Episode 1
The auditions begin in 3 California cities: Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ojai. Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie return, along with host Ryan Seacrest.
Episode 2
Auditions across California – Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ojai – continue.
Episode 3
Auditions across California – Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ojai – continue.
Episode 4
Auditions continue in California.
Episode 5
The search for the next superstar across Los Angeles, California; San Diego, California; and Ojai, California, comes to an end as "American Idol" auditions wrap. Saving some of the best for last, this week features the final auditions in front of the celebrity judges before heading to Hollywood Week, where contestants get one step closer to being crowned the next "American Idol."
Episode 6
The search for the next superstar continues with Hollywood week; fan favorites from auditions return to the stage for the genre challenge.
Episode 7
The hopefuls encounter surprises as they continue to compete with the Hollywood duets challenge.
Episode 8
The contestants showcase their talent by performing with a band for their last chance to make it into the coveted top 24.
Episode 9
The remaining contestants perform for their first time this season with a band, vying for their spot in the top 24; the judges share a surprising twist.
Episode 10
Contestants perform duets with surprise celebrity guests for a chance to make it to live shows.
Episode 11
Contestants perform duets with surprise celebrity guests for a chance to make it to live shows.
Episode 12
The top 16 are revealed and perform in hopes of securing America's vote.
Episode 13
Following America's overnight vote, 10 contestants are revealed from the top 16; six contestants perform for a chance to be in the top 12.
Episode 14
The top 12 contestants perform Oscar-nominated songs in hopes of securing America's vote into the top nine; Lionel Richie performs.
Episode 15
Ten finalists from the previous season return to make their debut on the "American Idol" stage, where they sing for America's vote; one remains in the competition this season, rounding out the top 10.
Episode 16
The results of the comeback show; the top nine travel to Walt Disney World for a one-on-one session with a celebrity mentor; the top seven finalists are revealed.
Episode 17
The remaining finalists perform one song dedicated to the special loved ones in their lives in honor of Mother's Day and a second song from the Coldplay songbook, mentored by the band's lead singer, Chris Martin.
Episode 18
Artist FINNEAS mentors the finalists, who are grouped to perform two of his songs; the top four perform two additional songs each; FINNEAS performs with Ashe; the top three finalists are revealed.
Episode 19
The top three finalists perform and the winner is announced; scheduled performers include Lindsey Buckingham, Alessia Cara, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Fall Out Boy, Mickey Guyton, Chaka Khan, Leona Lewis and Macklemore.
