Hopefuls audition in Los Angeles, Nashville, New Orleans, New York City, and Savannah. They include a choreographer from Tennessee, a hostess from Colorado and a personal assistant from Alabama, perform for the judges.
In this first episode of Hollywood Week, Idol hopefuls from across the country head to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood to battle it out in solo and group performances in hopes of making it through to the showcase round.
Idol hopefuls head to Exchange LA for the Showcase Round, where contestants perform solos in front of a live crowd and the judges. Following the performances, the judges sit down with each contestant for the Final Judgment and reveal which finalists made it through to the Top 24.
The first half of the top 24 finalists perform solos. Radio show host Bobby Bones mentors.
The first half of the top 24 finalists perform duets with celebrity partners.
The second half of the top 24 finalists perform solos. Radio show host Bobby Bones mentors.
The second half of the top 24 finalists perform duets with celebrity partners.
The Top 14 finalists are revealed, and sing for America's votes.
The Top 14 perform, and then the Top 10 contestants are revealed.
The Top 10 perform fan-favorite Disney songs live from coast to coast, with the voting results for the triple elimination revealed by the end of the show. Idina Menzel serves as mentor to the contestants.
The Top 7 perform live from coast to coast, with the voting results for the double elimination revealed by the end of the show. Each contestant performs a song by Prince, and a song from their birth year. Nick Jonas mentors the contestants. Sheila E. plays percussion with Kris Pooley and the house band.
The Top 5 perform live from coast to coast, with the voting results for the double elimination revealed by the end of the show. Each contestant performs a song dedicated to moms, and a song from the catalogue of Carrie Underwood, who mentored the contestants this week. Carrie also performs "Cry Pretty."
The Top 3 finalists visit their hometowns to celebrate their time on the show before returning to the Idol stage for their last chance to win America's votes.
The winner is announced. Musical performances by Bebe Rexha, Darius Rucker, Gary Clark Jr, Kermit the Frog, Nick Jonas + Mustard, Patti LaBelle, Yolanda Adams, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and the American Idol contestants.