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The Best Episodes of American Idol Season 5

Every episode of American Idol Season 5 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of American Idol Season 5!

Binge this in 1d 11h•Peaking at 5.8/10

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?

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    American Idol Season 5 Episode 41 - The Finale
    5.8/10(65 votes)

    S5:E41

    The most anticipated night of the television season is here! Two finalists, one American Idol – find out tonight who America has chosen. The Top 12 reunite on the Kodak Theatre stage one last time before the newest American Idol is crowned. And the winner is....... Taylor Hicks

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. American Idol Season 5 Episode 23 - and then there were 10...
    5.6/10(38 votes)

    S5:E23

    Last night, American Idol’s Top 11 sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Tonight, the finalist who received the lowest number of votes will be eliminated from the race for the American Idol title. The show started with an awesome perfomance by Barry Manilow. Following that, Ryan announced the bottom three,... and they are: Kevin, Lisa and Bucky.. After the break, we find Lisa to be safe while kevin and Bucky stand anxiously on stage...Eventually, we had to say goodbye to chicken little (kevin)... well atleast he can say that this show has really changed his life

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. American Idol Season 5 Episode 22 - Top 11 perform live
    5.5/10(39 votes)

    S5:E22

    Tonight the remaining 11 finalists perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants will sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s votes and surviving another week in the competition. Tonights Theme is: Songs of the 50's Performing Tonight: Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Lisa Tucker, Mandisa, Paris Bennett, Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Kevin Covais, Taylor Hicks

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. American Idol Season 5 Episode 31 - and then there were 6...
    5.5/10(43 votes)

    S5:E31

    Last night, the Top 7 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live who will sing again next week and who will go home. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. American Idol Season 5 Episode 10 - Hollywood Round #3
    5.4/10(39 votes)

    S5:E10

    Contestants chosen from around the nation have endured the grueling schedule and high-pressure auditions of the Hollywood Round, hoping to impress the judges and secure one of the 24 semifinalist spots. Tonight the judges make their final cuts to determine the Top 24. The Top 12 males and Top 12 females will be revealed tonight

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. American Idol Season 5 Episode 19 - and then there were 12...
    5.4/10(39 votes)

    S5:E19

    Top 12 Finalists to be Revealed in the most dramatic results show of the season, four more semifinalists – two boys and two girls – will go home, leaving the Top 12 Finalists to vie for the American Idol crown.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. American Idol Season 5 Episode 20 - Top 12 perform live
    5.4/10(39 votes)

    S5:E20

    Tonight the Top 12 finalists perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. In this special two-hour show, contestants will sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week in the competiton. Tonights Theme: Stevie Wonder Hits Performing Tonight: Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Lisa Tucker, Mandisa, Melissa McGhee, Paris Bennett, Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Kevin Covais, and Taylor Hicks

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. American Idol Season 5 Episode 30 - Top 7 perform live
    5.4/10(43 votes)

    S5:E30

    Tonight the Top 7 finalists will perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants will perform their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week. Tonight's theme is: Songs from The Great American Songbook Performing Tonight: Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Paris Bennett, Ace Young, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Taylor Hicks.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. American Idol Season 5 Episode 26 - Top 9 perform live
    5.3/10(48 votes)

    S5:E26

    Tonight the Top 9 finalists will perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants will sing their hearts out tonight to the theme of country music in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week in the competition. This Week's Theme is: Country Music Performing Tonight is: Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Mandisa, Paris Bennett, Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Taylor Hicks,

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. American Idol Season 5 Episode 39 - and then there were 2...
    5.3/10(40 votes)

    S5:E39

    TV’s hottest show revs up to a crescendo! Last night, the Top 3 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live which two finalists will compete in next week’s exciting season finale. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. American Idol Season 5 Episode 40 - Top 2 perform live
    5.3/10(44 votes)

    S5:E40

    On tonight’s exciting performance show, the last of the season, Taylor Hicks & Katharine McPhee will battle it out live at the famed Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. One will be the next American Idol and one will go home.This Week's Theme is: Songs from previous episodes & Kat & Taylor's debut singles.Performing Tonight is: Taylor Hicks Katharine McPhee

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. American Idol Season 5 Episode 21 - and then there were 11...
    5.2/10(37 votes)

    S5:E21

    Last night, American Idol’s Top 12 sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Tonight, the finalist who received the lowest number of votes will be eliminated from the race for the American Idol title

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. American Idol Season 5 Episode 27 - and then there were 8...
    5.2/10(39 votes)

    S5:E27

    Last night, the Top 9 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. The contestants will be grouped in bunches of three. One of the groups will be the bottom 3. The other 2 groups will be safe. Find out tonight live who will sing again next week and who will go home. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition. Also Kenny Rogers will perform.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. American Idol Season 5 Episode 28 - Top 8 perform live
    5.2/10(40 votes)

    S5:E28

    Tonight on American Idol the Top 8 finalists will perform live for the nation. The contestants will perform their hearts out to the theme of Queen in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week. This Week's Theme is: Queen Performing Tonight: Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Paris Bennett, Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, and Taylor Hicks.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. American Idol Season 5 Episode 29 - and then there were 7...
    5.2/10(42 votes)

    S5:E29

    Last night, the Top 8 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live who will sing again next week and who will go home. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. American Idol Season 5 Episode 33 - and then there were 5...
    5.2/10(42 votes)

    S5:E33

    Last night, the Top 6 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live who will sing again next week and who will go home. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition. There will also be a special performace by Andrea Bocelli.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. American Idol Season 5 Episode 37 - and then there were 3...
    5.2/10(40 votes)

    S5:E37

    Last night, the Top 4 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live who will be in the Final 3 and who will go home. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. American Idol Season 5 Episode 13 - and then there were 20...
    5.0/10(45 votes)

    S5:E13

    The 24 semifinalists performed for America this week, and the viewers have determined their fate. Tonight, four contestants – two males and two females – will go home, leaving 20 finalists vying for the American Idol crown. Will your favorites return?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. American Idol Season 5 Episode 15 - Performance Show Males #2 (top 10)
    5.0/10(41 votes)

    S5:E15

    The Top 10 boys perform for America, hoping to win enough votes to stay in the competition. Who will be back to sing next week? America will decide. Performing Tonight is: Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, David Radford, Elliott Yamin, Gedeon McKinney, Jose "Sway" Penala, Kevin Covais, Taylor Hicks, Will Makar

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. American Idol Season 5 Episode 16 - and then there were 16...
    5.0/10(39 votes)

    S5:E16

    The 20 remaining semifinalists performed this week and the viewers voted for their favorites. Tonight, the four contestants – two males and two females – who received the fewest votes will go home, leaving 16 semifinalists to vie for the American Idol crown

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. American Idol Season 5 Episode 18 - Performance Show Males #3 (top 8)
    5.0/10(42 votes)

    S5:E18

    The remaining 8 boys sing tonight for America. After the show, the viewers will vote for their favorites. Who will be back next week and who will go home? Performing Tonight is: Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Gedeon McKinney, Kevin Covais, Taylor Hicks, Will Makar

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. American Idol Season 5 Episode 25 - and then there were 9...
    5.0/10(39 votes)

    S5:E25

    Last night, the Top 10 Finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live who will sing again next week and who will go home.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. American Idol Season 5 Episode 32 - Top 6 perform live
    5.0/10(37 votes)

    S5:E32

    Tonight the Top 6 finalists will perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants will sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week. This Weeks Theme is: Classic Love Songs Performing Tonight: Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Paris Bennett, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Taylor Hicks.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. American Idol Season 5 Episode 34 - Top 5 perform live
    5.0/10(36 votes)

    S5:E34

    Tonight the Top 5 finalists will perform live for the nation, vying for the American Idol crown. The contestants will sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America’s vote and surviving another week in the competition. This Week's Theme is: songs from the year they were born & any song from this week’s Top 10 Billboard Charts. Performing Tonight: Katharine McPhee, Paris Bennett, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Taylor Hicks.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. American Idol Season 5 Episode 35 - and then there were 4...
    5.0/10(36 votes)

    S5:E35

    Last night, the Top 5 finalists sang their hearts out in hopes of winning America over. Find out tonight live who will be in the Final 4 and who will go home. The contestant receiving the fewest votes will be eliminated from the competition

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 5 Ratings Summary

"The Finale" is the best rated episode of "American Idol" season 5. It scored 5.8/10 based on 65 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 5/24/2006. This episode is rated 0.2 points higher than the second-best, "and then there were 10...".