American Idol: The Search for a Superstar

Episode 1 | 501 (Auditions)

Hopefuls perform for the judges in three cities.

Episode 2 | 502 (Auditions)

Hopefuls perform for the judges in three cities; the second platinum ticket winner is revealed.

Episode 3 | 503 (Auditions)

Auditions continue across Los Angeles, Calif., Austin, Texas and Nashville, Tenn.

Episode 4 | 504 (Auditions)

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.

Episode 5 | 505 (Auditions)

Auditions across Los Angeles; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, Tenn., come to an end; the final Platinum Ticket winner is revealed.

Episode 6 | 505A (Auditions)

The judges continue their search for the next singing sensation in Los Angeles; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, Tenn.

Episode 7 | 506 (Hollywood Week: Genre Challenge)

The search for the next superstar continues as some of the most prolific alums in the show's history return to mentor the contestants; fan favorites from auditions take the stage for the genre challenge to sing their hearts out.

Episode 8 | 507 (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 in hopes of making it through to the next round.

Episode 9 | 508 (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 hearts out in their last chance to make it into the coveted top 24.

Episode 10 | 509 (Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii Part #1)

"American Idol" returns to Hawaii to kick off two nights of performances by the top 24; Jimmie Allen offers advice to aspiring superstars vying for America's vote, marking the first time overnight voting opens to audiences at home.

Episode 11 | 510 (Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii Part #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 through to the next round.

Episode 12 | 511 (Season 20's Top 20)

The competition heats up as last week's votes are in and this seasons top 20 will be revealed; the remaining contestants will perform and viewers at home will vote once again to determine who will make it to the next round.

Episode 13 | 512 (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.

Episode 14 | 513 (Top 14)

Country music star Gabby Barrett returns to mentor the top 14.

Episode 15 | 514 (Judge's Song Contest)

The judges pick songs for each of the top 11 to perform; each contestant selects their favorite song.

Episode 16 | 515 (Disney Night)

Contestants perform beloved Disney tunes in hopes of securing America's vote.

Episode 17 | 516 (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 Lee Hutchinson -- reunite on the Idol stage.

Episode 18 | 517 (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 the remaining contestants vying for a spot in the top five.

Episode 19 | 518 (Top 5)

The Top 5 contestants travel to Las Vegas to be mentored by Carrie Underwood; each contestant will perform two songs.

Episode 20 | 519 (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, Wind and Fire, Melissa Etheridge, Flo Rida, Ben Platt and m...