Episode 1
Auditions No. 1: Savannah
Jan 18, 2012
Television's No. 1 series returns for its highly anticipated 11th season with brand new contestants, a superstar judging panel and the best and worst of auditions. Host Ryan Seacrest and judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler traveled across the country to Charleston & Savannah where the good, the bad and the outrageous auditioned for their shot at stardom. This season promises to deliver the most talented group of singers yet and as always, it's up to the viewers to root and vote for their favorite contestants, ultimately crowning the next American Idol.
Episode 2
Auditions No. 2: Pittsburgh
Jan 19, 2012
The auditions continue on the second part of three-night season premiere of American Idolas the judges continue their quest to find the next singing superstar from Pittsburgh, PA.
Episode 3
Auditions No. 3: San Diego
Jan 22, 2012
The auditions continue on a special, extended primetime broadcast of American Idolas the judges continue their quest to find the next singing superstar from San Diego, CA.
Episode 4
Auditions No. 4: Aspen
Jan 25, 2012
More auditions are featured on American Idol as the judges try to find the next singing superstar. Don't miss the auditions that everyone will be talking about the next day from Aspen, CO.
Episode 5
Auditions No. 5: Galveston
Jan 26, 2012
The auditions continue on American Idol as the judges travel to Galveston, TX to search for the next singing superstar. Don't miss another round of good, bad and outrageous auditions.
Episode 6
Auditions No. 6: Portland
Feb 1, 2012
The auditions continue on the new season of American Idol, as the judges travel to Portland, OR in search for the next singing superstar.
Episode 7
Auditions No. 7: St. Louis
Feb 2, 2012
In an American Idol exclusive, Madonna will world preview the video for her new single, "Give Me All Your Luvin," featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. Plus, more auditions – this time from St. Louis, MO – as the judges resume their search to find the next singing superstar.
Episode 8
Hollywood Round, Part 1
Feb 8, 2012
The Hollywood Round begins as Randy, Jennifer and Steven narrow down the auditioncontestants to see who may get a semifinal spot.
Episode 9
Hollywood Round, Part 2
Feb 9, 2012
The Hollywood Round continues as Randy, Jennifer and Steven narrow down the contestants after listening to the Group Round Performances.
Episode 10
Hollywood Round, Part 3
Feb 15, 2012
Contestants try one last time to impress the judges, singing for their lives to prove who deserves to make it to the semi final round. For some, it's the end of the road, but for the first group of semifinalists whose names will be revealed tonight, the next part of the journey is about to begin
Episode 11
Performance Challenge
Feb 16, 2012
A performance round is held in Las Vegas.
Episode 12
Final Judgment, Part 1
Feb 22, 2012
The contestants must bring it and sing it in one final performance opportunity to win over the judges, who then reveal the first group of semifinalists.
Episode 13
Final Judgment, Part 2
Feb 23, 2012
The judges unveil the remaining semifinalists.
Episode 14
Semifinalist Boys Perform
Feb 28, 2012
The male semifinalists perform. Viewer voting begins.
Episode 15
Semifinalist Girls Perform
Feb 29, 2012
The female semifinalists perform.
Episode 16
Finalists Chosen
Mar 1, 2012
Finalists are revealed. Also: The judges add their wild-card choices to the final group.
Episode 17
13 Finalists Compete
Mar 7, 2012
Season 11's finalists perform songs by Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston. Mary J. Blige is the mentor.
Episode 18
1 of 13 Voted Off
Mar 8, 2012
One finalist is eliminated in a results episode. The performers are Mary J. Blige and Lauren Alaina.
Episode 19
11 Finalists Compete
Mar 14, 2012
Season 11's finalists must bring it and sing it in a performance edition.
Episode 20
1 of 11 Voted Off
Mar 15, 2012
One singer is cut from the competition in a results episode. Daughtry perform.
Episode 21
10 Finalists Compete
Mar 21, 2012
The finalists perform.
Episode 22
1 of 10 Voted off
Mar 22, 2012
One singer is voted off in a results installment. Guest performers are Lana Del Rey and Haley Reinhart.
Episode 23
9 Finalists Compete
Mar 28, 2012
The finalists perform songs by their own idols.
Episode 24
1 of 9 Voted Off
Mar 29, 2012
A finalist is eliminated in a results episode. Performing: Nicki Minaj and Scotty McCreery.
Episode 25
8 Finalists Compete
Apr 4, 2012
The finalists perform songs from the 1980s.
Episode 26
1 of 8 Voted Off
Apr 5, 2012
One finalist is eliminated in a results edition. Guest performers are the Wanted and Kellie Pickler. Also: the premiere of the Jennifer Lopez music video "Dance Again".
Episode 27
7 Finalists Compete
Apr 11, 2012
The singers perform.
Episode 28
1 of 7 Voted Off
Apr 12, 2012
One singer is eliminated in a results installment. Performing: Jennifer Hudson; Ne-Yo; James Durbin.
Episode 29
7 Finalists Compete
Apr 18, 2012
The singers perform a current song and a classic soul tune.
Episode 30
1 of 7 Voted Off
Apr 19, 2012
One singer is eliminated in a results episode. The performers are LMFAO and Kris Allen.
Episode 31
6 Finalists Compete
Apr 25, 2012
The singers perform in a Queen-theme episode. Appearing: Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor.
Episode 32
1 of 6 Voted Off
Apr 26, 2012
One singer is eliminated. Performing: Katy Perry; the Queen Extravaganza (the official touring Queen tribute group); and Stefano Langone.
Episode 33
5 Finalists Compete
May 2, 2012
The singers perform. The theme is British music.
Episode 34
1 of 5 Voted Off
May 3, 2012
One singer is eliminated. Performing: Carrie Underwood and Coldplay.
Episode 35
4 Finalists Compete
May 9, 2012
The singers perform. The theme is "California Dreamin'.
Episode 36
1 of 4 Voted Off
May 10, 2012
A finalist is eliminated in a results show. Jennifer Lopez and David Cook perform.
Episode 37
Finalists Compete
May 16, 2012
The final three singers each perform three songs—a judges' choice, Jimmy Iovine's choice and their own choice. They also return to their hometowns to visit family, friends and fans.
Episode 38
Finalists Results
May 17, 2012
A singer is eliminated in a results show. Lisa Marie Presley and Adam Lambert perform.
Episode 39
Final Performance Round
May 22, 2012
The two finalists perform in Part 1 of the two-part Season 11 finale. Jason Derulo and Scotty McCreery perform. From the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.
Episode 40
Grand Finale
May 23, 2012
The winning singer is revealed in the conclusion of the two-part Season 11 finale. Guest performers include Rihanna, Aerosmith, Neil Diamond and Chaka Khan, John Fogerty, Jennifer Holliday, Fantasia, Jordin Sparks and Reba McEntire. Also: a reunion of the Top 12 contestants.
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