American Idol: Season 12
Season 12 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of American Idol Season 11.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 12 Progress Shield
New York City, NY Auditions
Jan 16, 2013 · 85 min
Hopefuls perform for the judges in New York.
Chicago, IL Auditions
Jan 17, 2013 · 85 min
Hopefuls perform for the judges in Chicago..
Charlotte, NC Auditions
Jan 23, 2013 · 85 min
Hopefuls perform for the judges in Charlotte.
Baton Rouge, LA Auditions
Jan 24, 2013 · 85 min
Hopefuls perform for the judges in Baton Rouge.
San Antonio, TX & Los Angeles, CA Auditions
Jan 30, 2013 · 85 min
Hopefuls perform for the judges in San Antonio, TX & Los Angeles, CA.
Oklahoma City, OK Auditions
Jan 31, 2013 · 85 min
Hopefuls perform for the judges in Oklahoma City.
Hollywood Round, Part 1
Feb 6, 2013 · 85 min
The contestants who impressed the judges in their respective audition cities will head to Hollywood, where some dreams will come true and others will come to an end. The intensity
Hollywood Round, Part 2
Feb 7, 2013 · 85 min
The tough Hollywood Round continues, as judges Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban narrow down the contestants. Some will leave with shattered dreams, others w
Hollywood Round, Part 3
Feb 13, 2013 · 85 min
The ultimate singing stage test resumes in Hollywood as the contestants vie for a coveted spot in the semifinals.
Hollywood Round, Part 4
Feb 14, 2013 · 85 min
In the final Hollywood episode, the judges reveal the Top 40 contestants - 20 guys and 20 girls - who remain in the competition. These contestants will travel to Las Vegas in hopes
Semifinalist Round, Part 1 -- Girls Perform
Feb 20, 2013 · 85 min
Ten female semifinalists perform in Las Vegas.
Semifinalist Round, Part 2 -- Guys Perform
Feb 21, 2013 · 85 min
Ten male semifinalists perform in Las Vegas.
Semifinalist Round, Part 3 -- Girls Perform
Feb 27, 2013 · 85 min
Ten female semifinalists perform in Las Vegas.
Semifinalist Round, Part 4 -- Guys Perform
Feb 28, 2013 · 85 min
Ten male semifinalists perform in Las Vegas
1st 10 Semifinalists Perform - LIVE
Mar 5, 2013 · 85 min
Ten singers perform in Las Vegas.
Top 10 Perform -- Live
Mar 13, 2013 · 85 min
The top 10 finalists perform songs that have been performed by previous Idols.
Finalists Compete
Mar 20, 2013 · 85 min
The top nine take on songs from The Beatles (John Lennon/Paul McCartney Songbook).
Top 8 Perform
Mar 27, 2013 · 85 min
The finalists perform music from Detroit, particularly from the Motown era, for the judges. Smokey Robinson mentors the contestants.
Results Show
Mar 28, 2013 · 85 min
The contestants face elimination. Colton Dixon performs; OneRepublic featuring Katharine McPhee performs; Keith Urban performs.
Results Show
Apr 4, 2013 · 85 min
The contestants face elimination. Carrie Underwood performs; Casey James performs.
Finalists Compete
Apr 10, 2013 · 85 min
The top 6 finalists perform songs by Burt Bacharach & Hal David and Songs They Wish They'd Written.
Results Show
Apr 11, 2013 · 85 min
The finalists face elimination; Scotty McCreery performs; Kelly Clarkson performs.
Finalists Compete
Apr 17, 2013 · 85 min
The top 5 perform songs from the Year They Were Born and songs by Divas.
Results Show
Apr 18, 2013 · 85 min
The contestants face elimination. Clay Aiken performs; Fantasia Barrino performs.
Finalists Compete
Apr 24, 2013 · 85 min
The top 4 finalists perform Contestant's Choice and One-Hit Wonders.
Results Show
Apr 25, 2013 · 85 min
The contestants face elimination. Stefano Langone performs; Lee DeWyze performs.
Finalists Compete
May 1, 2013 · 85 min
The top 4 finalists performs a hit song of 2013 and a song from the Great American Songbook standards.
Results Show
May 2, 2013 · 85 min
The contestants face elimination. David Cook performs; will.i.am peforms; Harry Connick Jr. performs.
Finalists Compete
May 8, 2013 · 85 min
Each finalist performs a song chosen by Jimmy Iovine, the judges and the producers. Highlights also shown from their hometown visits.
Results Show
May 9, 2013 · 85 min
The top 2 finalists are determined. Lauren Alaina performs; Alicia Keys performs.