About this season
Each year, hopeful singers from all over the country audition to be part of one of the biggest shows in American television history. Who will become the new American Idol?
Episodes (40)
1. Auditions No. 1: Savannah
Aired 18 January 2012 • 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.
2. Auditions No. 2: Pittsburgh
Aired 19 January 2012 • 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.
3. Auditions No. 3: San Diego
Aired 22 January 2012 • 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.
4. Auditions No. 4: Aspen
Aired 25 January 2012 • 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.
5. Auditions No. 5: Galveston
Aired 26 January 2012 • 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.
6. Auditions No. 6: Portland
Aired 1 February 2012 • 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.
7. Auditions No. 7: St. Louis
Aired 2 February 2012 • 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.
8. Hollywood Round, Part 1
Aired 8 February 2012 • 85 min
The Hollywood Round begins as Randy, Jennifer and Steven narrow down the auditioncontestants to see who may get a semifinal spot.
9. Hollywood Round, Part 2
Aired 9 February 2012 • 85 min
The Hollywood Round continues as Randy, Jennifer and Steven narrow down the contestants after listening to the Group Round Performances.
10. Hollywood Round, Part 3
Aired 15 February 2012 • 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
11. Performance Challenge
Aired 16 February 2012 • 85 min
A performance round is held in Las Vegas.
12. Final Judgment, Part 1
Aired 22 February 2012 • 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.
13. Final Judgment, Part 2
Aired 23 February 2012 • 85 min
The judges unveil the remaining semifinalists.
14. Semifinalist Boys Perform
Aired 28 February 2012 • 85 min
The male semifinalists perform. Viewer voting begins.
15. Semifinalist Girls Perform
Aired 29 February 2012 • 85 min
The female semifinalists perform.
16. Finalists Chosen
Aired 1 March 2012 • 85 min
Finalists are revealed. Also: The judges add their wild-card choices to the final group.
17. 13 Finalists Compete
Aired 7 March 2012 • 85 min
Season 11's finalists perform songs by Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston. Mary J. Blige is the mentor.
18. 1 of 13 Voted Off
Aired 8 March 2012 • 85 min
One finalist is eliminated in a results episode. The performers are Mary J. Blige and Lauren Alaina.
19. 11 Finalists Compete
Aired 14 March 2012 • 85 min
Season 11's finalists must bring it and sing it in a performance edition.
20. 1 of 11 Voted Off
Aired 15 March 2012 • 85 min
One singer is cut from the competition in a results episode. Daughtry perform.
21. 10 Finalists Compete
Aired 21 March 2012 • 85 min
The finalists perform.
22. 1 of 10 Voted off
Aired 22 March 2012 • 85 min
One singer is voted off in a results installment. Guest performers are Lana Del Rey and Haley Reinhart.
23. 9 Finalists Compete
Aired 28 March 2012 • 85 min
The finalists perform songs by their own idols.
24. 1 of 9 Voted Off
Aired 29 March 2012 • 85 min
A finalist is eliminated in a results episode. Performing: Nicki Minaj and Scotty McCreery.
25. 8 Finalists Compete
Aired 4 April 2012 • 85 min
The finalists perform songs from the 1980s.
26. 1 of 8 Voted Off
Aired 5 April 2012 • 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".
27. 7 Finalists Compete
Aired 11 April 2012 • 85 min
The singers perform.
28. 1 of 7 Voted Off
Aired 12 April 2012 • 85 min
One singer is eliminated in a results installment. Performing: Jennifer Hudson; Ne-Yo; James Durbin.
29. 7 Finalists Compete
Aired 18 April 2012 • 85 min
The singers perform a current song and a classic soul tune.
30. 1 of 7 Voted Off
Aired 19 April 2012 • 85 min
One singer is eliminated in a results episode. The performers are LMFAO and Kris Allen.
31. 6 Finalists Compete
Aired 25 April 2012 • 85 min
The singers perform in a Queen-theme episode. Appearing: Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor.
32. 1 of 6 Voted Off
Aired 26 April 2012 • 85 min
One singer is eliminated. Performing: Katy Perry; the Queen Extravaganza (the official touring Queen tribute group); and Stefano Langone.
33. 5 Finalists Compete
Aired 2 May 2012 • 85 min
The singers perform. The theme is British music.
34. 1 of 5 Voted Off
Aired 3 May 2012 • 85 min
One singer is eliminated. Performing: Carrie Underwood and Coldplay.
35. 4 Finalists Compete
Aired 9 May 2012 • 85 min
The singers perform. The theme is "California Dreamin'.
36. 1 of 4 Voted Off
Aired 10 May 2012 • 85 min
A finalist is eliminated in a results show. Jennifer Lopez and David Cook perform.
37. Finalists Compete
Aired 16 May 2012 • 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.
38. Finalists Results
Aired 17 May 2012 • 85 min
A singer is eliminated in a results show. Lisa Marie Presley and Adam Lambert perform.
39. Final Performance Round
Aired 22 May 2012 • 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.
40. Grand Finale
Aired 23 May 2012 • 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.