American Idol Season 5 Episode release dates & where to watch

1. 501 (Auditions)

Hopefuls perform for the judges in three cities.

2. 502 (Auditions)

Hopefuls perform for the judges in three cities; the second platinum ticket winner is revealed.

3. 503 (Auditions)

Auditions continue across Los Angeles, Calif., Austin, Texas and Nashville, Tenn.

4. 504 (Auditions)

Auditions continue across Los Angeles, Calif.; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, Tenn., where the show's iconic judge auditions will surprise audiences and hopefuls alike with never-before-seen twists.

5. 505 (Auditions)

Auditions across Los Angeles; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, Tenn., come to an end; the final Platinum Ticket winner is revealed.

6. 505A (Auditions)

The judges continue their search for the next singing sensation in Los Angeles; Austin, Texas; and Nashville, Tenn.

7. 506 (Hollywood Week: Genre Challenge)

The search for the next superstar continues as some of the most prolific alums in the shows history return to mentor the contestants; fan favorites from auditions take the stage for the genre challenge to sing their hearts out.

8. 507 (Hollywood Duets Challenge)

Fan favorites form dynamic duos and hit the Hollywood stage for the duets challenge; platinum ticket winners handpick their duet partners and rejoin the competition in hopes of making it through to the next round.

9. 508 (Showstopper/Final Judgment)

The search for the next superstar continues with the showstoppers round; taking the stage for their first time with a band, Idol hopefuls sing their hearts out in their last chance to make it into the coveted top 24.

10. 509 (Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (1))

The contestants wrap up two nights of top 24 performances; Bebe Rexha mentors hopefuls as they belt out unforgettable tunes in hopes of making it through to the next round.

11. 510 (Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii (2))

The contestants wrap up two nights of top 24 performances; Bebe Rexha mentors hopefuls as they belt out unforgettable tunes in hopes of making it through to the next round.

12. 511 (Season 20's Top 20)

The competition heats up as last week's votes are in and this seasons top 20 hand-picked by America will be revealed; the remaining contestants perform and viewers at home will vote once again to determine who will make it to the next round.

13. 512 (Top 14 Live Reveal)

America's votes determine which 10 hopefuls continue on their musical journey; the judges choose an additional four singers to join the top 14

14. 513 (Top 14)

Country music star Gabby Barrett returns to mentor the top 14.

15. 514 (Judge's Song Contest)

The judges pick songs for each of the top 11 to perform; each contestant selects their favorite song.

16. 515 (Disney Night)

Contestants perform beloved Disney tunes in hopes of securing America's vote.

17. 516 (The Great Idol Reunion)

"American Idol" greats -- including Ruben Studdard, Scotty McCreery, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Lauren Alaina, Kris Allen, Maddie Poppe, Laine Hardy, Willie Spence and Caleb Lee Hutchinson -- reunite on the Idol stage.

18. 517 (Top 7)

In a special Mother's Day episode, the top seven dedicate songs to their mother or the mother figure in their lives; will.i.am returns to mentor the remaining contestants vying for a spot in the top five.

19. 518 (Top 5)

The Top 5 contestants travel to Las Vegas to be mentored by Carrie Underwood; each contestant will perform two songs.

20. 519 (Grand Finale) Finale

The top three perform, and a winner is chosen; guest performers include Carrie Underwood, James Arthur, Sara Bareilles, Gabby Barrett, Michael Bublé, Deana Carter, Earth, Wind & Fire, Melissa Etheridge, Flo Rida, Ben Platt and more.