Episode 1 | Auditions: Minneapolis

The American Idol judges begin their search for the next winner of the nationwide talent contest. First stop: Minneapolis, MN.

Episode 2 | Auditions: Seattle

Auditions continue for the talent competition in Seattle, WA.

Episode 3 | Auditions: Memphis

The best and worst auditions for the next singing superstar, taking place in Memphis, TN.

Episode 4 | Auditions: New York

Auditions continue in New York City.

Episode 5 | Auditions: Birmingham

Auditions continue in Birmingham, Alabama.

Episode 6 | Auditions: Los Angeles

Auditions continue in Los Angeles, California.

Episode 7 | Auditions: San Antonio

Auditions continue in San Antonio, TX.

Episode 8 | Auditions: Rest of the Best

Previously unseen auditions are shown before the show heads to Los Angeles.

Episode 9 | The Hollywood Round

Show contestants audition in hopes of making the list of the final 24 candidates.

Episode 10 | Final 24 Verdict

The top 24 semifinalists are revealed.

Episode 11 | Top 24 Performance Show: Part 1 Guys

The top 12 male contestants perform in Hollywood.

Episode 12 | Top 24 Performance Show: Part 2 Girls

The top 12 female contestants perform in Hollywood.

Episode 13 | Top 24 Results Show

Two male and two female contestants are asked to leave on the first live results show of the season.

Episode 14 | Top 20 Performance Show: Part 1 Guys

The remaining top ten male contestants perform.

Episode 15 | Top 20 Performance Show: Part 2 Girls

The remaining top ten female contestants perform.

Episode 16 | Top 20 Results Show

Four more contestants are voted off the show.

Episode 17 | Top 16 Performance Show: Part 1 Guys

The top eight male contestants perform.

Episode 18 | Top 16 Performance Show: Part 2 Girls

The top eight female contestants perform.

Episode 19 | Top 16 Results Show

Four contestants are asked to leave, and the top twelve finalists are revealed.

Episode 20 | Top 12 Performance Show: Diana Ross

The top 12 contestants perform.

Episode 21 | Top 12 Results Show

One of the contestants is asked to leave the show, as determined by audience voting.

Episode 22 | Top 11 Performance Show: British Invasion

The eleven finalists perform.

Episode 23 | Top 11 Results Show

Another contestant is asked to leave, narrowing the field down to ten.

Episode 24 | Top 10 Performance Show: Gwen Stefani

The top ten remaining finalists compete.

Episode 25 | Top 10 Results Show

Another finalist is voted off the show, as determined by the viewing audience.

Episode 26 | The Top Nine Finalists

The top nine finalists perform.

Episode 27 | Live Results: Round Seven

One of the finalists is voted off; Michael Bublé makes a special guest appearance.

Episode 28 | The Top Eight Finalists

Guest star Jennifer Lopez coaches the remaining eight contestants.

Episode 29 | Episode #6.29

One of the eight remaining contestants is voted off; Jennifer Lopez performs.

Episode 30 | Episode #6.30

The seven remaining contestants receive coaching from singer Martina McBride.

Episode 31 | Episode #6.31

One of the remaining seven contestants is voted off the show; Martina McBride performs.

Episode 32 | Idol Gives Back: Part One

The six remaining contestants perform songs for the "Idol Gives Back," in which sponsors donate money for young people living in extreme poverty.

Episode 33 | Idol Gives Back: Part Two

Celebrites are slated to appear and perform as part of the "Idol Gives Back" charity cause; in a surprise move, no one is voted off the show.

Episode 34 | Episode #6.34

Jon Bon Jovi coaches the six remaining contestants.

Episode 35 | Episode #6.35

Two of the six remaining contestants are asked to leave; rocker Jon Bon Jovi performs.

Episode 36 | Episode #6.36

The four remaining contestants perform.

Episode 37 | Episode #6.37

One of the final four competitors is asked to leave.

Episode 38 | Episode #6.38

The top three finalists perform.

Episode 39 | Episode #6.39

One of the final three contestants is asked to leave the show.

Episode 40 | Episode #6.40

The final two contestants perform.

Episode 41 | Finale

The winner of the talent contest is named, as decided by popular vote.