Season 18 - Episode Guide

In the highly anticipated premiere episode, viewers will embark on a nation-wide journey across Savannah, Georgia; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles, California; and Sunriver, Oregon, where the show's iconic judge auditions will surprise audiences with never-before-seen twists. Those auditioning for the coveted ticket to Hollywood include a subway performer from Harlem who gives one of the most emotional auditions in "Idol" history; a garbage collector with no experience who heads to the streets of Savannah, alongside host Ryan Seacrest, to warm up for his audition; 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 Washington, D.C., auditions as one of their own goes in front of the judges. In Los Angeles, another hopeful unleashes her unique love for sardines with an original song during a must-see audition. 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 "American 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.

In Oregon, a couple wins over the judges during their audition with their version of the iconic song "Shallow" ("A Star Is Born," 2018), taking their love and artistry to new depths. Later, the judges meet their match when one Hawaiian hopeful confuses the judges with other pop-culture icons. Plus, more incredible standouts are found, hailing from the California coast to the rural hills of West Virginia.

In an "American Idol" first, an audition takes place on a yacht, where the judges will deliberate on whether or not their "boat vote" will send a hopeful to Hollywood. While in Milwaukee, a contestant who got her first taste of stardom on "American Juniors" reunites with Ryan Seacrest as she returns to the audition room; and later, another contestant shares a unique emotional and personal story that touches the judges in Oregon.

Following Sunday's final round of auditions to find its next superstar, "American Idol" immediately heads to Hollywood to kick off the iconic "Hollywood Week" with all-new twists.

While contestants anticipate the infamous group rounds, they are in for a shock when the judges announce they have to pick just one partner to duet with on The Orpheum Theatre stage. One pair's tensions run high as they can't agree on a song, while sparks fly with another pair. Two pop divas come together for a powerful rendition of a Celine Dion song; and later, one pop vocalist and one country singer team up to wow the judges with their unexpected harmony.

In the final episode of a tough Hollywood Week, Idol hopefuls battle it out with solo performances, showcasing their unique voices and star power in hopes of advancing to the next round of the competition, taking place at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii. Tune in to see an unprecedented medical emergency, Katy lose it with the contestants and whether or not the remaining couple's love will survive the latest elimination.

Idol hopefuls soak up the sun as they sing to impress the judges with their artistry in a concert on the beach before awaiting their Final Judgement for a spot in the coveted Top 20 and the chance to compete for America's vote. Don't miss spectacular performances leaving the judges with difficult decisions, shocking results and an unexpected tropical rainstorm!

The remaining top 40 contestants perform in a concert showcasing their artistry before awaiting their final judgment for a spot in the coveted top 20. Tune in to watch as the remaining top 40 leave the judges with difficult, heartbreaking decisions and a shocking first-ever twist in the show's history for two contestants that no one saw coming.

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

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

The stakes have never been higher as the Top 20 perform remotely for a spot in the Top 10 of "American Idol,"

Find out who America voted into the Top 10 of "American Idol" and whether or not judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie choose to use their only save of the season.

The remaining finalists perform two songs each, one from the Disney songbook and one dedicated to the mother figures in their lives.

The top 5 perform a song that celebrates their induction into the top 5, 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."

A look at upcoming season 18 of American Idol.