Episode 1
501 (Auditions)
1h 26m
Hopefuls perform for the judges in three cities.
Episode credits
Guest stars Noah Thompson
TV series
American Idol
2018TV-PG9 seasons6.7 / 10
Heading back to where it all began.
The iconic series that revolutionized the television landscape by pioneering the music competition genre is back!
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Jul 22, 2026
American Idol is available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Synopsis
The iconic series that revolutionized the television landscape by pioneering the music competition genre is back!
Season 5 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Where to watch American Idol
Episode 2
502 (Auditions)
1h 26m
Hopefuls perform for the judges in three cities; the second platinum ticket winner is revealed.
Where to watch American Idol
Episode 3
503 (Auditions)
1h 26m
Auditions continue across Los Angeles, Calif., Austin, Texas and Nashville, Tenn.
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 4
504 (Auditions)
1h 26m
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 twists.
Where to watch American Idol
Episode 5
505 (Auditions)
1h 25m
Auditions across Los Angeles; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, Tenn., come to an end; the final Platinum Ticket winner is revealed.
Where to watch American Idol
Episode 6
505A (Auditions)
40m
The judges continue their search for the next singing sensation in Los Angeles; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, Tenn.
Where to watch American Idol
Episode 7
506 (Hollywood Week: Genre Challenge)
1h 26m
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 from auditions take the stage for the genre challenge to sing their hearts out.
Episode credits
Guest stars Noah Thompson, Chayce Beckham
Episode 8
507 (Hollywood Duets Challenge)
1h 26m
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 in hopes of making it through to the next round.
Episode credits
Guest stars Noah Thompson
Episode 9
508 (Showstopper/Final Judgment)
1h 26m
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 hearts out in their last chance to make it into the coveted top 24.
Episode credits
Guest stars Noah Thompson
Episode 10
509 (Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (1))
1h 26m
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 through to the next round.
Where to watch American Idol
Episode 11
510 (Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (2))
1h 23m
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 through to the next round.
Episode credits
Guest stars Noah Thompson
Episode 12
511 (Season 20's Top 20)
2h 8m
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 and viewers at home will vote once again to determine who will make it to the next round.
Episode credits
Guest stars Phillip Phillips, Noah Thompson, Chayce Beckham
Episode 13
512 (Top 14 Live Reveal)
1h 26m
America's votes determine which 10 hopefuls continue on their musical journey; the judges choose an additional four singers to join the top 14
Episode credits
Guest stars Noah Thompson
Episode 14
513 (Top 14)
1h 25m
Country music star Gabby Barrett returns to mentor the top 14.
Episode credits
Guest stars Noah Thompson, Gabby Barrett
Episode 15
514 (Judge's Song Contest)
1h 26m
The judges pick songs for each of the top 11 to perform; each contestant selects their favorite song.
Episode credits
Guest stars Noah Thompson
Episode 16
515 (Disney Night)
1h 25m
Contestants perform beloved Disney tunes in hopes of securing America's vote.
Episode credits
Guest stars Noah Thompson
Episode 17
516 (The Great Idol Reunion)
43m
"American Idol" greats -- including Ruben Studdard, Scotty McCreery, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Lauren Alaina, Kris Allen, Maddie Poppe, Laine Hardy, Willie Spence and Caleb Lee Hutchinson -- reunite on the Idol stage.
Episode credits
Guest stars Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Laine Hardy, Maddie Poppe, Ruben Studdard, Scotty McCreery, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Lauren Alaina
Episode 18
517 (Top 7)
1h 25m
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 the remaining contestants vying for a spot in the top five.
Episode credits
Guest stars Noah Thompson
Episode 19
518 (Top 5)
1h 25m
The Top 5 contestants travel to Las Vegas to be mentored by Carrie Underwood; each contestant will perform two songs.
Episode credits
Guest stars Carrie Underwood, Noah Thompson
Episode 20
519 (Grand Finale)
2h 8mfinale
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, Wind & Fire, Melissa Etheridge, Flo Rida, Ben Platt and more.
Episode credits
Guest stars Noah Thompson, Ben Platt, Sara Bareilles
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
More about American Idol
Cast
Ryan SeacrestSelf - Host
Lionel RichieSelf - Judge
Katy PerrySelf - Judge
Luke BryanSelf - Judge
Bobby BonesSelf - Mentor
Carrie UnderwoodSelf - JudgeEddie IslandSelf
Ashley HessSelf
Production details
- Status
- Returning Series
- Series type
- Reality
- Episodes
- 162
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
ABCUnited States
Disney+
FremantleMedia North AmericaUnited States- 19 EntertainmentUnited States
Themes
aspiring singerauditioncompetitionjudgemusic competitionreality competitionrebootsinger
