Viewers embark on a journey across Savannah GA, Milwaukee WI, Washington D.C., Los Angeles CA, and Sunriver OR, where the show’s auditions provide never-before-seen twists. Those auditioning include a subway performer from Harlem who gives one of the most emotional auditions in Idol history, a garbage collector with no experience who warms up in the streets of Savannah with the help of Ryan Seacrest, and a hopeless romantic who encounters her own fairy tale twist during her audition as she sings from the heart.

In Savannah, the judges take to the streets as one Idol hopeful sings for her life, while the Philadelphia Eagles cheer team visits the D.C. auditions as one of their own goes in front of the judges. In Los Angeles, another hopeful unleashes her love for sardines with an original song. An emergency in Sunriver results in a visit from local firefighters who save the day, then celebrate with a victory song alongside the judges. Plus, more heartfelt stories and extraordinary voices from across the nation are unveiled as singers vie for their spot in Hollywood.

This week’s episode sees a determined hopeful defy the odds for a chance to audition in front of the judges, resulting in an Idol first. Then, a fan favorite from season one returns for another chance to wow the judges, while another hopeful’s great-grandmother fulfills her lifelong dream of meeting Lionel Richie.

Idol heads to Savannah GA, Milwaukee WI, Washington D.C., Los Angeles CA, and Sunriver OR as the search for America’s next superstar continues.

Auditions across Savannah GA, Milwaukee WI, Washington D.C., Los Angeles CA, and Sunriver OR come to an end with the final search for America’s next superstar.

Contestants head to Hollywood to perform a song in a genre of their choice.

The contestants pick just one partner for a duet group round. One pair’s tensions run high as they can’t agree on a song. Sparks fly with another pair. Two pop divas come together for a powerful rendition of a Celine Dion song. One pop vocalist and country singer team up to wow the judges with their unexpected harmony.

Hollywood Week wraps up with with solo performances. One contestant experiences an unprecedented medical emergency. Will one couple’s love survive the latest elimination?

The Top 40 contestants go to Hawaii to soak up the sun and sing to impress the judges in a concert on the beach before awaiting their Final Judgement for a spot in the coveted Top 20.

The Top 40 contestants perform in a concert before awaiting their final judgment for a spot in the coveted top 20. Watch a shocking first-ever twist in the show’s history for two contestants.

Before America gears up to vote for the Top 20 finalists, Idol delves deeper into the lives of the Top 21 contestants as they share their journey so far with stories along the way and all-new spectacular, never-before-seen performances.

A deeper look into the lives of the top 21 contestants, featuring never-before-seen performances.

Top 20 perform for a spot in the Top 10. The judges, host, in-house mentor, and contestants all participate from different locations.

Find out who America voted into the Top 10 and whether or not judges choose to use their only save of the season. In this home-themed episode, the judges team up with friends and industry heavyweights to give the finalists a masterclass on what it takes to be a superstar. Plus, Phillip Phillips returns to the Idol stage remotely to open the show with an acoustic performance of his bestselling hit song, “Home.”

The remaining finalists perform 2 songs each: one from the Disney songbook and one dedicated to the mother figures in their lives. Laine Hardy returns to perform “Life is a Highway.”

The top 5 each perform a song that celebrates their Idol journey and a previously performed song. America’s real-time vote determines the winner. Special performances from music legends, including a performance of “We Are the World.”