopeful defy the odds for a chance to audition in front of the judges, resulting in an “American Idol”…
04
Auditions (4)
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.
05
Auditions (5)
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…
06
Hollywood Week - Genre Challenge
Contestants head to Hollywood to perform a song in a genre of their choice.
07
Hollywood Week - Duets
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…
08
Hollywood Week - Solos
Hollywood Week wraps up with with solo performances. One contestant experiences an unprecedented medical emergency. Will one couple’s love survive the latest elimination?
09
Hawaii Showcase and Final Judgment (1)
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…
10
Hawaii Showcase and Final Judgment (2)
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…
11
This Is Me (1)
A deeper look into the lives of the top 21 contestants, featuring never-before-seen performances.
12
This Is Me (2)
A deeper look into the lives of the top 21 contestants, featuring never-before-seen performances.
13
On with the Show: Top 20 Sing for Your Vote
The top 20 perform remotely for a spot in the top 10.
14
On with the Show: Homeward Bound
Find out who America voted into the Top 10 and whether or not judges choose to use their only save of the season.
15
On with the Show: Disney / Mother's Day
In the hybrid Disney and Mother’s Day show, the remaining finalists will perform two songs each; one from the renowned Disney songbook and the second…
16
On with the Show: Grand Finale
SEASON 4
01
Auditions (1)
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…
02
Auditions (2)
Auditions across California – Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ojai – continue.
03
Auditions (3)
Auditions across California – Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ojai – continue.
04
Auditions (4)
Auditions continue in California.
05
Auditions (5)
The search for the next superstar across Los Angeles, California; San Diego, California; and Ojai, California, comes to an end as "American Idol" auditions wrap.…
06
Hollywood Week: Genre Challenge
The search for the next superstar continues with Hollywood week; fan favorites from auditions return to the stage for the genre challenge.
07
Hollywood Duets Challenge
The hopefuls encounter surprises as they continue to compete with the Hollywood duets challenge.
08
Showstopper/Final Judgment (1)
The contestants showcase their talent by performing with a band for their last chance to make it into the coveted top 24.
09
Showstopper/Final Judgment (2)
The remaining contestants perform for their first time this season with a band, vying for their spot in the top 24; the judges share a…
10
All Star Duets and Solos (1)
Contestants perform duets with surprise celebrity guests for a chance to make it to live shows.
11
All Star Duets and Solos (2)
Contestants perform duets with surprise celebrity guests for a chance to make it to live shows.
12
Top 16
The top 16 are revealed and perform in hopes of securing America's vote.
13
Top 12 Live Reveal
Following America's overnight vote, 10 contestants are revealed from the top 16; six contestants perform for a chance to be in the top 12.
14
Oscar Nominated Songs
The top 12 contestants perform Oscar-nominated songs in hopes of securing America's vote into the top nine; Lionel Richie performs.
15
The Comeback
Ten finalists from the previous season return to make their debut on the "American Idol" stage, where they sing for America's vote; one remains in…
16
Disney Night
The results of the comeback show; the top nine travel to Walt Disney World for a one-on-one session with a celebrity mentor; the top seven…
17
Coldplay Songbook & Mother's Day Dedication
The remaining finalists perform one song dedicated to the special loved ones in their lives in honor of Mother's Day and a second song from…
18
My Personal Idol/Artist Singles
Artist FINNEAS mentors the finalists, who are grouped to perform two of his songs; the top four perform two additional songs each; FINNEAS performs with…
19
Grand Finale
The top three finalists perform and the winner is announced; scheduled performers include Lindsey Buckingham, Alessia Cara, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Fall Out Boy, Mickey…
SEASON 5
01
Auditions (1)
Hopefuls perform for the judges in three cities.
02
Auditions (2)
Hopefuls perform for the judges in three cities; the second platinum ticket winner is revealed.
03
Auditions (3)
Auditions continue across Los Angeles, Calif., Austin, Texas and Nashville, Tenn.
04
Auditions (4)
Auditions continue across Los Angeles, Calif.; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, Tenn., where the show's iconic judge auditions will surprise audiences and hopefuls alike with never-before-seen…
05
Auditions (5)
Auditions across Los Angeles; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, Tenn., come to an end; the final Platinum Ticket winner is revealed.
06
Auditions (6)
The judges continue their search for the next singing sensation in Los Angeles; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, Tenn.
07
Hollywood Week: Genre Challenge
The search for the next superstar continues as some of the most prolific alums in the shows history return to mentor the contestants; fan favorites…
08
Hollywood Duets Challenge
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…
09
Showstopper/Final Judgment
The search for the next superstar continues with the showstoppers round; taking the stage for their first time with a band, Idol hopefuls sing their…
10
Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (1)
The contestants wrap up two nights of top 24 performances; Bebe Rexha mentors hopefuls as they belt out unforgettable tunes in hopes of making it…
11
Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (2)
The contestants wrap up two nights of top 24 performances; Bebe Rexha mentors hopefuls as they belt out unforgettable tunes in hopes of making it…
12
Season 20's Top 20
The competition heats up as last week's votes are in and this seasons top 20 hand-picked by America will be revealed; the remaining contestants perform…
13
Top 14 Live Reveal
America's votes determine which 10 hopefuls continue on their musical journey; the judges choose an additional four singers to join the top 14
14
Top 14
Country music star Gabby Barrett returns to mentor the top 14.
15
Judge's Song Contest
The judges pick songs for each of the top 11 to perform; each contestant selects their favorite song.
16
Disney Night
Contestants perform beloved Disney tunes in hopes of securing America's vote.
17
The Great Idol Reunion
"American Idol" greats -- including Ruben Studdard, Scotty McCreery, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Lauren Alaina, Kris Allen, Maddie Poppe, Laine Hardy, Willie Spence and Caleb…
18
Top 7
In a special Mother's Day episode, the top seven dedicate songs to their mother or the mother figure in their lives; will.i.am returns to mentor…
19
Top 5
The Top 5 contestants travel to Las Vegas to be mentored by Carrie Underwood; each contestant will perform two songs.
20
Grand Finale
The top three perform, and a winner is chosen; guest performers include Carrie Underwood, James Arthur, Sara Bareilles, Gabby Barrett, Michael Bublé, Deana Carter, Earth,…
SEASON 6
01
Auditions (1)
With help from superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, viewers embark on a nationwide search across New Orleans, Las Vegas and Nashville…
02
Auditions (2)
With help from superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, viewers embark on a nationwide search across New Orleans, Las Vegas and Nashville…
03
Auditions (3)
With help from superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, viewers embark on a nationwide search across New Orleans, Las Vegas and Nashville…
04
Auditions (3A)
With help from superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, viewers embark on a nationwide search across New Orleans, Las Vegas and Nashville…
05
Auditions (4)
With help from superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, viewers embark on a nationwide search across New Orleans, Las Vegas and Nashville…
06
Auditions (5)
With help from superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, viewers embark on a nationwide search across New Orleans, Las Vegas and Nashville…
07
Hollywood Week (1)
Fan-favorite "American Idol" alumni return as contestant mentors to build confidence, stage presence and songwriting as they prepare for amazing performances on the iconic Hollywood…
08
Hollywood Week (2)
Hollywood Week continues as contestants form dynamic duos and hit the Hollywood stage for the Duets Challenge. Platinum Ticket winners handpick their duet partners and…
09
Showstopper/Final Judgment (1)
Performing with a band for the first time, Idol hopefuls sing their hearts out in their last chance to make it to America's vote. In…
10
Showstopper/Final Judgment (2)
Performing with a band for the first time, Idol hopefuls sing their hearts out in their last chance to make it to America's vote. In…
11
Top 26 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (1)
Singer-songwriter Allen Stone mentors hopefuls vying for America's first open vote of the season.
12
Top 26 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (2)
Noah Cyrus serves as mentor, offering advice to contestants hoping to earn America's vote.
13
Top 20
The contestants return to Hollywood to learn the results of America's first votes for the top 20; contestants perform in hopes of securing a spot…
14
Top 12 Reveal!
The Top 20 contestants perform LIVE, with overnight voting results revealing 10 Idol hopefuls who will continue. The judges choose two singers to round out…
15
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night
The competition heats up as the Top 12 contestants perform for superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie as America's vote for the…
16
Judge's Song Contest
The Judge's Song Contest returns as judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie each suggest songs for the contestants to choose from. America votes…
17
Top 8: Alanis Morissette/Ed Sheeran
The Top 7 contestants perform LIVE coast to coast in front of Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie as audiences across the country cast…
18
Disney Night
Celebrate the magic of Disney as the Top 5 contestants perform songs from the iconic Disney songbook LIVE while America votes for the Top 3…
19
Journey to the Finale
What does it take to become the next American Idol? Featuring never-before-seen footage of this season's finalists, this special episode takes a deeper look at…
20
Season Finale
The live coast-to-coast, three-hour season finale features special performances from music legends and today's top artists, with the Top 3 contestants taking the stage for…
SEASON 7
01
Auditions, Part 1
Viewers embark on a nationwide search across Los Angeles, Nashville and the judges' hometowns to find the next singing sensation.
02
Auditions, Part 2
The judges join host Ryan Seacrest for a special walk down memory lane in their hometowns while auditions continue.
03
Auditions, Part 3
Talented hopefuls inch one step closer to Hollywood stardom as they audition for judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Ryan Seacrest hosts. Meanwhile,…
04
Auditions, Part 4
Superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie share where their own dreams began with trips to their hometowns, bringing heart, laughter and antics…
05
Auditions, Part 5
The stakes are high in the final round of auditions for judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, as aspiring superstars perform in hopes…
06
Hollywood Week - Idol Arena
It's Hollywood Week, and the pressure is on for Idol finalists, with only one chance to perform for judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel…
07
Showstopper/Final Judgment
The competition narrows during the final showcase round for judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, deciding who will earn a coveted spot in…
08
Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii Part #1
The Top 24 travel to Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina Hawai'i, with 12 taking the stage for America's first vote this…
09
Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii Part #2
Filmed at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina Hawai'i, 12 of the Top 24 hit the stage for another night of star-making…
10
Top 20
The top 20 Idol hopefuls perform a song of their choice to capture America's vote once more as the results from the top 24 vote…
11
Top 14 Reveal
The top 20 take the stage again as host Ryan Seacrest reveals the 10 hopefuls America has voted to advance; the judges select the remaining…
12
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Performing live from Hollywood in front of judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, the Top 14 take on songs from Rock & Roll…
13
Billboard #1 Hits
The competition heats up as the Top 12 perform their favorite Billboard No. 1 hits live from Hollywood, giving their all to earn America's vote…
14
Top 10
Country music icon Shania Twain mentors the top 10 as they vie for a spot in the top eight with songs from their birth years;…
15
Judge's Song Contest
The Top 8 perform one of three songs anonymously selected by Luke Bryan, Katy Perry or Lionel Richie, who are each competing for most songs…
16
Adele Night
Airing live coast to coast, the Top 7 finalists take on iconic hits from beloved 16-time GRAMMY(R) winner and bestselling artist Adele, as America votes…
17
Disney Night
18
Finale
SEASON 8
01
Post Oscars: Auditions (Part 1)
Preview the new season as former "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood joins Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan at the judges' table, bringing her music expertise…
02
Season Premiere: Auditions (Part 2)
Luke, Lionel, Carrie and Ryan head to New York, Los Angeles and Nashville to jump-start auditions, where raw talent and unforgettable performances set the stage…
03
Auditions (Part 3)
Luke, Lionel, Carrie and Ryan continue auditions in New York, Los Angeles and Nashville, where impressive competitors showcase their talents in fierce competition.
04
Auditions (Part 4)
Auditions continue as Luke, Lionel, Carrie and Ryan are wowed by exceptional talent and unforgettable performances.
05
Auditions (Part 5)
As the final auditions before Hollywood Week unfold, Idol hopefuls turn up the heat with electrifying performances that leave the judges stunned and eager for…
06
Hollywood Week: Idol Arena
In the high stakes of Hollywood Week, singers battle through intense challenges and group performances. Luke, Lionel and Carrie face tough decisions that shape the…
07
Hollywood Week: Showstopper
"American Idol" competitors bring their A-game in the "Showstopper" episode, delivering powerful performances that could make or break their journey to fame. Jelly Roll joins…
08
Head to Head
The competition heats up as competitors face off in intense head-to-head battles, and this season's new artist in residence, Jelly Roll, makes his highly anticipated…
09
Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (Part 1)
From Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina Hawai'i, the Top 12 of 24 take the stage with guidance from GRAMMY® Award-winning mentor…
10
Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (Part 2)
The second night at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina Hawai'i, brings powerhouse performances. GRAMMY® winner Josh Groban mentors the remaining Top…
11
Songs of Faith
"American Idol" celebrates Easter! Enjoy songs of faith from the finalists, GRAMMY(R) winner CeCe Winans, and artist in residence Jelly Roll with Brandon Lake. Plus,…
12
Top 14 Reveal
The Top 14 are revealed as the finalists return to the stage with powerful, emotional live performances from Hollywood.
13
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
With guidance from an award-winning guest mentor, the Top 14 take on iconic songs from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends as America votes…
14
Iconic Idol Moments
The Top 12 perform unforgettable songs inspired by iconic "American Idol" moments, honoring the show's legendary history. Season three winner Fantasia returns to the "Idol"…
15
Ladies Night
Powerhouse performances celebrate the Iconic Women of Music, featuring Miranda Lambert, as the Top 10 return hoping to earn a spot in the Top 8.…
16
Judge's Song Contest
The Top 8 perform songs secretly selected by Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie or Carrie Underwood in the "Judge's Song Contest." With Jelly Roll as artist…
17
Disney Night (Part 1)
"Disney Night" celebrates Mother's Day with special guest Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Top 7 travel to Disneyland Resort and light up the stage with Disney classics…
18
Disney Night (Part 2)
"Disney Night" continues with heroes, villains and a special appearance by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Top 5 travel to Disneyland Resort and perform twice as America…
19
Grand Finale
The top three give their final performances in a star-studded night with music legends and top stars; this year's winner is revealed.
SEASON 9
01
Auditions
Luke, Lionel, Carrie and Ryan welcome the newest class of hopefuls to Idol University in Nashville, where future stars take their first steps toward becoming…
02
Auditions 2
Auditions continue, with hopefuls stepping into the spotlight and delivering unforgettable performances.
03
Auditions 3
04
Auditions 4
05
Hollywood Week in Music City - Part 1
06
Hollywood Week in Music City - Part 2
07
Ohana Round
08
Top 20 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawai'i - Part 1
09
Top 20 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawai'i - Part 2
SERIES INFO
9
Seasons
151
Episodes
Returning Series
Status
NETWORKS (1)
ABC
DETAILS
First Aired
Status
Returning Series
Seasons
9
Episodes
151
Language
English
Country
Rating
6.8/10 (31 votes)
Popularity
3
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is American Idol about?
The iconic series that revolutionized the television landscape by pioneering the music competition genre is back!
Where can I watch American Idol?
American Idol is available on Hulu. Availability varies by region.
How many seasons does American Idol have?
American Idol has 9 seasons with 151 episodes total.
Who stars in American Idol?
The cast of American Idol includes Ryan Seacrest, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood.
What is the rating of American Idol?
American Idol has a rating of 6.8 out of 10 based on 31 votes on TMDB.
Is American Idol still running?
American Idol is currently active with a status of "Returning Series."
GENRES (1)
Reality
Ryan Seacrest →