American Idol Season 8 Episode release dates & where to watch

1. 801 (Post Oscars: Auditions)

Preview the new season as former "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood joins Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan at the judges' table, bringing her music expertise to the next generation of talent vying for a shot at stardom. Ryan Seacrest hosts.

2. 802 (Season Premiere: Auditions)

Luke, Lionel, Carrie and Ryan head to New York, Los Angeles and Nashville to jump-start auditions, where raw talent and unforgettable performances set the stage for the competition ahead.

3. 803 (Auditions)

Luke, Lionel, Carrie and Ryan continue auditions in New York, Los Angeles and Nashville, where impressive competitors showcase their talents in fierce competition.

4. 804 (Auditions)

Auditions continue as Luke, Lionel, Carrie and Ryan are wowed by exceptional talent and unforgettable performances.

5. 805 (Auditions)

As the final auditions before Hollywood Week unfold, Idol hopefuls turn up the heat with electrifying performances that leave the judges stunned and eager for what's to come.

6. 806 (Hollywood Week: Idol Arena)

In the high stakes of Hollywood Week, singers battle through intense challenges and group performances. Luke, Lionel and Carrie face tough decisions that shape the competitors' futures.

7. 807 (Hollywood Week: Showstopper)

"American Idol" competitors bring their A-game in the "Showstopper" episode, delivering powerful performances that could make or break their journey to fame. Jelly Roll joins as the first artist in residence to guide them along the way.

8. 808 (Head to Head)

The competition heats up as competitors face off in intense head-to-head battles, and this season's new artist in residence, Jelly Roll, makes his highly anticipated debut.

9. 809 (Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawai'i (1))

From Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina Hawai'i, the Top 12 of 24 take the stage with guidance from GRAMMY® Award-winning mentor Ashanti as Jelly Roll steps in as "American Idol"'s artist in residence, and nationwide voting begins.

10. 810 (Top 24 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawai'i (2))

The second night at Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina Hawai'i, brings powerhouse performances. GRAMMY® winner Josh Groban mentors the remaining Top 12 of 24, and Jelly Roll continues his role as artist in residence as voting intensifies.

11. 811 (Songs of Faith)

"American Idol" celebrates Easter! Enjoy songs of faith from the finalists, GRAMMY(R) winner CeCe Winans, and artist in residence Jelly Roll with Brandon Lake. Plus, judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan perform as voting continues.

12. 812 (Top 14 Reveal)

The Top 14 are revealed as the finalists return to the stage with powerful, emotional live performances from Hollywood.

13. 813 (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)

With guidance from an award-winning guest mentor, the Top 14 take on iconic songs from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends as America votes live for the Top 12.

14. 814 (Iconic Idol Moments)

The Top 12 perform unforgettable songs inspired by iconic "American Idol" moments, honoring the show's legendary history. Season three winner Fantasia returns to the "Idol" stage, and artist in residence Jelly Roll joins our live studio audience.

15. 815 (Ladies' Night)

Powerhouse performances celebrate the Iconic Women of Music, featuring Miranda Lambert, as the Top 10 return hoping to earn a spot in the Top 8. America votes live to decide who moves one step closer to becoming the next American Idol.

16. 816 (Judge's Song Contest)

The Top 8 perform songs secretly selected by Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie or Carrie Underwood in the "Judge's Song Contest." With Jelly Roll as artist in residence, America votes for the Top 6, and the judges save one to complete the Top 7.

17. 817 (Disney Night #1)

"Disney Night" celebrates Mother's Day with special guest Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Top 7 travel to Disneyland Resort and light up the stage with Disney classics as America votes live for the five moving forward in the competition.

18. 818 (Disney Night #2)

"Disney Night" continues with heroes, villains and a special appearance by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Top 5 travel to Disneyland Resort and perform twice as America votes live for the three heading to the finale.

19. 819 (Grand Finale) Finale

The top three give their final performances in a star-studded night with music legends and top stars; this year's winner is revealed.