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Season 12 – American Idol

Play trailer Poster for Season 12 – American Idol Jan 2013 Music Reality Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
43% Tomatometer 7 Reviews 10% 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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Dave Holmes New York Magazine/Vulture 03/20/2019
3/5
That's where we stand at the end of this disastrous season: The judges aren't speaking, and ten people with no sex appeal and very little confidence are lip-synching 2011's greatest club banger. Go to Full Review
Caroline Framke AV Club 03/19/2019
C-
American Idol is in trouble. You know it, I know it, FOX knows it, and this twelfth season premiere sure as hell knows it. Go to Full Review
Andy Dehnart Reality Blurred 03/18/2020
It's still working, even if that just means going through the same tired motions. Go to Full Review
Jodi Bradbury Christian Science Monitor 03/25/2019
In the end, despite all the pre-show hype about feuding divas, it was a rather subdued episode of [American] Idol; the whole "new judges trick" lost its luster back in Season 10. Go to Full Review
Michael Slezak TV Line 03/25/2019
I'd go so far as to say any single member of the Season 12 Top 5 would've been a worthy addition to the undeniably awesome list of the franchise's champions. Go to Full Review
Joseph Braverman AwardsCircuit.com 03/22/2019
With a killer conclusion to a very strong season (though not perfect by any means) of Idol, the winner was clear as day. Go to Full Review
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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 Michael C @Coxmjc23 09/23/2023 One of my favorite seasons and Nicki Minaj was an amazing judge on this season the main reason I watched this season was for the Queen Of Rap Nicki Minaj!!! See more 06/16/2017 The Good: An incredibly strong group of females. The two most consistent singers made the final 2. The winner deserved it. Keith Urban was introduced as a pretty solid judge. The Bad: The guys were abysmal. Nikki Minaj and Mariah Carey made the show about them. See more 01/30/2014 Just isn't the same anymore! See more 12/10/2013 Though this remains my favorite music reality series on TV, this season, featuring Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey, has proven to be one of the most underwhelming and controversial seasons of the series, with the judges' constant bickering, and the judges' and producers' desperation to eliminate every single male on the series as a means of finally having a female winner. See more Read all reviews
American Idol — Season 12

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jan 16, 2013 Auditions No. 1 Hopefuls perform for the judges in New York. Details Episode 2 Aired Jan 17, 2013 Auditions No. 2 Hopefuls perform for the judges in Chicago. Details Episode 3 Aired Jan 23, 2013 Auditions No. 3 Auditions continue. Details Episode 4 Aired Jan 24, 2013 Auditions No. 4 Auditions continue. Details Episode 5 Aired Jan 30, 2013 Auditions No. 5 Auditions continue. Details Episode 6 Aired Jan 31, 2013 Auditions No. 6 Auditions continue. Details Episode 7 Aired Feb 6, 2013 Hollywood Week Male contestants compete in the Hollywood Round in hope of making it to the semifinals. Details Episode 8 Aired Feb 7, 2013 Hollywood Week Male contestants compete in the Hollywood Round in hope of making it to the semifinals. Details Episode 9 Aired Feb 13, 2013 Hollywood Week Female contestants compete in the Hollywood Round in hope of making it to the semifinals. Details Episode 10 Aired Feb 14, 2013 Hollywood Week Female contestants try to make it to the semifinals; the top 40 contestants are revealed. Details Episode 11 Aired Feb 20, 2013 Semifinalist Round, Part 1 -- Girls Perform Ten female singers perform. Details Episode 12 Aired Feb 21, 2013 Semifinalist Round, Part 2 -- Guys Perform Ten male singers perform. Details Episode 13 Aired Feb 27, 2013 Semifinalist Round, Part 3 Ten more female singers perform. Details Episode 14 Aired Feb 28, 2013 Semifinalist Round, Part 4 Ten more male singers perform; the top 20 are announced. Details Episode 15 Aired Mar 5, 2013 1st 10 Semifinalists Perform - LIVE The female semifinalists perform. Details Episode 16 Aired Mar 6, 2013 2nd 10 Semifinalists Perform - LIVE The male semifinalists perform. Details Episode 17 Aired Mar 7, 2013 Finalists Announced The top ten finalists are revealed. Details Episode 18 Aired Mar 13, 2013 Top 10 Perform -- Live The top-10 finalists perform songs that have been performed by previous winners. Details Episode 19 Aired Mar 14, 2013 Results Show Phillip Phillips performs; Bon Jovi performs; one finalist is sent home. Details Episode 20 Aired Mar 20, 2013 Finalists Compete Finalists perform John Lennon and Paul McCartney songs for the judges. Details Episode 21 Aired Mar 21, 2013 Results Show Contestants face elimination; performances by Ne-Yo and Jessica Sanchez, and Casey Abrams. Details Episode 22 Aired Mar 27, 2013 Finalists Compete The finalists perform music from Detroit for the judges. Details Episode 23 Aired Mar 28, 2013 Results Show The contestants face elimination; OneRepublic and Katharine McPhee perform; Colton Dixon performs; Keith Urban performs. Details Episode 24 Aired Apr 3, 2013 Finalists Compete The remaining finalists perform classic rock songs. Details Episode 25 Aired Apr 4, 2013 Results The contestants face elimination; Carrie Underwood performs; Casey James performs. Details Episode 26 Aired Apr 10, 2013 Finalists Compete The finalists perform for the judges. Details Episode 27 Aired Apr 11, 2013 Results Show Contestants face elimination; Kelly Clarkson performs; Scotty McCreery performs. Details Episode 28 Aired Apr 17, 2013 Finalists Compete The remaining finalists perform. Details Episode 29 Aired Apr 18, 2013 Results Show Contestants face elimination; Fantasia performs; Clay Aiken performs. Details Episode 30 Aired Apr 24, 2013 Finalists Compete The finalists perform for the judges. Details Episode 31 Aired Apr 25, 2013 Results Show The contestants face elimination. Details Episode 32 Aired May 1, 2013 Finalists Compete Finalists perform for the judges. Details Episode 33 Aired May 2, 2013 Results Show Contestants face elimination; David Cook performs. Details Episode 34 Aired May 8, 2013 Finalists Compete The finalists visit their hometowns and perform three songs for the judges. Details Episode 35 Aired May 9, 2013 Results Show Contestants face elimination; Alicia Keys performs; Lauren Alaina performs. Details Episode 36 Aired May 15, 2013 Two Finalists Compete The finalists perform for the judges; Carly Rae Jepsen performs. Details Episode 37 Aired May 16, 2013 Winner Announced Ryan Seacrest announces the winner; performances by Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J., Travis Barker, Adam Lambert, Psy, The Band Perry, Emeli Sandé, Frankie Valli and Aretha Franklin. Details
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Season Info

Executive Producer
Simon Fuller, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Nigel Lythgoe, Ken Warwick
Network
ABC
Rating
TV-14 (D|L)
Genre
Music, Reality
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jan 16, 2013