Episode 1
Minneapolis Auditions
1h 25m
Auditions take place in Minneapolis, MN in this special 2 hour episode
Episode credits
Directed by Ken WarwickGuest stars Jewel
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 Jul 22, 2026
American Idol is available to stream on Disney+, Hulu, YouTube TV, Fubo, and Spectrum On Demand in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
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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 6 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Where to watch American Idol
Episode 2
Seattle Auditions
1h 25m
Auditions continue from Seattle, WA in this special 2 hour episode.
Episode credits
Directed by Nigel Lythgoe
Episode 3
Memphis Auditions
1h 25m
Season 6 Auditions continue from Memphis, TN
Episode credits
Directed by Ken Warwick
Episode 4
New York City Auditions
1h 25m
Season 6 Auditions continue from New York City, NY.
Episode credits
Directed by Ken Warwick
Episode 5
Birmingham Auditions
1h 25m
Season 6 auditions continue from Birmingham, AL.
Episode credits
Directed by Nigel Lythgoe
Episode 6
Los Angeles Auditions
1h 25m
Season 6 auditions continue from Los Angeles/Pasadena, CA
Episode credits
Directed by Ken Warwick
Episode 7
San Antonio, Texas Auditions
1h 25m
Season 6 auditions continue in San Antonio, TX
Episode credits
Directed by Nigel Lythgoe
Episode 8
Auditions: Rest of the Best
1h 25m
Tonight, American Idol presents the Best of the Rest, never-before-seen auditions. This is the final audition show before the contestants go to Hollywood.
Episode credits
Directed by Ken Warwick
Episode 9
Hollywood Round
1h 25m
Contestants chosen from around the nation endure a grueling rehearsal schedule and pressure-packed auditions as they vie for a coveted spot among the Top 24. Who will survive and who will go home?
Episode credits
Directed by Nigel Lythgoe
Episode 10
Top 24 Chosen
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.
Episode credits
Directed by Ken Warwick
Episode 11
Top 12 Boys Compete
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: A.J. Tabaldo Blake Lewis Brandon Rogers Chris Richardson Chris Sligh Jared Cotter Nicholas Pedro Paul Kim Phil Stacey Rudy Cardenas Sanjaya Malakar Jason "Sundance" Head.
Episode credits
Guest stars Sanjaya Malakar
Episode 12
Top 12 Girls Compete
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: Alaina Alexander Amy Krebs Antonella Barba Gina Glocksen Haley Scarnato Jordin Sparks Lakisha Jones Leslie Hunt Melinda Doolittle Nicole Tranquillo Sabrina Sloan Stephanie Edwards
Episode credits
Guest stars Antonella Barba, Jordin Sparks, Gina Glocksen, LaKisha Jones
Episode 13
Top 24 Results
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. Who will make it through the first round of cuts?
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 14
Top 10 Boys Compete
1h 25m
Having survived last week’s competition, the Top 10 boys 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: A.J. Tabaldo Blake Lewis Brandon Rogers Chris Richardson Chris Sligh Jared Cotter Nicholas Pedro Phil Stacey Sanjaya Malakar Jason "Sundance" Head
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 15
Top 10 Girls Compete
1h 25m
The Top 10 girls 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 are: Alaina Alexander Antonella Barba Gina Glocksen Haley Scarnato Jordin Sparks Lakisha Jones Leslie Hunt Melinda Doolittle Sabrina Sloan Stephanie Edwards
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 16
Top 20 Results
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. Kellie Pickler will also perform her new single "I Wonder".
Episode credits
Guest stars Kellie Pickler
Episode 17
Top 8 Boys Compete
1h 25m
The remaining eight boys will perform for America and the viewers will vote for their favorites after the show. Who will sing again, and who will go home? Performing Tonight are: Blake Lewis Brandon Rogers Chris Richardson Chris Sligh Jared Cotter Phil Stacey Sanjaya Malakar Jason "Sundance" Head
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 18
Top 8 Girls Compete
1h 25m
The remaining eight girls sing 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 are: Antonella Barba Gina Glocksen Haley Scarnato Jordin Sparks Lakisha Jones Melinda Doolittle Sabrina Sloan Stephanie Edwards
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 19
Top 16 Results
1h 25m
In the most dramatic results show of the season thus far, four more semifinalists – two boys and two girls – will go home, leaving the Top 12 finalists to vie for the American Idol crown. The viewers’ choices for the Top 12 will be revealed tonight live. Also, Carrie Underwood performs her newest hit single - "Wasted"
Episode credits
Guest stars Antonella Barba
Episode 20
Top 12 Finalists Perform
1h 25m
Tonight the Top 12 finalists perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. In this special two-hour show, the contestants will sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week in the competition.Tonight's theme is: Diana Ross songs Performing Tonight are: Blake Lewis Brandon Rogers Chris Richardson Chris Sligh Phil Stacey Sanjaya Malakar Gina Glocksen Haley Scarnato Jordin Sparks Lakisha Jones Melinda Doolittle Stephanie Edwards
Episode credits
Guest stars Anita Barone, Diana Ross
Episode 21
Top 12 Results
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 fewest votes will be eliminated from the race for the American Idol crown.
Episode credits
Guest stars Diana Ross
Episode 22
Top 11 Finalists Perform
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. This Weeks Theme is: Hit songs from the 1960s British pop invasion. Performing Tonight are: Blake Lewis Chris Richardson Chris Sligh Phil Stacey Sanjaya Malakar Gina Glocksen Haley Scarnato Jordin Sparks Lakisha Jones Melinda Doolittle Stephanie Edwards
Episode credits
Guest stars Lulu, Peter Noone
Episode 23
Top 11 Results
1h 25m
Last night, the Top 11 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live who will return to sing next week. The contestant who received the fewest votes will be sent home.
Episode credits
Guest stars Lulu, Peter Noone
Episode 24
Top 10 Finalists Perform
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. See who impresses the judges and who buckles under the pressure Tonight's Theme is: Pop songs Performing Tonight are: Blake Lewis Chris Richardson Chris Sligh Phil Stacey Sanjaya Malakar Gina Glocksen Haley Scarnato Jordin Sparks Lakisha Jones Melinda Doolittle
Episode credits
Guest stars Gwen Stefani
Episode 25
One Voted Off Live
1h 25m
Last night, the Top 10 Finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live who will go home and who will be among the Top 9 and sing again next week. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition.Also Gwen Stefani, & Akon perform.
Episode credits
Guest stars Gwen Stefani
Episode 26
Top 9 Finalists Perform
1h 25m
After being coached by legendary vocalist Tony Bennett, the Top 9 finalists will perform songs considered to be American classics. See who impresses the judges and who buckles under the pressure.
Episode credits
Guest stars Tony Bennett
Episode 27
Top 9 Results
1h 25m
Last night, after coaching by legendary singer Tony Bennett, the Top 9 finalists sang American classic songs in hopes of winning America’s votes. Tune in tonight to enjoy a special live performance by Bennett. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition.
Episode credits
Guest stars Tony Bennett
Episode 28
Top 8 Finalists Perform
1h 25m
Tonight on American Idol the Top 8 finalists will perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. Platinum-selling vocalist Jennifer Lopez coaches the contestants before they perform on stage in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week. This Week's Theme is: Latin Music
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 29
Top 8 Results
1h 25m
Last night, the Top 8 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight who will sing again next week and who will go home, and enjoy a special live performance from multi-talented star Jennifer Lopez.
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 30
Top 7 Finalists Perform
1h 25m
Tonight the Top 7 finalists will perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. Top female country artist Martina McBride mentors the contestants before they perform on stage in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week. Tune in to see who impresses the judges and who buckles under the pressure. Tonight's Theme is: Country music
Episode credits
Guest stars Martina McBride
Episode 31
Top 7 Results
1h 25m
Last night, after being mentored by award-winning country artist Martina McBride, the Top 7 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight who will sing again next week and who will go home, and enjoy a live performance by McBride.
Episode credits
Guest stars Martina McBride, Fergie
Episode 32
Idol Gives Back Part 1
1h 25m
The singers perform in a Queen-theme episode. Appearing: Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor.
Episode credits
Guest stars Bono
Episode 33
Idol Gives Back
1h 25m
Tonight American Idol partners with Charity Projects Entertainment Fund to raise awareness and money for young people living in extreme poverty in America and Africa. The Top 6 finalists will perform for the nation, singing songs related to compassion and hope during a “Life Anthems”-themed episode. And your vote counts more than ever before, on this special night, you can help change the lives of the truly needy as the American Idol sponsors, Coca-Cola and AT&T/Cingular, along with additional partners, will donate money for every vote you cast. Tonight's Theme is: Life Anthems
Episode credits
Guest stars Reese Witherspoon, Chris Daughtry, LeBron James, Micky Dolenz, Seal, Marc Anthony, Matt Damon, Joel Madden
Episode 34
Top 6 Finalists Perform
1h 25m
Tonight, Bon Jovi mentors the contestants before they sing songs by the legendary rock band in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week in the competition.
Episode credits
Guest stars Jon Bon Jovi
Episode 35
Top 6 Results
1h 25m
Tonight, Bon Jovi mentors the contestants before they sing songs by the legendary rock band in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week in the competition. Tonight's Theme is: Bon Jovi songs
Episode credits
Guest stars Jon Bon Jovi, Robin Thicke
Episode 36
Top 4 Finalists Perform
1h 25m
Last night, the Top 6 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight who will be in the Final 4 and which 2 will go home, and enjoy a special live performance by Bon Jovi.
Episode credits
Guest stars Barry Gibb
Episode 37
Top 4 Results
1h 25m
Tonight the Top 4 finalists will perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week in the competition. Tune in to see who impresses the judges and who buckles under the pressure. Tonight's Theme is: Bee Gees songs.
Episode credits
Guest stars P!nk, Barry Gibb
Episode 38
Top 3 Finalists Perform
1h 25m
Last night, the Top 4 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight who will sing again next week and who will go home.
Where to watch American IdolEpisode 39
Top 3 Results
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. Tonight's Theme's Are: Judge's Choice; Contestant's Choice; & Clive Davis's Choice.
Episode credits
Guest stars Elliott Yamin
Episode 40
Top 2 Finalists Perform
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 Chris Daughtry
Episode 41
Winner Is Crowned
1h 25mfinale
On tonight’s exciting performance show, the last of the season, the final two contestants, Blake Lewis, & Jordin Sparks will battle it out live at the famed Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. Your votes decide which one will be the next American Idol and which one will be the Runner-Up. Tonight's Themes Are: One song they have performed previously; a new song of their own choosing; and the winning song from this season's songwriting competition.
Episode credits
Guest stars Gwen Stefani, Tony Bennett, Bette Midler, Doug E. Fresh, Taylor Hicks, BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans, Gladys Knight
Episode information updated Jul 24, 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
