American Idol backdrop
Reality

The Best Episodes of American Idol Season 11

Every episode of American Idol Season 11 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of American Idol Season 11!

Binge this in 1d 11h•Peaking at 6.7/10

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?

Airs on
FOX
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons15

All123456789101112131415

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    American Idol Season 11 Episode 39 - Final Performance Round
    6.7/10(47 votes)

    S11:E39

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. American Idol Season 11 Episode 1 - Auditions No. 1: Savannah
    6.6/10(50 votes)

    S11:E1

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. American Idol Season 11 Episode 36 - 1 of 4 Voted Off
    6.6/10(44 votes)

    S11:E36

    A finalist is eliminated in a results show. Jennifer Lopez and David Cook perform.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. American Idol Season 11 Episode 13 - Final Judgment, Part 2
    6.3/10(41 votes)

    S11:E13

    The judges unveil the remaining semifinalists.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. American Idol Season 11 Episode 15 - Semifinalist Girls Perform
    6.1/10(43 votes)

    S11:E15

    The female semifinalists perform.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. American Idol Season 11 Episode 20 - 1 of 11 Voted Off
    6.0/10(51 votes)

    S11:E20

    One singer is cut from the competition in a results episode. Daughtry perform.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of American Idol

    READ
  7. American Idol Season 11 Episode 18 - 1 of 13 Voted Off
    5.8/10(34 votes)

    S11:E18

    One finalist is eliminated in a results episode. The performers are Mary J. Blige and Lauren Alaina.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. American Idol Season 11 Episode 11 - Performance Challenge
    5.6/10(35 votes)

    S11:E11

    A performance round is held in Las Vegas.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. American Idol Season 11 Episode 21 - 10 Finalists Compete
    5.5/10(33 votes)

    S11:E21

    The finalists perform.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. American Idol Season 11 Episode 4 - Auditions No. 4: Aspen
    5.4/10(36 votes)

    S11:E4

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. American Idol Season 11 Episode 5 - Auditions No. 5: Galveston
    5.4/10(34 votes)

    S11:E5

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. American Idol Season 11 Episode 17 - 13 Finalists Compete
    5.4/10(37 votes)

    S11:E17

    Season 11's finalists perform songs by Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston. Mary J. Blige is the mentor.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. American Idol Season 11 Episode 8 - Hollywood Round, Part 1
    5.3/10(31 votes)

    S11:E8

    The Hollywood Round begins as Randy, Jennifer and Steven narrow down the auditioncontestants to see who may get a semifinal spot.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. American Idol Season 11 Episode 12 - Final Judgment, Part 1
    5.3/10(39 votes)

    S11:E12

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. American Idol Season 11 Episode 40 - Grand Finale
    5.2/10(40 votes)

    S11:E40

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. American Idol Season 11 Episode 3 - Auditions No. 3: San Diego
    5.1/10(32 votes)

    S11:E3

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. American Idol Season 11 Episode 16 - Finalists Chosen
    5.1/10(29 votes)

    S11:E16

    Finalists are revealed. Also: The judges add their wild-card choices to the final group.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. American Idol Season 11 Episode 38 - Finalists Results
    5.1/10(28 votes)

    S11:E38

    A singer is eliminated in a results show. Lisa Marie Presley and Adam Lambert perform.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. American Idol Season 11 Episode 2 - Auditions No. 2: Pittsburgh
    5.0/10(35 votes)

    S11:E2

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. American Idol Season 11 Episode 6 - Auditions No. 6: Portland
    5.0/10(32 votes)

    S11:E6

    The auditions continue on the new season of American Idol, as the judges travel to Portland, OR in search for the next singing superstar.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. American Idol Season 11 Episode 9 - Hollywood Round, Part 2
    5.0/10(29 votes)

    S11:E9

    The Hollywood Round continues as Randy, Jennifer and Steven narrow down the contestants after listening to the Group Round Performances.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. American Idol Season 11 Episode 10 - Hollywood Round, Part 3
    5.0/10(31 votes)

    S11:E10

    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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. American Idol Season 11 Episode 22 - 1 of 10 Voted off
    5.0/10(35 votes)

    S11:E22

    One singer is voted off in a results installment. Guest performers are Lana Del Rey and Haley Reinhart.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. American Idol Season 11 Episode 35 - 4 Finalists Compete
    4.9/10(32 votes)

    S11:E35

    The singers perform. The theme is "California Dreamin'.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. American Idol Season 11 Episode 37 - Finalists Compete
    4.9/10(28 votes)

    S11:E37

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Season 11 Ratings Summary

"Final Performance Round" is the best rated episode of "American Idol" season 11. It scored 6.7/10 based on 47 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 5/22/2012. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "Auditions No. 1: Savannah".