Episode 1
Auditions #1 (Chicago, IL)
1h 25m
The best and worst of auditions starting in Chicago, IL.
Episode credits
Guest stars Gina Glocksen
TV series
American Idol
2002TV-PG15 seasons5.0 / 10
Dream big.
Each year, hopeful singers from all over the country audition to be part of one of the biggest shows in American television history. Who will become the new American Idol?
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Sep 5, 2026
American Idol is available to stream on Disney+, Hulu, Spectrum On Demand, YouTube TV, and Fubo in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Synopsis
Each year, hopeful singers from all over the country audition to be part of one of the biggest shows in American television history. Who will become the new American Idol?
Season 5 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Where to watch American Idol
Episode 2
Auditions #2 (Denver, CO)
1h 25m
The best and worst of auditions from Denver, CO.
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 3
Auditions #3 (Greensboro, NC)
1h 25m
The best and worst of auditions from Greensboro, NC.
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 4
Auditions #4 (San Francisco, CA)
1h 25m
The best and worst of auditions from San Francisco, CA
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 5
Auditions #5 (Las Vegas, NV)
1h 25m
The best and worst of auditions from Las Vegas, NV.
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 6
Auditions #6 (Austin, TX)
1h 25m
The best and worst of auditions from Austin, TX.
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 7
Auditions #7 (Boston, MA)
1h 25m
The best and worst of auditions from Boston, MA
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 8
Hollywood Round #1
1h 25m
Contestants chosen from around the nation arrive in Hollywood for their big chance at the American Idol crown. Faced with a grueling schedule, pressure-packed rehearsals and the judges’ criticism, some will survive and more will go home.
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 9
Hollywood Round #2
1h 25m
Contestants chosen from around the nation endure a grueling rehearsal schedule and pressure-packed auditions as they vie for a coveted spot in the Top 24.
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 10
Hollywood Round #3
1h 25m
Contestants chosen from around the nation have endured the grueling schedule and high-pressure auditions of the Hollywood Round, hoping to impress the judges and secure one of the 24 semifinalist spots. Tonight the judges make their final cuts to determine the Top 24. The Top 12 males and Top 12 females will be revealed tonight
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 11
Performance Show Females #1 (top 12)
1h 25m
Of the 24 semifinalists chosen last week, the Top 12 girls will perform for America for the first time. Then it’s up to the viewers to vote for their favorites. Who will survive and who will go home? Performing tonight are: Ayla Brown Becky O'Donohue Brenna Gethers Heather Cox Katharine McPhee Kellie Pickler Kinnik Sky Lisa Tucker Mandisa Melissa McGhee Paris Bennett Stevie Scott
Episode credits
Directed by Bruce GowersWritten by Simon FullerGuest stars Kellie Pickler, Becky O'Donohue, Paris Bennett, Lisa Tucker, Kinnik Sky, Katharine McPhee
Episode 12
Top 12 Men Perform
1h 25m
Of the 24 semifinalists chosen last week, the Top 12 boys will perform for America for the first time. Then it’s up to the viewers to vote for their favorites. Who will survive and who will go home? Performing Tonight are: Ace Young Bobby Bennett Bucky Covington Chris Daughtry David Radford Elliott Yamin Gedeon McKinney Jose "Sway" Penala Kevin Covais Patrick Hall Taylor Hicks Will Makar
Episode credits
Directed by Bruce GowersWritten by Simon FullerGuest stars Will Makar, Chris Daughtry, Kevin Covais, Elliott Yamin, Ace Young, Taylor Hicks
Episode 13
and then there were 20...
1h 25m
The 24 semifinalists performed for America this week, and the viewers have determined their fate. Tonight, four contestants – two males and two females – will go home, leaving 20 finalists vying for the American Idol crown. Will your favorites return?
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 14
Top 10 Women Perform
1h 25m
Having survived last week’s competition, the Top 10 girls perform again for America. After the show, the viewers will vote for their favorites. Who will keep singing, and who will go home? Performing tonight are Ayla Brown, Brenna Gethers, Heather Cox, Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Kinnik Sky, Lisa Tucker, Mandisa, Melissa McGhee, Paris Bennett,
Episode credits
Directed by Ken Warwick, Nigel Lythgoe, Bruce GowersWritten by Simon Fuller
Episode 15
Performance Show Males #2 (top 10)
1h 25m
The Top 10 boys perform for America, hoping to win enough votes to stay in the competition. Who will be back to sing next week? America will decide. Performing Tonight is: Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, David Radford, Elliott Yamin, Gedeon McKinney, Jose "Sway" Penala, Kevin Covais, Taylor Hicks, Will Makar
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 16
and then there were 16...
1h 25m
The 20 remaining semifinalists performed this week and the viewers voted for their favorites. Tonight, the four contestants – two males and two females – who received the fewest votes will go home, leaving 16 semifinalists to vie for the American Idol crown
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 17
Performance Show Females #3 (top 8)
1h 25m
The remaining eight girls will perform again for America. After the show, the viewers will vote for their favorites. Who will sing again, and who will go home? Performing tonight are Ayla Brown, Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Kinnik Sky, Lisa Tucker, Mandisa, Melissa McGhee, Paris Bennett,
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 18
Performance Show Males #3 (top 8)
1h 25m
The remaining 8 boys sing tonight for America. After the show, the viewers will vote for their favorites. Who will be back next week and who will go home? Performing Tonight is: Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Gedeon McKinney, Kevin Covais, Taylor Hicks, Will Makar
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 19
and then there were 12...
1h 25m
Top 12 Finalists to be Revealed in the most dramatic results show of the season, four more semifinalists – two boys and two girls – will go home, leaving the Top 12 Finalists to vie for the American Idol crown.
Episode credits
Guest stars Bo Bice
Episode 20
Top 12 perform live
1h 25m
Tonight the Top 12 finalists perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. In this special two-hour show, contestants will sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week in the competiton. Tonights Theme: Stevie Wonder Hits Performing Tonight: Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Lisa Tucker, Mandisa, Melissa McGhee, Paris Bennett, Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Kevin Covais, and Taylor Hicks
Episode credits
Guest stars Stevie Wonder
Episode 21
and then there were 11...
1h 25m
Last night, American Idol’s Top 12 sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Tonight, the finalist who received the lowest number of votes will be eliminated from the race for the American Idol title
Episode credits
Guest stars Stevie Wonder
Episode 22
Top 11 perform live
1h 25m
Tonight the remaining 11 finalists perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants will sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s votes and surviving another week in the competition. Tonights Theme is: Songs of the 50's Performing Tonight: Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Lisa Tucker, Mandisa, Paris Bennett, Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Kevin Covais, Taylor Hicks
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 23
and then there were 10...
1h 25m
Last night, American Idol’s Top 11 sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Tonight, the finalist who received the lowest number of votes will be eliminated from the race for the American Idol title. The show started with an awesome perfomance by Barry Manilow. Following that, Ryan announced the bottom three,... and they are: Kevin, Lisa and Bucky.. After the break, we find Lisa to be safe while kevin and Bucky stand anxiously on stage...Eventually, we had to say goodbye to chicken little (kevin)... well atleast he can say that this show has really changed his life
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 24
Top 10 perform live
1h 25m
Tonight the Top 10 finalists will perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants will sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week in the competition. This Weeks Theme is: songs of the 21st century Performing Tonight is: Lisa Tucker, Kellie Pickler, Ace Young, Taylor Hicks, Mandisa, Chris Daughtry, Katharine McPhee, Bucky Covington, Paris Bennett, Elliott Yamin,
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 25
and then there were 9...
1h 25m
Last night, the Top 10 Finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live who will sing again next week and who will go home.
Episode credits
Guest stars Shakira
Episode 26
Top 9 perform live
1h 25m
Tonight the Top 9 finalists will perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants will sing their hearts out tonight to the theme of country music in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week in the competition. This Week's Theme is: Country Music Performing Tonight is: Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Mandisa, Paris Bennett, Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Taylor Hicks,
Episode credits
Guest stars Kenny Rogers
Episode 27
and then there were 8...
1h 25m
Last night, the Top 9 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. The contestants will be grouped in bunches of three. One of the groups will be the bottom 3. The other 2 groups will be safe. Find out tonight live who will sing again next week and who will go home. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition. Also Kenny Rogers will perform.
Episode credits
Guest stars Kenny Rogers
Episode 28
Top 8 perform live
1h 25m
Tonight on American Idol the Top 8 finalists will perform live for the nation. The contestants will perform their hearts out to the theme of Queen in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week. This Week's Theme is: Queen Performing Tonight: Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Paris Bennett, Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, and Taylor Hicks.
Episode credits
Guest stars Queen Latifah
Episode 29
and then there were 7...
1h 25m
Last night, the Top 8 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live who will sing again next week and who will go home. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition.
Episode credits
Guest stars Will Makar
Episode 30
Top 7 perform live
1h 25m
Tonight the Top 7 finalists will perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants will perform their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week. Tonight's theme is: Songs from The Great American Songbook Performing Tonight: Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Paris Bennett, Ace Young, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Taylor Hicks.
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 31
and then there were 6...
1h 25m
Last night, the Top 7 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live who will sing again next week and who will go home. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition.
Episode credits
Guest stars Rod Stewart
Episode 32
Top 6 perform live
1h 25m
Tonight the Top 6 finalists will perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants will sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week. This Weeks Theme is: Classic Love Songs Performing Tonight: Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Paris Bennett, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Taylor Hicks.
Episode credits
Guest stars Tori Spelling, David Foster, Sasha Cohen, Andrea Bocelli
Episode 33
and then there were 5...
1h 25m
Last night, the Top 6 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live who will sing again next week and who will go home. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition. There will also be a special performace by Andrea Bocelli.
Episode credits
Guest stars Lisa Tucker, David Foster, Andrea Bocelli
Episode 34
Top 5 perform live
1h 25m
Tonight the Top 5 finalists will perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants will sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week in the competition. This Week's Theme is: songs from the year they were born & any song from this week’s Top 10 Billboard Charts. Performing Tonight: Katharine McPhee, Paris Bennett, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Taylor Hicks.
Episode credits
Guest stars Ace Young, Anthony Fedorov
Episode 35
and then there were 4...
1h 25m
Last night, the Top 5 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live who will be in the Final 4 and who will go home. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition
Episode credits
Guest stars Melissa Gilbert
Episode 36
Top 4 perform live
1h 25m
Tonight the Top 4 finalists will perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants will sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week in the competition. This Week's Theme is: Elvis Presley songs Performing Tonight: Katharine McPhee, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Taylor Hicks.
Episode credits
Guest stars Nikko Smith, Amaury Nolasco, Jeri Ryan
Episode 37
and then there were 3...
1h 25m
Last night, the Top 4 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live who will be in the Final 3 and who will go home. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition
Episode credits
Guest stars Rebecca Romijn, Jerry O'Connell
Episode 38
Top 3 perform live
1h 25m
Tonight the Top 3 finalists will perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants will sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s vote and the coveted opportunity to compete in next week’s season finale. Each contestant will sing 3 songs This Week's Theme is: one song of the contestant's choice, one song chosen by the Judges and one song chosen by legendary music producer Clive Davis. Performing Tonight: Katharine McPhee, Elliott Yamin, Taylor Hicks.
Episode credits
Guest stars Clive Davis
Episode 39
and then there were 2...
1h 25m
TV’s hottest show revs up to a crescendo! Last night, the Top 3 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live which two finalists will compete in next week’s exciting season finale. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition
Episode credits
Guest stars Todd Bridges, Gavin DeGraw
Episode 40
Top 2 perform live
1h 25m
On tonight’s exciting performance show, the last of the season, Taylor Hicks & Katharine McPhee will battle it out live at the famed Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. One will be the next American Idol and one will go home.This Week's Theme is: Songs from previous episodes & Kat & Taylor's debut singles.Performing Tonight is: Taylor Hicks Katharine McPhee
Episode credits
Guest stars Chris Daughtry, Daniel Powter, Mandy Moore, Christina Applegate
Episode 41
The Finale
1h 25mfinale
The most anticipated night of the television season is here! Two finalists, one American Idol – find out tonight who America has chosen. The Top 12 reunite on the Kodak Theatre stage one last time before the newest American Idol is crowned. And the winner is....... Taylor Hicks
Episode credits
Guest stars Heather Locklear, Meat Loaf, Carrie Underwood, Mary J. Blige, Burt Bacharach, Al Jarreau, Dionne Warwick, Prince
Episode information updated Sep 11, 2026
More about American Idol
Cast
Ryan SeacrestSelf - Host
Simon CowellSelf - Judge
Randy JacksonSelf - Judge
Steven TylerSelf - Judge
Kara DioGuardiSelf - Judge
Brian DunklemanSelf - Host
Keith UrbanSelf - Judge
Paula AbdulSelf - JudgeCredits
- Created by
- Simon Fuller
- Written by
- Simon Fuller
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Reality
- Episodes
- 567
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
FOXUnited States
Themes
aspiring singerauditioncompetitionjudgemusic competitionmusic industrysingersinging
