American Idol — TV Episode Recaps & News

"I am excited that it is the last two nights, but not about watching the last two nights. It’s like if you referred to the night before you had kidney stones removed as 'Kidney Stone Eve.'”

S.10
Ep.37
'Eleventh Elimination'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins on Homecomings and Disasters, Both Natural and Show-Related

Who likes country music? Because you have no choice in the matter.

S.10
Ep.36
'Final 3 Perform'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins Sees the Light at the End of the Tunnel

His head hurts from trying to parse Ryan's statement that Beyoncé is "a triple threat two times over."

S.10
Ep.35
'Tenth Elimination'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins on Enrique, Jordin, and Another Tear-Stained Elimination

Ryan says of the contestants, “All four will get to go home and see their families, but only three will do it in style.” I guess the fourth one has to go home hanging off the side of a train, like in India.

S.10
Ep.34
'Final 4 Perform'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins on the Lady Gaga Tutorial

Scotty appears to be calmly but eagerly studying Lady Gaga to see if there is some gender trickery going on, as he’d heard tell of such shape-shifters and wants to be on guard against bewitchments.

S.10
Ep.33
'Ninth Elimination'

American Idol Recap: Tears and Omelette Making, Not Necessarily in That Order

Maybe I should have asked this before, but are we supposed to like Ryan Seacrest?

S.10
Ep.32
'Final 5 Perform'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins Breaks Down James’s Song-Induced Breakdown

That was a bad performance. This is a singing contest, not a crying competition.

S.10
Ep.31
'Eighth Elimination'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins on the Carole King Aftermath and the World’s Oddest Viewer Questions

"One question caught my eye because it was astounding in its self-absorption, another because it involved a very specific type of dream."

S.10
Ep.30
'Final 6 Do Carole King'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins on Carole King Night and the Mysterious Presence of Penny Marshall

Guest mentor Babyface looks good! He could be referred to at most as Adolescentface!

S.10
Ep.29
'Seventh Elimination'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins on the Elimination Kanye West Stopped By For

Plus, Casey shows off a fan-made painting.

S.10
Ep.28
'Final 7 Do Hits of the 00's'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins on Contestant Impersonation Night

These kids are all really good at imitating each other. Maybe that should be the show: one month of establishing who they are as individuals, then one month of them mocking each other in clip packages.

S.10
Ep.27
'Sixth Elimination'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins on Movie-Night Fallout

"Am I being hard on a bunch of kids who entered a contest? If so, I am the only one."

S.10
Ep.26
'Final 8 on Movie Music Night'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins on Movie-Music Night

Perhaps advance knowledge of this theme led to Pia’s being voted off — it was all to avoid her inevitable cover of “My Heart Will Go On.”

S.10
Ep.25
'Fifth Elimination'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins Is Shocked to Feel Bad About an Elimination

He wonders what has gone wrong in his life that he will actually miss an 'Idol' contestant.

S.10
Ep.24
'Final 9 on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night

"So, Will.I.Am is on the show every week, now? It is seriously giving me anxiety that his presence on the show appears to be open-ended."

S.10
Ep.23
'Third and Fourth Eliminations'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins on the Double Elimination

This is the “fall back” side of the daylight saving time seesaw that balances out the “spring forward” of the Judges’ Save.

S.10
Ep.22
'Final 11 Perform Elton John'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins on Elton John Night

"I wonder what the ratio of early/good to late/garbage will be in the songs we hear."

S.10
Ep.21
'Third Elimination/Casey's Save'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins Weighs In On the Casey Save

Oh, the mind boggles trying to imagine the turbulent seas churning in Casey’s perfidious stomach upon this hour!

S.10
Ep.20
'Final 11 Perform; Motown Week'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins on Motown Week

Motown classics are undeniable works of art, the result of concentrated greatness, and they will live forever in the pantheon of songwriting. But many of these treasured songs I never, ever want to hear again, ever in my life, hear me God.

S.10
Ep.19
'Second Elimination'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins on the Second Elimination

Scotty is becoming an exact doppelgänger of George W. Bush. By the end of this season he will at least own a baseball team.

S.10
Ep.18
'Final 12 Perform'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins Endures the Birthday Song Choices

"But think of it, gentlemen: what if they sang a song from the year they will die?"

S.10
Ep.17
'First Elimination'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins on the First Big Elimination

But first, let's get ready for the placement of some products!

S.10
Ep.16
'Final 13 Perform'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins Judges the Top Thirteen

"The top thirteen will be working with producers from Interscope records. This is a big deal, because the music industry is doing so great!?

S.10
Ep.15
'Final 13 Revealed'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins Judges the Final Thirteen

"I don’t know why they can’t just stick to ten people. People like the decimal system; it’s comforting."

S.10
Ep.14
'Final 12 Women Perform'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins on the Top Twelve Women

"I find it hard to believe all of these kids would be choosing stuff ever-so-slightly out of their range. But maybe they like a challenge! All of them!"

S.10
Ep.13
'Final 12 Men Perform'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins on the Top Twelve Men

They pick their own songs. Is that good news or bad news?

S.10
Ep.12
'Final 24 revealed'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins Makes It Through the Final 24 Fake-Outs

We have our finalists, but Steven Tyler never masters the art of "Bad news ... you made it!"

S.10
Ep.11
'Las Vegas Round'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins on Las Vegas Making J.Lo and Beatles Fans Cry

The judges start to narrow it down to 24, and the task may break Jennifer Lopez.

S.10
Ep.10
'Episode 10'

Paul F. Tompkins Recaps American Idol’s Solo Night

I was relieved to see that the contestants are going back to singing individually, even though I knew I would not like most of their singing.

S.10
Ep.09
'Hollywood Week, Part 2'

Paul F. Tompkins Recaps American Idol’s Group Night

Why are they really doing this, I wonder? Is 'American Idol' broke, and they're subcontracting sleep-deprivation studies?

S.10
Ep.08
'Hollywood Week, Part 1'

Paul F. Tompkins Recaps the Kickoff of American Idol’s Hollywood Week

"327 contestants will parade across the stage, but only none of them can justify this arbitrary number of people."

S.10
Ep.07
'San Francisco Auditions'

Paul F. Tompkins Recaps American Idol’s San Francisco Auditions

"'Idol' wrote the book on milking it and must be rereading that book on a rainy day."

S.10
Ep.06
'Los Angeles Auditions'

Paul F. Tompkins Recaps American Idol’s L.A. Auditions

"I am starting to really kind of like J.Lo on this show. Wait, what did I just write?"

S.10
Ep.05
'Austin Auditions'

Paul F. Tompkins on American Idol’s Austin Auditions

"Okay, Texas. This has gone on long enough. You can’t have both: Hats or belt buckles, time to choose."

S.10
Ep.04
'Nashville Auditions'

Paul F. Tompkins on American Idol’s Nashville Tryouts, Singing Exes and All

He wonders whether the dueting exes are really suited for the reunion the judges hope and pray for.

S.10
Ep.2-3
'New Orleans and Milwaukee Auditions'

Paul F. Tompkins Recaps American Idol’s Milwaukee Auditions

Jerome Bell gets through with the loudest version of "Let's Get It On" you've ever imagined. That song is about sex, does he know that?

S.10
Ep.01
'New Jersey Auditions'

American Idol Recap: Paul F. Tompkins’s First Take on the New Season

Randy has been joined by "former actress/eventual Zsa Zsa Gabor successor Jennifer Lopez, and a creature some say is a living candle, but whom I believe to be the Ghost of Steven Tyler."

S.09
Ep.43
'Finale'

American Idol Finale Recap: A Winner Is Crowned, But It’s All About Simon

The Crystal versus Lee showdown is decided, but it's an afterthought to homages to the departing Cowell.

S.09
Ep.42
'Week 13 Performances'

American Idol Recap: Everybody Hurts, But Mostly Lee

In Simon's second-to-last episode, Mama Sox shows why she should have the win.

S.09
Ep.41
'Week 12 Eliminations'

American Idol Recap: We Get Our Final Two, to the Sounds of Justin Bieber

Our finalists are exactly who we thought they'd be months ago.

S.09
Ep.40
'Final 3 Perform'

American Idol Recap: Who Had ‘the Moment’?

The final three play the judges' choices, and damned if the judges weren't right.

S.09
Ep.39
'Week 11 Eliminations'

American Idol Recap: Daughtry Shows That Fourth Place Ain’t So Bad

Another contestant goes home, reassured by Daughtry that there's still a career out there if you miss the top three.

S.09
Ep.38
'Final 4 Perform'

American Idol Recap: Jamie Foxx, Movie Star and T-Shirt Dispenser

The returning mentor handed out T-shirts labeling each contestant either "Artist" or "Contestant." None read "I'm With Stupid."

S.09
Ep.37
'Week 10 Eliminations'

American Idol Recap: Sinatra Takes Another Man Down

The top five become four after Harry Connick Jr.'s tutorials.

S.09
Ep.36
'Final 5 Perform'

American Idol Recap: Ol’ Blue Eyes Impersonations Are Back

The final five take on the Sinatra songbook with the wiseassed help of Harry Connick Jr.

S.09
Ep.35
'Week 9 Eliminations'

American Idol: Amid a ‘Country’ Cavalcade, Another Voice Silenced

Everyone excelled on Shania Twain night, so for the first time in a while, there was suspense in the bottom three.

S.09
Ep.34
'Final 6 Perform'

American Idol Recap: The Judges Try to Pretend Crystal Bowersox Isn’t a Sure Thing on Shania Twain Night

Is Crystal the inevitable victor? The judges feign doubt.

S.09
Ep.33
'Idol Gives Back'

American Idol Recap: Charity and Cringing on ‘Idol Gives Back’

It was all for a good cause, even if the Black Eyed Peas seemed like they were wishing viewers ill.

S.09
Ep.32
'Final 7 Perform'

American Idol Recap: A Rare, Shining Moment of Purity

Alicia Keys warily and politely mentors, while one contestant lives up to her hopes.

S.09
Ep.31
'Week 7 Eliminations'

American Idol Recap: Mediocrity Minus Two

In the midst of a double elimination, Adam Lambert demonstrates what he meant by "performance."

S.09
Ep.30
'Final 9 Perform Again'

American Idol Recap: Adam Lambert Is Officially Anointed the New Elvis

Last year's runner-up comes back to mentor the contestants in singing the King's songs.

S.09
Ep.29
'Week 6 Eliminations'

American Idol Recap: To Save or Not to Save

For once, the judges seem to really deliberate on whether or not to use their Judges' Save, as opposed to just be talking about where to have dinner after the show.

S.09
Ep.28
'Top 9 Perform'

American Idol Recap: Meet the Beatles Knockoffs

The top nine take on Lennon and/or McCartney songs, with special didgeridoo and bagpipe accompaniments.

S.09
Ep.27
'Week 5 Eliminations'

American Idol Recap: The ‘Vote for the Worst’ Lobby Still Wields Power

In between variety-show-big performances by Diddy, Usher, and Ruben Studdard, someone else gets the boot.

S.09
Ep.26
'Final 10 Perform'

American Idol Recap: A Little Bit of Soul. Just a Little.

The top ten take on soul and R&B with guest mentor Usher, who needn't worry about the competition.

S.09
Ep.25
'Week 4 Eliminations'

American Idol Recap: The Elimination You Heard Coming From the First Note

The judges didn't even debate a save for what was widely considered the worst 'Idol' performance ever.

S.09
Ep.24
'Final 11 Perform'

American Idol Recap: Miley Cyrus, World-Weary Tutor

Hannah Montana stopped by to mentor the top eleven.

S.09
Ep.23
'Week 4 Elimination'

American Idol Recap: Ke$ha Shows Idol Wannabes That It’s Not Hard to Be Famous, Really

The first of the top twelve goes, while guest performer Ke$ha hobnobs with dancing TVs.

S.09
Ep.22
'Final 12 Perform'

American Idol Recap: You Can’t Always Get What You Want

On Rolling Stones night, some of the final twelve are hot stuff, while some leave us so cold, cold, cold.

S.09
Ep.21
'Week 3 Eliminations'

American Idol Recap: Crushed Dreams and Questionable Taste

Two surprise eliminations puts the voting public's taste in question ... as usual.

S.09
Ep.20
'Top Eight Men Perform'

American Idol Recap: Meh Enough to Make a Grown Woman Cry

Some early favorites tank, some early disasters redeem themselves, and one man drives Kara to tears.

S.09
Ep.19
'Top Eight Women Perform'

American Idol Recap: The Good, the Odd, and the Average. Oh, and the Bad

Risk-taking was hard to find in the performances of the final eight women.

S.09
Ep.18
'Week 2 Eliminations'

American Idol Recap: Down Go Four More

Though all four of the ousted contestants were minorities, you could only blame their talent for their elimination, not their race.

S.09
Ep.17
'Top 10 Women Perform'

American Idol Recap: Now We’re Getting Somewhere

The top ten women perform, and we've finally got a competition.

S.09
Ep.16
'Top 10 Men Perform'

American Idol Recap: Men of a Certain Range

Unexpectedly performing a day early, the men show a modicum of improvement. Is that a compliment?

S.09
Ep.15
'Week 1 Eliminations'

American Idol Recap: The First Eliminations Bring an Uncomfortable Truth

Is it coincidence that the first singers booted are both Hispanic? And that one of them was actually good?

S.09
Ep.14
'The Final 12 Men Perform'

American Idol Recap: Never Rework a Hit Song, No Matter What the Judges Tell You

Though Simon et al scolded the girls for unoriginality last night, the men who attempted originality were slapped down.

S.09
Ep.13
'The Final 12 Women Perform'

American Idol Recap: Twelve Women, Three Beatles Covers, Very Few Risks

On a largely unoriginal night, most of the dozen women came out desperately trying to sound like someone famous.

S.09
Ep.12
'Final 24 Revealed'

American Idol Recap: Say Good-bye to Hollywood Week

The judges break all the news, and we finally have our top 24.

S.09
Ep.11
'Hollywood Day Three'

American Idol Recap: The Three Rooms of Doom

The judges start narrowing down to 24, and take their sweet time to give semi-finalists ample time for coronary episodes.

S.09
Ep.10
'Group Night'

American Idol Recap: Group Night Showcases a Bunch of Babies and One Infant

Two Lady Gaga covers, one Fleetwood Mac, and a whole lot of late-night tears.

S.09
Ep.09
'Hollywood Week Begins'

American Idol Recap: Ellen Proves Worthier of the Paula Seat Than Paula

Degeneres proves able to criticize in her maiden voyage at the judges' table.

S.09
Ep.08
'Unaired Audition Footage'

American Idol Recap: Someone Didn’t Properly Reheat These Leftovers

A compilation of unaired auditions from the last seven shows proved we saw all we needed to.

S.09
Ep.07
'Denver Auditions'

American Idol Recap: Mile-High Dreams, Sea-Level Talent

And guest-judge Victoria Beckham is back to make sure all is pretty, pretty, pretty.

S.09
Ep.06
'Dallas Auditions'

American Idol Recap: Neil Patrick Harris Versus Joe Jonas Is No Contest

NPH brought honesty and great judgment to the show. Joe brought his hair.

S.09
Ep.05
'Los Angeles Auditions'

American Idol Recap: Avril Lavigne Versus Katy Perry, a Study in Contrasts

The two judges prove a study in contrasts. Guess who's the snotty one?

S.09
Ep.04
'Orlando Auditions'

American Idol Recap: When You Wish Upon a Star for Auditions to End

Kristin Chenoweth of 'Wicked' joins the judges for sob stories and beatboxing in Florida.

S.09
Ep.03
'Chicago Auditions'

American Idol Recap: Second City, Second-rate Talent

Your next 'American Idol' likely won't be coming from Chicago, based on these tryouts.

S.09
Ep.02
'Atlanta Auditions'

American Idol Recap: Pants Hit the Ground in Atlanta

Lifetime-movie tales and a whole lot of shrieking drive Simon to his sickbed.

S.09
Ep.01
'Boston Auditions'

American Idol Recap: Simon’s Last Go-round Begins in Boston

As season nine begins, is his farewell tour the beginning of the end for the show?

S.08
Ep.40
'Finale, Part Two'

American Idol Season Finale: Kara DioGuardi Strips

DioGuardi ripped open her dress to reveal a black bikini and a very toned 37-year-old-body. Oh, dear.

S.08
Ep.39
'Finale, Part One'

Nobody Watched the American Idol Finale

Only 23.7 million!

S.08
Ep.38
'Top Three Elimination'

American Idol: the Incident

So sure were we yesterday that Kris Allen would be voted off this week that we Photoshopped him into a coffin. Oops!

S.08
Ep.37
'Top Three Perform'

American Idol: Funeral for a Friend

Kris Allen sure picked a bad week to win us over.

S.08
Ep.36
'Top Four Elimination'

American Idol: Time to Stop Watching!

Even after all the other awful things that happened on last night's 'American Idol,' Allison Iraheta's premature elimination was still a bummer.

S.08
Ep.35
'Top Four Perform'

American Idol: Disaster Strikes!

Adam gets out-screeched!

S.08
Ep.34
'Top Five Elimination'

Matt Giraud Makes American Idol History

He's the first contestant in the show's history to be voted off an incredible three times.

S.08
Ep.33
'Top Five Perform'

American Idol: Swing and a Miss

Apart from a couple of performances, last night's episode was easily the most boring, skippable one of the season so far.

S.08
Ep.32
'Top Seven Disco Elimination'

Idol Casts Out Two Contestants, Celebrates Swedish Indie Pop

Lil Rounds, we hardly knew ya.

S.08
Ep.30
'Top Seven Elimination'

American Idol: Farewell, Judges’ Save

Never again will we know the hilarious thrill of seeing a contestant humiliated twice.

S.08
Ep.29
'Top Seven Perform'

Quentin Tarantino: Worst American Idol Celebrity Mentor Ever

"Let me just see you do it one more time with your hands in your pockets — no hand gestures."

S.08
Ep.28
'Top Eight Elimination'

American Idol: Scott Sent Home, Wrongly

Has America condoned a funk cover of a Don Henley song?

S.08
Ep.27
'Top Eight Perform'

American Idol: So Who Will Come In Second?

Now that Adam Lambert seems to have this thing locked up, who will he destroy on this season's finale?

S.08
Ep.25
'Top Nine Perform'

American Idol: Turn Your Sound Down Low

Last night, contestants were allowed to sing anything they wanted. Results varied.

S.08
Ep.24
'Top Ten Elimination'

Results Shows Now Officially the Best Part of American Idol

Last night, obnoxious roughneck Michael Sarver was sent home to work on an oil rig — twice!

S.08
Ep.23
'Top Ten Perform'

American Idol Embroiled in Lip-sync-Controversy Shocker

All thanks to Sideshow Bob!

S.08
Ep.22
'Top 11 Elimination'

American Idol Shows How Not-Fixed It Is With Meanest-Ever Elimination

Not only was Alexis Grace voted off last night without being rescued, but 'Idol' offed her in what was surely one of the most brutal dismissals in the show's history.

S.08
Ep.21
'Top 11 Perform'

American Idol: Will the Judges Save Alexis Tonight?

Producers were allegedly hoping she'd be in the finale — but she stunk last night! So will they save her?

S.08
Ep.20
'Top 13 Elimination'

American Idol Losers to Be Humiliated Twice Now

Vulture completely approves of the new "Judges' Save" rule.

S.08
Ep.19
'Top 13 Perform'

American Idol: What the Heck Is With This Thing?

Did 'Idol' producers just think this season's contestants looked too comfortable performing in front of 25 million people?

S.08
Ep.18
'Wild Card'

American Idol Changes the Rules Again

Jasmine: Not that great.

S.08
Ep.16
'Group Three Performs'

American Idol: The Curious Case of Scott MacIntyre

We like the guy, but when will the judges give him some honest feedback?

S.08
Ep.14
'Group Two Performs'

Did the Producers of American Idol Accidentally Buy This Idiot Another Week on Televison?

Man, we hope not!

S.08
Ep.13
'Group One Eliminations'

American Idol: Bring Back Tatiana!

When yesterday we called for the immediate dismissal of the worst-ever 'Idol' contestant, we didn't want it to be like this.

S.08
Ep.12
'Group One Performs'

American Idol Pits Most-Annoying-Ever Contestant Against a Bunch of Boring Ones

Sadly, Tatiana Del Toro will probably live to see another week.

S.08
Ep.11
'Judges’ Mansion'

American Idol: Your Top 36 Revealed!

Who deserved Tatiana's spot?

S.08
Ep.07
'New York Auditions'

Brave Actress Survives Uwe Boll Movie, Becomes American Idol Finalist

Her continued willingness to show her face in public is truly an inspiration, and almost makes up for the Jason Mraz song she auditioned with.

S.08
Ep.01
'Phoenix Auditions'

American Idol: New Judge, Same Bad Contestants

We recap last night's eighth-season premiere in typical chart-based fashion.

S.07
Ep.42
'Finale'

Vulture Is Officially in Mourning

When Ryan made the terrible announcement last night, we thought of nothing but the immortal lines from Housman.

S.07
Ep.41
'Top Two Finalists Perform'

‘American Idol’: Archuleta Clearly the Superior David

Not that it makes any difference to the show's cheat-happy producers.

S.07
Ep.40
'Top Three Elimination'

‘American Idol’: It's Only Davids Now

Why was Syesha Mercado eliminated?

S.07
Ep.39
'Top Three Finalists Perform'

‘American Idol’: So Long, Syesha!

Tragically, Syesha will not be in next week's all-David season finale.

S.07
Ep.38
'Top Four Elimination'

‘American Idol’: Exodus

Why was Jason Castro eliminated?

S.07
Ep.37
'Top Four Finalists Perform'

‘American Idol’: Jason Castro Commits a Capital Offense

He sang "I Shot the Sheriff"! We can't believe it either!

S.07
Ep.36
'Top Five Elimination'

‘American Idol’: We Bet Paula Saw This One Coming

Why was Brooke White eliminated?

S.07
Ep.35
'Top Five Finalists Perform'

‘American Idol’: Paula Abdul Undermines the Integrity of Neil Diamond Night

The top five performed the songs of Neil Diamond — and the entire show was exposed as a fraud!

S.07
Ep.34
'Top Six Elimination'

‘American Idol’: Another Shocking Exit! Sort Of!

Why was Carly Smithson eliminated?

S.07
Ep.33
'Top Six Finalists Perform'

‘American Idol’: The ‘Phantom’ Menace

The contestants tear out their vocal cords on Andrew Lloyd Webber night, and Vulture charts the results.

S.07
Ep.32
'Top Seven Elimination'

‘American Idol’: Finally!

Why was Kristy Lee Cook eliminated?

S.07
Ep.31
'Top Seven Finalists Perform'

‘American Idol’: Mariah Carey Night Goes As Well As Could Be Expected

Last night, the remaining finalists sang selections from the Mariah Carey songbook. Sadly, there were very few high notes.

S.07
Ep.29
'Idol Gives Back'

‘American Idol’: Give It Away Now

Last night, American Idol took a break from crushing dreams to raise money for the needy!

S.07
Ep.28
'Top Eight Finalists Perform'

‘American Idol’: One Percent Inspiration

Last night, the Idol finalists sang "inspirational music." Also, Sindbad was there!

S.07
Ep.27
'Top Nine Elimination'

‘American Idol’: Another Contestant's Dreams Cut Short

Why was Ramiele Malubay eliminated?

S.07
Ep.26
'Top Nine Finalists Perform'

‘American Idol’: Dolly Parton Helps the Finalists Desecrate Her Songbook

Last night, Dolly Parton visited the nine remaining American Idol finalists, none of whom had any idea who she was.

S.07
Ep.25
'Top Ten Elimination'

‘American Idol’: Smutty Singer Gets Off

Why was he eliminated?

S.07
Ep.24
'Top Ten Finalists Perform'

‘American Idol’: You're Old

Last night, contestants picked songs released the year they were born. Also, Paula Abdul wore this on television.

S.07
Ep.23
'Top 11 Elimination'

‘American Idol’: Now 90 Percent Less Raspy

Why was Amanda Overmeyer eliminated?

S.07
Ep.22
'Top 11 Finalists Perform'

‘American Idol’: David Archuleta Now Officially Bigger Than Jesus

Last night on American Idol, the contestants took another swing at the Beatles songbook and front-runner David Archuleta got his groove back.

S.07
Ep.21
'Top 12 Elimination'

‘American Idol’: David Hernandez Stripped of His Place in the Competition

Why was he eliminated?

S.07
Ep.20
'Top 12 Finalists Perform'

‘American Idol’: A Hard Day's Night for the Beatles Catalog

Even David Archuleta forgot the lyrics!

S.07
Ep.19
'Live Results Show: Top 12 Finalists Revealed'

‘American Idol’: Top Twelve Named; Bottom Four Return to Being Unfamous

Why were they voted off?

S.07
Ep.18
'Top Eight Female Singers Perform'

‘American Idol’: Zzzzz

Last night on American Idol, the female half of this year's top 16 performed songs of the 1980s. Sadly, all singers were struck by the very same problem that affected seven of Tuesday's male contestants: none of them are David Archuleta.

S.07
Ep.17
'Top Eight Male Singers Perform'

‘American Idol’: The Battle for Second Place Continues

But what about the stripper?

S.07
Ep.16
'Live Results Show: Two Men and Two Women Eliminated'

‘American Idol’: For Four Contestants, There's Hell Toupee

Who got voted off?

S.07
Ep.15
'Top 10 Female Singers Perform'

‘American Idol’: You're So Vain, You Probably Think This Recap Is About You

Charts!

S.07
Ep.14
'Top 10 Male Singers Perform'

‘American Idol’: Sucking in the Seventies

Charts!

S.07
Ep.13
'First Results Show'

‘American Idol’: Whose Dreams Has Ryan Seacrest Crushed Now?

Who went home?

S.07
Ep.12
'Top 12 Female Singers Perform'

‘American Idol’: Top Twelve Girls Take a Sick Day

Boring.

S.07
Ep.11
'Top 12 Male Singers Perform'

‘American Idol’: Twelve Gangly Men

Last night, with this season's freeloading rejects now thankfully returned to obscurity, American Idol weighed the talents of the top twelve male contestants.

S.07
Ep.10
'Hollywood Round Two'

‘American Idol’: Everybody Cries

Plus: Who cried the best?

S.07
Ep.09
'Hollywood Round One'

‘American Idol’: Say Good-bye to Hollywood

Last night, American Idol flew successful contestants from eight previous episodes to Hollywood, California, ostensibly to pick the best singers, though really to weed out the ones who looked bad under real TV lighting.

S.07
Ep.08
'Best of the Rest Auditions'

‘American Idol’: Thus Ends the Fruitless Search for the Next Sanjaya

Last night's episode of American Idol featured leftover contestants from the previous seven audition shows, presumably because Fox executives think they can air whatever they want these days and still top their strike-addled competition in the ratings.

S.07
Ep.07
'Atlanta Auditions'

‘American Idol’: No Clear Winners in Atlanta

Last night, American Idol traveled to Atlanta where the show had previously discovered the hidden talents of Clay Aiken, Fantasia Barrino, and Jennifer Hudson.

S.07
Ep.06
'Miami Auditions'

‘American Idol’: Miami Sound Latrine

No Clay Aikens in Miami either.

S.07
Ep.05
'Omaha Auditions'

‘American Idol’: No Clay Aikens in Omaha, Sadly

Last night the Idol judges auditioned contestants in Omaha, Nebraska. It wasn't very good.

S.07
Ep.04
'Charleston Auditions'

‘American Idol’: South Carolina Fails Its Audition

Last night, Ryan Seacrest & Co. rolled into Charleston, South Carolina, to audition 10,000 American Idol hopefuls, none of whom will likely end up in the finals, or even the Top Twelve.

S.07
Ep.03
'San Diego Auditions'

‘American Idol’: Nope, Nothing Interesting Happening in San Diego Either

American Idol is boring.

S.07
Ep.02
'Dallas Auditions'

‘American Idol’: Everything's Worse in Texas

American Idol was back again last night, this time on a hunch that there might be talent somewhere in Dallas, Texas — the producers probably won't be making that mistake again!

S.07
Ep.01
'Philadelphia Auditions'

‘American Idol’ Returns: Vulture Charts the Season Premiere

American Idol came back last night to see if there's still a single decent singer left in the United States that's not already been signed and dropped by RCA Records — and we made pie charts!