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Season 8 – American Idol

Play trailer Poster for Season 8 – American Idol Jan 2009 Music Reality Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
80% Tomatometer 5 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Singers with dreams of super stardom audition and compete in a series of challenging rounds in the hope of living their childhood and lifelong dreams.

Critics Reviews

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Claire Zulkey AV Club 03/19/2019
B-
Maybe this season of [American] Idol become the Labradoodle of television: immensely popular, cuddly, trendy and maligned by over-educated people who like to complain. Go to Full Review Andy Dehnart Reality Blurred 04/02/2020
It's pretty much the same show it always was, but what's remarkable is how it manages to still actually squeeze entertainment out of the same thing we've seen seven other times. Go to Full Review Gil Kaufman MTV 03/26/2019
Call him the "dark horse," the "Come-from-Behind Kid," the humble crooner. Call him whatever you like. But from now on you also need to call Kris Allen your American Idol. Go to Full Review Christine Seghers IGN Movies 03/21/2019
9.2/10
The fact that the more-mainstream Kris won shouldn't be that surprising, as Adam was a polarizing figure whose dramatic stage-style alienated as many people as were captivated. Go to Full Review Rob Harvilla The Ringer 03/20/2019
[Adam] Lambert is another offensively easy call at a point when the show overall had grown hard to love and impossible to enjoy. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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SkyRo P @TheMovieSearch 08/12/2024 American Idol, a trailblazing competition that has the power to turn unknown individuals into superstars, has captivated audiences worldwide. The trio of judges, Randy, Paula, and Simon, brought their unique personalities and expertise to the show, creating an unforgettable dynamic. Over the seasons, American Idol has seen its share of memorable winners and controversial outcomes. From the quiet yet powerful vocals of Kelly Clarkson in season one to the legendary country singer Carrie Underwood in season four, each winner brought their own flair to the competition. Season five brought a new controversy with Taylor Hicks' win, overshadowing talented contestants like Chris Daughtry and Elliott Yamin. Despite the ups and downs, the show continued to produce stars like Jordin Sparks, Adam Lambert, and Scotty McCreery in later seasons. As the seasons progressed, American Idol faced challenges with judges' dynamics and changing formats. Winners like Caleb Johnson and Nick Fradiani faced struggles in establishing their post-show careers, highlighting the difficulties of maintaining success after the spotlight of the competition. The return of the show with new judges like Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan brought fresh energy to American Idol. However, recent winners like Maddie Poppe and Laine Hardy have faced challenges in making a lasting impact in the music industry. Season 23 holds the hope for a new mega star to emerge, reconnecting audiences with the show's legacy of producing successful winners. Despite the setbacks and controversies, American Idol remains a platform for aspiring artists to showcase their talent and reach for stardom. With its rich history of iconic moments and unforgettable performances, American Idol continues to be a cultural phenomenon that sparks the dreams of aspiring musicians and entertains audiences around the world. See more Read all reviews
American Idol — Season 8

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Cast & Crew

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Paula Abdul

Judge

Simon Cowell

Judge

Randy Jackson

Judge

Kara DioGuardi

Judge

Ryan Seacrest

Host

Kris Allen

Contestant

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jan 13, 2009 The audition process begins, as hopefuls around the country line up for the chance to perform for the judges and advance to the Hollywood Round. Details Episode 2 Aired Jan 14, 2009 Auditions continue as singing hopefuls strut their stuff before the judges, hoping to be invited to the Hollywood Round. Details Episode 3 Aired Jan 20, 2009 Audition No. 5 Auditions continue in San Francisco. Details Episode 4 Aired Jan 21, 2009 Louisville Auditions Auditions continue. Details Episode 5 Aired Jan 27, 2009 Audition No. 7 More hopefuls audition for the "American Idol" judges. Details Episode 6 Aired Jan 28, 2009 Would-be stars continue to audition for the judges. Details Episode 7 Aired Jan 29, 2009 Road to Hollywood The auditions continue. Details Episode 8 Aired Feb 3, 2009 Hollywood Round No. 1 Singers compete in the Hollywood Round in hope of becoming a semifinalist. Details Episode 9 Aired Feb 4, 2009 Hollywood Round No. 2 Singers compete in the Hollywood Round in hope of becoming a semifinalist. Details Episode 10 Aired Feb 10, 2009 Hollywood Round No. 3 The Hollywood Round continues. Details Episode 11 Aired Feb 11, 2009 Hollywood Round No. 4; Top 36 Chosen The Hollywood Round continues; the judges choose the top 36 semifinalists. Details Episode 12 Aired Feb 17, 2009 Group 1 Semi-finalists Perform Twelve of the 36 semifinalists perform. Details Episode 13 Aired Feb 18, 2009 Group 1 Results Show Three finalists are chosen. Details Episode 14 Aired Feb 25, 2009 Group 2 Semi-finalists Perform Twelve semifinalists perform. Details Episode 15 Aired Feb 26, 2009 Group 2 Results Show Three finalists are chosen. Details Episode 16 Aired Mar 3, 2009 Group 3 Semi-finalists Perform Twelve semifinalists perform. Details Episode 17 Aired Mar 4, 2009 Group 3 Results Show Three finalists are chosen. Details Episode 18 Aired Mar 5, 2009 Wild Card The judges' favorites compete for a spot in the next phase of the competition. Details Episode 19 Aired Mar 10, 2009 The top 13 finalists perform the songs of Michael Jackson, including "The Way You Make Me Feel" and "Beat It." Details Episode 20 Aired Mar 11, 2009 One of 13 finalists is sent home; Kelly Clarkson and Kanye West perform. Details Episode 21 Aired Mar 17, 2009 The remaining finalists perform songs popularized by members of the Grand Ole Opry; Randy Travis mentors the competitors. Details Episode 22 Aired Mar 18, 2009 A contestant is sent home; Randy Travis and Carrie Underwood perform. Details Episode 23 Aired Mar 25, 2009 The remaining finalists perform classic Motown songs; Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy help pay tribute to the Motown sound. Details Episode 24 Aired Mar 26, 2009 One contestant is eliminated; Smokey Robinson and former "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard perform. Details Episode 25 Aired Mar 31, 2009 The remaining finalists perform. Details Episode 26 Aired Apr 1, 2009 One contestant faces elimination; former "American Idol" winner David Cook performs; Lady GaGa performs. Details Episode 27 Aired Apr 7, 2009 The remaining contestants perform songs from the years in which they were born. Details Episode 28 Aired Apr 8, 2009 One contestant faces elimination; former contestant Kellie Pickler performs. Details Episode 29 Aired Apr 14, 2009 Director Quentin Tarantino guides contestants in their performances of songs of the cinema. Details Episode 30 Aired Apr 15, 2009 A contestant faces elimination; former "American Idol" contestant Jennifer Hudson performs; Miley Cyrus performs. Details Episode 31 Aired Apr 21, 2009 The remaining contestants perform songs of the disco era. Details Episode 32 Aired Apr 22, 2009 Two contestants are eliminated; former contestant David Archuleta performs; disco stars Harry Wayne Casey (KC and the Sunshine Band), Thelma Houston and Freda Payne perform a medley of their hits. Details Episode 33 Aired Apr 28, 2009 The remaining contestants perform standards made famous by members of the Rat Pack. Details Episode 34 Aired Apr 29, 2009 One contestant is faced with elimination; former "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks performs a song from his latest album. Details Episode 35 Aired May 5, 2009 The remaining finalists perform; guitarist Slash mentors the contestants as they prepare rock songs. Details Episode 36 Aired May 6, 2009 One contestant is eliminated; No Doubt performs; Daughtry performs. Details Episode 37 Aired May 12, 2009 The remaining three finalists perform two songs each - a personal selection and a song chosen by the judges. Details Episode 38 Aired May 13, 2009 One contestant is eliminated; Katy Perry performs; former "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks performs. Details Episode 39 Aired May 19, 2009 The last two finalists perform. Details Episode 40 Aired May 20, 2009 The top 13 contestants reunite; the winner is revealed. Details

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American Idol — Season 8

American Idol American Idol American Idol American Idol View more photos

Season Info

Executive Producer
Simon Fuller, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Nigel Lythgoe, Ken Warwick
Network
ABC
Rating
TV-PG (D|L)
Genre
Music, Reality
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jan 13, 2009