TV season

Season 11

2012-01-18

Episodes

Episode 1

Auditions No. 1: Savannah

2012-01-18 • 85 min

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

2012-01-19 • 85 min

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

2012-01-22 • 85 min

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

2012-01-25 • 85 min

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

2012-01-26 • 85 min

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

2012-02-01 • 85 min

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

2012-02-02 • 85 min

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

2012-02-08 • 85 min

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

2012-02-09 • 85 min

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

2012-02-15 • 85 min

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

2012-02-16 • 85 min

A performance round is held in Las Vegas.

Episode 12

Final Judgment, Part 1

2012-02-22 • 85 min

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

2012-02-23 • 85 min

The judges unveil the remaining semifinalists.

Episode 14

Semifinalist Boys Perform

2012-02-28 • 85 min

The male semifinalists perform. Viewer voting begins.

Episode 15

Semifinalist Girls Perform

2012-02-29 • 85 min

The female semifinalists perform.

Episode 16

Finalists Chosen

2012-03-01 • 85 min

Finalists are revealed. Also: The judges add their wild-card choices to the final group.

Episode 17

13 Finalists Compete

2012-03-07 • 85 min

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

2012-03-08 • 85 min

One finalist is eliminated in a results episode. The performers are Mary J. Blige and Lauren Alaina.

Episode 19

11 Finalists Compete

2012-03-14 • 85 min

Season 11's finalists must bring it and sing it in a performance edition.

Episode 20

1 of 11 Voted Off

2012-03-15 • 85 min

One singer is cut from the competition in a results episode. Daughtry perform.

Episode 21

10 Finalists Compete

2012-03-21 • 85 min

The finalists perform.

Episode 22

1 of 10 Voted off

2012-03-22 • 85 min

One singer is voted off in a results installment. Guest performers are Lana Del Rey and Haley Reinhart.

Episode 23

9 Finalists Compete

2012-03-28 • 85 min

The finalists perform songs by their own idols.

Episode 24

1 of 9 Voted Off

2012-03-29 • 85 min

A finalist is eliminated in a results episode. Performing: Nicki Minaj and Scotty McCreery.

Episode 25

8 Finalists Compete

2012-04-04 • 85 min

The finalists perform songs from the 1980s.

Episode 26

1 of 8 Voted Off

2012-04-05 • 85 min

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

2012-04-11 • 85 min

The singers perform.

Episode 28

1 of 7 Voted Off

2012-04-12 • 85 min

One singer is eliminated in a results installment. Performing: Jennifer Hudson; Ne-Yo; James Durbin.

Episode 29

7 Finalists Compete

2012-04-18 • 85 min

The singers perform a current song and a classic soul tune.

Episode 30

1 of 7 Voted Off

2012-04-19 • 85 min

One singer is eliminated in a results episode. The performers are LMFAO and Kris Allen.

Episode 31

6 Finalists Compete

2012-04-25 • 85 min

The singers perform in a Queen-theme episode. Appearing: Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor.

Episode 32

1 of 6 Voted Off

2012-04-26 • 85 min

One singer is eliminated. Performing: Katy Perry; the Queen Extravaganza (the official touring Queen tribute group); and Stefano Langone.

Episode 33

5 Finalists Compete

2012-05-02 • 85 min

The singers perform. The theme is British music.

Episode 34

1 of 5 Voted Off

2012-05-03 • 85 min

One singer is eliminated. Performing: Carrie Underwood and Coldplay.

Episode 35

4 Finalists Compete

2012-05-09 • 85 min

The singers perform. The theme is "California Dreamin'.

Episode 36

1 of 4 Voted Off

2012-05-10 • 85 min

A finalist is eliminated in a results show. Jennifer Lopez and David Cook perform.

Episode 37

Finalists Compete

2012-05-16 • 85 min

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

2012-05-17 • 85 min

A singer is eliminated in a results show. Lisa Marie Presley and Adam Lambert perform.

Episode 39

Final Performance Round

2012-05-22 • 85 min

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

2012-05-23 • 85 min

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.