Episode 1
Aired Jan 19, 2004
Young hopefuls audition before judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 2
Aired Jan 20, 2004
Young hopefuls audition before judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 3
Aired Jan 21, 2004
Young hopefuls audition before judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 4
Aired Jan 27, 2004
In Los Angeles and San Francisco, performers audition before judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.
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Episode 5
Aired Jan 28, 2004
Performers audition on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 6
Aired Feb 2, 2004
The Road to Hollywood
Hopefuls audition before setting off for Hollywood. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 7
Aired Feb 3, 2004
One hundred and nineteen contestants arrive in Hollywood for grueling rehearsals and auditions. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 8
Aired Feb 4, 2004
In Hollywood, 32 semifinalists make the cut. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 9
Aired Feb 10, 2004
Eight of the thirty-two semi-finalists compete.
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Episode 10
Aired Feb 11, 2004
Two of the eight performers are chosen.
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Episode 11
Aired Feb 17, 2004
Eight more of the 32 semifinalists compete. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 12
Aired Feb 18, 2004
Two of the eight semi-finalists are chosen. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 13
Aired Feb 24, 2004
Eight more of the 32 semifinalists compete. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 14
Aired Feb 25, 2004
Two of the eight performers are chosen. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 15
Aired Mar 1, 2004
Uncut, Uncensored & Untalented
The most embarrassing auditions from the series interspersed with new clips and classic moments; former contestant William Hung gives his insights into the contest.
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Episode 16
Aired Mar 2, 2004
Eight more of the 32 semifinalists compete. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 17
Aired Mar 9, 2004
Wild Card Night
Wild card contestants compete for four positions among the top 12 before judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.
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Episode 18
Aired Mar 10, 2004
Results Show
Four of eight wild-card contestants are chosen; Ruben Studdard performs. With Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 19
Aired Mar 16, 2004
Twelve finalists compete in front of a studio audience for the first time. With Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 20
Aired Mar 17, 2004
One of the 12 remaining contestants is voted off; Clay Aiken performs.
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Episode 21
Aired Mar 23, 2004
The 11 finalists perform country songs; style expert Steven Cojocaru gives the finalists fashion makeovers.
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Episode 22
Aired Mar 24, 2004
One of the 11 remaining contestants is voted off. Kimberley Locke performs. With Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 23
Aired Mar 30, 2004
Ten finalists perform the music of Motown; the Funk Brothers perform; guest judges Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson.
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Episode 24
Aired Mar 31, 2004
One of the 10 remaining contestants is voted off. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 25
Aired Apr 6, 2004
Nine finalists compete performing from the songbook of singer/songwriter Elton John. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 26
Aired Apr 7, 2004
One of the nine remaining contestants is voted off; Tamyra Gray performs.
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Episode 27
Aired Apr 14, 2004
Eight finalists participate in a movie-themed competition with guest judge Quentin Tarantino. Host Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 28
Aired Apr 15, 2004
One of the eight remaining contestants is voted off. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 29
Aired Apr 20, 2004
Seven finalists compete, performing from the songbook of singer/songwriter Barry Manilow; guest judge Barry Manilow.
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Episode 30
Aired Apr 21, 2004
One finalist is voted off; Barry Manilow performs. With Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 31
Aired Apr 27, 2004
Six finalists participate in a Latin-themed competition with guest judge Gloria Estefan. With Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 32
Aired Apr 28, 2004
One finalist is voted off; Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine perform. With Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 33
Aired May 3, 2004
The Final Five 2004
Highlights of the five remaining contestants. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 34
Aired May 4, 2004
Five finalists compete, performing songs from the Big Band era.
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Episode 35
Aired May 5, 2004
One of the five remaining contestants is voted off. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 36
Aired May 11, 2004
Four finalists compete on a disco themed night; guest judge Donna Summer.
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Episode 37
Aired May 12, 2004
One of the four remaining contestants is voted off; Donna Summer performs.
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Episode 38
Aired May 17, 2004
The Final Three 2004
Profiles of the three remaining finalists. Host Randy Jackson.
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Episode 39
Aired May 18, 2004
Three finalists compete; Clive Davis is the guest judge.
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Episode 40
Aired May 19, 2004
One of the three remaining contestants is voted off.
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Episode 41
Aired May 23, 2004
The Phenomenon
The series grows into a top rated show; featuring highlights from all three seasons. Host Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 42
Aired May 25, 2004
The two remaining finalists compete at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood before judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. Host: Ryan Seacrest.
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Episode 43
Aired May 26, 2004
A tally of viewers' votes determines the winner, the new American idol.
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