American Idol season 11#Hollywood week and Vegas rounds
{{Use American English|date=December 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2013}}
{{Infobox television season
| image = American Idol logo.svg
| bgcolor = #452B6F
| module1 = {{Infobox reality competition season
| host = Ryan Seacrest
| judges = {{ubl|Randy Jackson|Jennifer Lopez|Steven Tyler}}
| finals_venue = Nokia Theatre L.A. Live
| winner = Phillip Phillips
| runner_up = Jessica Sanchez
}}
| first_aired = {{start date|2012|01|18}}
| last_aired = {{end date|2012|05|23}}
| network = Fox
}}
The eleventh season of American Idol premiered on Fox on January 18, 2012, and concluded on May 23, 2012. Ryan Seacrest returned as host,{{cite web |url=http://ryanseacrest.com/2011/05/18/ryan-seacrest-confirms-he-will-return-to-host-idol-in-2012-on-leno-video/ |title=Ryan Seacrest Confirms He Will Return To Host 'Idol' in 2012 on 'Leno' [VIDEO] |publisher=Ryan Seacrest.com |date=May 18, 2011 |access-date=2011-12-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115103424/http://ryanseacrest.com/2011/05/18/ryan-seacrest-confirms-he-will-return-to-host-idol-in-2012-on-leno-video/ |archive-date=January 15, 2012 |url-status=live }} while Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez,{{cite web |date=August 17, 2011 |title=Fox says Jennifer Lopez back for 'American Idol' |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-jenniferlopez-idUSTRE77G4DK20110817 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924154708/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/17/us-jenniferlopez-idUSTRE77G4DK20110817 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=2012-07-13 |work=Reuters}} and Steven Tyler{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b249906_theyre_back_two_american_idol_judges.html |title=They're Back! Two American Idol Judges Sign On to Return—So Who's the Lone Holdout? |publisher=E! |date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=2011-12-05}} all returned as judges. Interscope Records chairman Jimmy Iovine, a songwriter and producer, also returned as an in-house mentor to work with the contestants on a weekly basis.[http://www.aoltv.com/2011/11/25/nigel-lythgoe-talks-american-idol-season-11-promo-video/ Nigel Lythgoe Says No Big Changes Planned for 'American Idol' (VIDEO)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927073228/http://www.aoltv.com/2011/11/25/nigel-lythgoe-talks-american-idol-season-11-promo-video/ |date=September 27, 2013 }}. Aoltv.com. Retrieved 2012-05-27. This season followed the same format as the tenth season. Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler both announced that they would be leaving the show two months after the finale,{{cite news|url=http://theclicker.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/12/12707452-steven-tyler-quits-american-idol?lite|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715041928/http://theclicker.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/12/12707452-steven-tyler-quits-american-idol?lite |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 15, 2012 |title=Steven Tyler quits 'American Idol' |author=Anna Chan |publisher=MSNBC |date=July 12, 2012|access-date=July 12, 2012 }}{{cite magazine |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/07/13/jennifer-lopez-leaving-american-idol/ |title=Jennifer Lopez leaving 'American Idol': 'The time has come' |author=Erin Strecker |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=July 13, 2012 |access-date=July 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713172709/http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/07/13/jennifer-lopez-leaving-american-idol/ |archive-date=July 13, 2012 |url-status=live }} although Lopez later returned as a judge for the show's thirteenth season.[http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/09/03/american-idol-jennifer-lopez-harry-connick-jr/ Official: J. Lo and Harry Connick Jr. join 'American Idol'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130905101938/http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/09/03/american-idol-jennifer-lopez-harry-connick-jr/ |date=September 5, 2013 }} Entertainment Weekly, Retrieved September 22, 2013
The season set a record when 132 million votes were received for the finale. On May 23, 2012, Phillip Phillips became the winner of the eleventh season of American Idol, beating Jessica Sanchez, who was the runner-up.{{cite web |url=http://www.beautymania.biz/2012/05/entertainment-paradise-american-idol_23.html |title=American Idol season 11 Winner is Phillip Phillips! |website=BeautyMania.Biz |date=May 23, 2012 |access-date=May 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002000518/http://www.beautymania.biz/2012/05/entertainment-paradise-american-idol_23.html |archive-date=October 2, 2012 |url-status=live }}
Changes from previous seasons
This season, long-time vocal coach Debra Byrd was replaced by Jimmy Iovine's own team.{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-debra-byrd-vocal-coach-294724 |title='American Idol' Vocal Coach Debra Byrd Takes Live Show Leave (Exclusive) |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=February 23, 2012 |access-date=April 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429230530/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-debra-byrd-vocal-coach-294724 |archive-date=April 29, 2012 |url-status=live }} Additionally, fashion designers Tommy Hilfiger and Soyon An were employed as image advisers for the top 13 finalists.{{cite news |date=March 22, 2012 |title=Tommy Hilfiger tranforms [sic] Erika Van Pelt, can't help Philip Phillips on 'American Idol' |work=Newsday |url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/american-idol-1.811965/tommy-hilfiger-tranforms-erika-van-pelt-can-t-help-philip-phillips-on-american-idol-1.3616791 |url-status=live |access-date=April 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621233955/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/american-idol-1.811965/tommy-hilfiger-tranforms-erika-van-pelt-can-t-help-philip-phillips-on-american-idol-1.3616791 |archive-date=June 21, 2012}}
Regional auditions
Auditions took place in the following cities:{{cite web |url=http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/pid/5020 |title=Season 11 Auditions – Show and Alumni News |publisher=American Idol |date=May 12, 2011 |access-date=2011-12-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111005546/http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/pid/5020 |archive-date=January 11, 2012 |url-status=live }}
{{notelist}}
File:AmericanIdolPetcoParkByPhilKonstantin.jpg
The audition in East Rutherford, New Jersey, was a late addition to the schedule.[http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2011/08/29/american-idol-to-hold-auditions-in-east-rutherford-new-jersey-thursday-september-22-482203/20110829fox01/ American Idol" to Hold Auditions in East Rutherford, New Jersey Thursday, September 22]. Thefutoncritic.com. Retrieved 2012-05-27. The audition was held, although the attendance was reportedly low.[http://www.bergen.com/Idol_Craze_Hundreds_at_Izod_Center_for_American_Idol_auditions.html Idol Craze: Hundreds at Izod Center for 'American Idol' auditions]. Bergen.com (September 22, 2011). Retrieved 2012-05-27. However, the audition episode was not shown. Contestants known to have auditioned in East Rutherford were listed as having auditioned elsewhere on the official American Idol website. For example, Alex Wong, who auditioned in East Rutherford, had San Diego listed as his audition city on the official website.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/dizzyfeet/status/117686192203501568|title=Nigel Lythgoe OBE on Twitter|website=twitter.com}}[http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_11/road_to_hollywood/alex_wong/ Alex Wong] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131144011/http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_11/road_to_hollywood/alex_wong/ |date=January 31, 2012 }}. Americanidol.com. Retrieved 2012-05-27.
Hollywood week
The Hollywood rounds were held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium starting December 12, 2011.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/dizzyfeet/status/146386919830462464|title=Nigel Lythgoe OBE on Twitter|website=twitter.com}} The 309 contestants performed solo for the first round, and 185 made the cut. Amongst those sent home included Jim Carrey's daughter, Jane Carrey.[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/american-idol-jim-carreys-daughter-out-and-then-disaster/ "American Idol": Jim Carrey's daughter out, and then disaster] . Cbsnews.com (February 9, 2012). Retrieved 2012-05-27. The second round involved group performances, and a number of contestants became ill and collapsed in the auditorium. 98 contestants moved on to the third and final round: solo performances accompanied by a band or an instrument. The contestants were then separated into four rooms, where one room of 28 contestants were all eliminated, while the 70 contestants in the other three rooms all advanced to the Las Vegas round.
In Las Vegas, the contestants performed traditional 1950s songs in groups with Elvis Presley's "Viva, Elvis!" show as the backdrop.[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/tca-american-idol-judges-bash-competition-279533 TCA: 'American Idol' Judges, Producers Bash the Competition] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110091404/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/tca-american-idol-judges-bash-competition-279533 |date=January 10, 2012 }}. Hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved 2012-05-27. 28 of the 70 contestants were eliminated. Next came a solo round accompanied by an instrument at the stage for Le Rêve at the Wynn Las Vegas. After the 42 remaining contestants sang their last solo, they were summoned one-by-one to appear before the judges. Twelve men and twelve women were initially announced as the semifinalists; however, the judges announced that one of four men eliminated (Jermaine Jones, Johnny Keyser, Richie Law, or David Leathers, Jr.) would be reinstated into the competition as a surprise thirteenth male, rendering it a Top 25 this season.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/American-Idol-Season-11-Top-24-Contestants-Announced-With-Twist-39841.html |title=American Idol Season 11 Top 24 Contestants Announced, With A Twist |date=2012-02-24 |access-date=2024-02-24 |website=Cinema Blend |last=West |first=Kelly |publisher=Future PLC |quote=…there are four guys who are getting another chance after previously being eliminated. Jermaine Jones, Johnny Keyser, Richie Law, and David Leathers will be back next Tuesday night (Feb 28 at 8:00 p.m.). One of them will join the other twelve guys in the competition, making the male side of the semi-finals a 'Top 13.'}}{{Cite news |title=American Idol Reveals Season 11 Top 24 |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/25ta5j/american-idol-top-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224141732/https://www.mtv.com/news/25ta5j/american-idol-top-24 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 24, 2024 |last=Graham |first=Adam |date=2012-02-23 |access-date=2024-02-22 |work=MTV News |quote=But in a twist, it's announced that one of four eliminated contestants will be welcomed back next week for the first Top 25.}} Ultimately, Jones was selected, and revealed at the end of the males' semifinals show for his performance.
Semifinals
The semifinals began on February 28. The males and females competed on back-to-back nights, and the top five from each group, along with the judges' three Wild Card choices, advanced to the finals.
Color key:
| class="toccolours" style="font-size: 85%; white-space: nowrap;"
| {{legend|#fdfc8f|This contestant was chosen by the public and moved on to the live shows.}} |
| {{legend|#B0E0E6|This contestant was not chosen by the public and was left to perform again for the judges in the Wild Card round.}} |
| {{legend|#FF91A4|This contestant was eliminated.}} |
=Top 25=
Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
| valign="top"|
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+Top 25 - Male contestants (February 28) ! scope="col" | Contestant ! scope="col" | Song ! scope="col" | Result |
| scope="row" | Reed Grimm
| style="background:#B0E0E6|Wild Card |
|---|
| scope="row" | Adam Brock
| "Think" | style="background:#FF91A4;"|Eliminated |
| scope="row" | DeAndre Brackensick
| "Reasons" | style="background:#B0E0E6|Wild Card |
| scope="row" | Colton Dixon
| "Decode" | style="background:#fdfc8f;"|Advanced |
| scope="row" | Jeremy Rosado
| "Gravity" | style="background:#B0E0E6|Wild Card |
| scope="row" | Aaron Marcellus
| style="background:#FF91A4;"|Eliminated |
| scope="row" | Chase Likens
| "Storm Warning" | style="background:#FF91A4;"|Eliminated |
| scope="row" | Creighton Fraker
| "True Colors" | style="background:#FF91A4;"|Eliminated |
| scope="row" | Phillip Phillips
| style="background:#fdfc8f;"|Advanced |
| scope="row" | Eben Franckewitz
| style="background:#FF91A4;"|Eliminated |
| scope="row" | Heejun Han
| "Angels" | style="background:#fdfc8f;"|Advanced |
| scope="row" | Joshua Ledet
| style="background:#fdfc8f;"|Advanced |
| scope="row" | Jermaine Jones
| style="background:#fdfc8f;"|Advanced |
|valign="top"|
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+Top 25 - Female contestants (February 29) ! scope="col" | Contestant ! scope="col" | Song ! scope="col" | Result |
| scope="row" | Chelsea Sorrell
| "Cowboy Casanova" | style="background:#FF91A4;"|Eliminated |
|---|
| scope="row" | Erika Van Pelt
| "What About Love" | style="background:#B0E0E6|Wild Card |
| scope="row" | Jen Hirsh
| "One and Only" | style="background:#B0E0E6|Wild Card |
| scope="row" | Brielle Von Hugel
| "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" | style="background:#B0E0E6|Wild Card |
| scope="row" | Hallie Day
| "Feeling Good" | style="background:#FF91A4;"|Eliminated |
| scope="row" | Skylar Laine
| "Stay with Me" | style="background:#fdfc8f;"|Advanced |
| scope="row" | Baylie Brown
| "Amazed" | style="background:#FF91A4;"|Eliminated |
| scope="row" | Hollie Cavanagh
| "Reflection" | style="background:#fdfc8f;"|Advanced |
| scope="row" | Haley Johnsen
| "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" | style="background:#FF91A4;"|Eliminated |
| scope="row" | Shannon Magrane
| style="background:#fdfc8f;"|Advanced |
| scope="row" | Jessica Sanchez
| "Love You I Do" | style="background:#fdfc8f;"|Advanced |
| scope="row" | Elise Testone
| "One and Only" | style="background:#fdfc8f;"|Advanced |
|}
=Wild Card round=
Following the ten singers who advanced on Thursday, March 1, six of the remaining semifinalists were selected by the judges to compete in the Wild Card round. The judges selected three contestants to advance to the final group of 13. Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; line-height:20px;" |
| scope="col" | Contestant
! scope="col" | Song ! scope="col" | Result |
|---|
| scope="row" | Jen Hirsh
| "Oh! Darling" | bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated |
| scope="row" | Jeremy Rosado
| "I Know You Won't" | bgcolor="B0E0E6" | Advanced |
| scope="row" | Brielle Von Hugel
| "Someone like You" | bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated |
| scope="row" | DeAndre Brackensick
| bgcolor="B0E0E6" | Advanced |
| scope="row" | Erika Van Pelt
| bgcolor="B0E0E6" | Advanced |
| scope="row" | Reed Grimm
| "Use Me" | bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated |
Top 13 finalists
{{multiple image
| align = center
| direction = horizontal
| total_width = 500
| footer = From left to right: Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet, and Skylar Laine
| footer_align = center
| image1 = Phillip Phillips in Paris, March 2013.jpeg
| image2 = Jessica Sanchez cropped.JPG
| image3 = Joshua Ledet at the White House.jpg
| image4 = Skylar Laine at North Charleston.jpg
}}
{{multiple image
| align = center
| direction = horizontal
| total_width = 500
| footer = From left to right: Elise Testone, Colton Dixon, Heejun Han, and Erika Van Pelt
| footer_align = center
| image1 = Graffeti-14.jpg
| image2 = Colton Dixon in February 2013.jpg
| image3 = 181123 한희준.png
| image4 = Erika Lynn Van Pelt at the Warwick mall in Warwick Rhode Island - 2013-12-16 21-14.jpg
}}
- Phillip Phillips (born September 20, 1990) was from Leesburg, Georgia. He auditioned in North Charleston, singing "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson's "Thriller" with the guitar.{{cite news |url= http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677513/american-idol-premiere-auditions.jhtml |date= January 18, 2012 |publisher= MTV |title= 'American Idol': David Leathers Jr., Phillip Phillips Wow |author= Graham, Adam |access-date= April 27, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120418105616/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677513/american-idol-premiere-auditions.jhtml |archive-date= April 18, 2012 |url-status= dead }} He performed "I Only Have Eyes For You" with Heejun Han, Neco Starr, and Jairon Jackson in Hollywood.
- Jessica Sanchez (born August 4, 1995){{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Tess972/status/109103703998480384 |title=Jessica Sanchez Birthday |date=February 22, 2012}} was from San Diego, California. She auditioned in San Diego. She performed "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" with DeAndre Brackensick and Candice Glover in Las Vegas. She also performed "The Prayer" by Andrea Bocelli.
- Joshua Ledet (born April 9, 1992) was from Westlake, Louisiana. He had originally auditioned for the tenth season, but did not make it past the audition stage. He auditioned in Houston, and was dubbed "Mantasia" (ie. the male version of American Idol third season winner Fantasia Barrino) during semifinals. He performed "Blue Suede Shoes" with Shannon Magrane, Amber Holcomb, and Curtis Finch, Jr.
- Hollie Cavanagh (born July 5, 1993) was originally from Liverpool, England, but grew up in McKinney, Texas. She auditioned in Galveston. She had originally auditioned for the tenth season, but was encouraged by Jennifer Lopez to return in a couple of years with practice. Hollie sang "Mr. Sandman" with Naomi Gillies and Marissa Pontecorvo in Las Vegas. She also sang "Change" by American Idol fourth season winner Carrie Underwood.
- Skylar Laine (born February 1, 1994){{cite web |date=February 23, 2012 |title=Skylar Laine Birthday |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7qxfDHFU2s&t=42s |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702061620/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7qxfDHFU2s&t=42s |archive-date=July 2, 2014 |access-date=March 13, 2016 |website=YouTube}} was from Brandon, Mississippi. She auditioned in Galveston, singing "Hell on Heels" by Pistol Annies. In Las Vegas, she performed "Dedicated to the One I Love" with Colton Dixon, Chase Likens, and Cari Quoyeser.
- Elise Testone (born July 29, 1983) was from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. She was originally from Kinnelon, New Jersey. She auditioned in North Charleston with "Get It While You Can" by Janis Joplin.
- Colton Dixon (born October 19, 1991){{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/maddiehartsJBCB/status/172749702553546753 |title=Colton Dixon Birthday |date=February 22, 2012}} was from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He auditioned in North Charleston with his younger sister, Schyler. He and Schyler had originally auditioned for the tenth season, but were both cut before the semifinals. Dixon returned in the eleventh season; however he did not plan to audition, and was simply accompanying his sister to her audition. The judges implored Dixon to audition as well, where he sang David Cook's "Permanent". Colton performed "Dedicated to the One I Love" with Skylar Laine, Chase Likens, and Cari Quoyeser in Las Vegas. In Las Vegas, Schyler was eliminated, bringing Colton to tears. He performed the Coldplay song "Fix You", and dedicated it to his sister.
- DeAndre Brackensick (born October 21, 1994) was from San Jose, California. He had originally auditioned for the tenth season, but was cut before the semifinals. He auditioned in San Diego. He performed "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" with Jessica Sanchez and Candice Glover in Las Vegas.
- Heejun Han (born April 20, 1989) was from Flushing, New York. He and his family migrated from Anyang, South Korea, when he was a child. He auditioned in Pittsburgh with "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You". His audition brought Jennifer Lopez to tears, and Steven Tyler stated: "I think you are really great. I think you could be the American Idol."
- Erika Van Pelt (born December 12, 1985){{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/EVanPeltAI11/status/173483375821201408 |title=Erika Van Pelt Birthday |date=February 22, 2012}} was from South Kingstown, Rhode Island. She auditioned in Pittsburgh with "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" by the Shirelles.
- Shannon Magrane (born October 21, 1995){{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/SMagraneAI11/status/173135193346019328 |title=Shannon Magrane Birthday |date=February 25, 2012}} was from Tampa, Florida. She is the daughter of Tampa Bay Rays broadcaster and former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Joe Magrane. She auditioned in North Charleston with "Something's Got a Hold on Me" by Etta James.
- Jermaine Jones (born November 3, 1986) was from Pine Hill, New Jersey. He auditioned in Portland. Jones was not originally chosen for the semifinals, but was called back after the top 24 had been selected. On March 13, he was disqualified for having concealed prior arrests and outstanding warrants.{{cite news |author=Lisa de Moraes |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/american-idol-after-jermaine-jones-is-disqualified-who-will-go-home/2012/03/15/gIQAc0LcES_story.html |title='American Idol': After Jermaine Jones is disqualified, who will go home? |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=March 15, 2012 |access-date=August 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124071240/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/american-idol-after-jermaine-jones-is-disqualified-who-will-go-home/2012/03/15/gIQAc0LcES_story.html |archive-date=January 24, 2018 |url-status=live }}
- Jeremy Rosado (born March 24, 1992) was from Valrico, Florida. Rosado had previously auditioned for American Idol four times.
Finals
There were twelve weeks of finals with thirteen contestants competing. At least one contestant was eliminated every week based on the public's votes, although the judges could veto one elimination through the use of the "judges' save". On March 15, 2012, during what would have been the top 12, it was announced that Jermaine Jones had been disqualified.
Color key:
| class="toccolours" style="font-size: 90%; white-space: nowrap;" |
| {{legend|#FDFC8F|This contestant was saved by America's vote.}} |
| {{legend|#E0F0FF|This contestant was in the bottom two or three, but was saved by America's vote.}} |
| {{legend|#B0E0E6|This contestant was saved from elimination by the judges.}} |
| {{legend|#FF91A4|This contestant was eliminated.}} |
| {{legend|gold|This contestant won American Idol.}} |
| {{legend|silver|This contestant was the runner-up.}} |
=Top 13 – Whitney Houston & Stevie Wonder=
Mary J. Blige served as a guest mentor this week. This week, all of the ladies performed one song from the Whitney Houston discography and all of the men performed one song from the Stevie Wonder discography. In a twist, the bottom three from each group were announced the next night. The man and the woman who each received the fewest votes faced the judges, who had to decide which contestant would be saved and which would be eliminated. Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col"| Contestant
! scope="col"| Whitney Houston or ! scope="col"| Result |
|---|
| scope="row" | Joshua Ledet
| "I Wish" | bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three |
| scope="row" | Elise Testone
| bgcolor="B0E0E6" | Saved by the judges |
| scope="row" | Jermaine Jones
| bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom two |
| scope="row" | Erika Van Pelt
| bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three |
| scope="row" | Colton Dixon
| "Lately" | bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Shannon Magrane
| "I Have Nothing" | bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom two |
| scope="row" | DeAndre Brackensick
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Skylar Laine
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Heejun Han
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Hollie Cavanagh
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Jeremy Rosado
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated |
| scope="row" | Jessica Sanchez
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Phillip Phillips
| "Superstition" | bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Non-competition performance |
| scope="col"| Performers
! scope="col"| Song |
|---|
| scope="row" | Top 13
| "As" |
| scope="row" | Lauren Alaina
| "Georgia Peaches" |
| scope="row" | Mary J. Blige
| "Why" |
=Top 11 – Contestants' birth year=
Jermaine Jones was disqualified prior to the performance show for failing to disclose his criminal past.[http://content.usatoday.com/communities/idolchatter/post/2012/03/jermaine-jones-disqualified-american-idol/1#.T2LJebSo8X4 Jermaine Jones disqualified from 'American Idol'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316010052/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/idolchatter/post/2012/03/jermaine-jones-disqualified-american-idol/1#.T2LJebSo8X4 |date=March 16, 2012 }}. Content.usatoday.com (March 14, 2012). Retrieved 2012-05-27. Footage of executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick confronting Jones was shown during what would have been his performance slot,[http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/03/14/american-idol-jermaine-jones-nigel-lythgoe-disqualified/ 'American Idol': Jermaine Jones disqualification captured on tape. What are the chances?!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315113920/http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/03/14/american-idol-jermaine-jones-nigel-lythgoe-disqualified/ |date=March 15, 2012 }}. Popwatch.ew.com (March 14, 2012). Retrieved 2012-05-27. and he was not replaced in the competition. Footage of his rehearsal singing "Somewhere Out There" and his statement was shown during what would have been his performance slot.
will.i.am served as a guest mentor this week. Contestants each performed one song from the year they were born, and are listed in the order they performed.
| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col"| Contestant
! scope="col"| Song ! scope="col"| Birth year ! scope="col"| Result |
|---|
| scope="row" | Phillip Phillips
| "Hard to Handle" | 1990 | style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe |
| scope="row" | Jessica Sanchez
| 1995 | style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe |
| scope="row" | Heejun Han
| 1989 | style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe |
| scope="row" | Elise Testone
| 1983 | bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three |
| scope="row" | DeAndre Brackensick
| "Endless Love" | 1994 | style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe |
| scope="row" | Shannon Magrane
| "One Sweet Day" | 1995 | bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated |
| scope="row" | Colton Dixon
| "Broken Heart" | 1991 | style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe |
| scope="row" | Erika Van Pelt
| "Heaven" | 1985 | bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three |
| scope="row" | Skylar Laine
| 1994 | style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe |
| scope="row" | Joshua Ledet
| 1992 | style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe |
| scope="row" | Hollie Cavanagh
| 1993 | style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe |
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Non-competition performance |
| scope="col" | Performers
! scope="col" | Song |
|---|
| scope="row" | Demi Lovato |
| scope="row" | Daughtry |
=Top 10 – Billy Joel=
P. Diddy served as a guest mentor this week. Each contestant performed one song from the Billy Joel discography, and are listed in the order they performed.
During the results show, the top 10 contestants performed "Happy Birthday to You" along with Joe Perry to celebrate the birthday of judge Steven Tyler.
| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col"| Contestant
! scope="col"| Billy Joel song ! scope="col"| Result |
|---|
| scope="row" | DeAndre Brackensick
| bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three |
| scope="row" | Erika Van Pelt
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated |
| scope="row" | Joshua Ledet
| "She's Got a Way" | bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Skylar Laine
| "Shameless" | bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Elise Testone
| "Vienna" | bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Phillip Phillips
| "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" | bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Hollie Cavanagh
| "Honesty" | bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Heejun Han
| "My Life" | bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three |
| scope="row" | Jessica Sanchez
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Colton Dixon
| "Piano Man" | bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Non-competition performance |
| scope="col" | Performers
! scope="col" | Song |
|---|
| scope="row" | Top 10 |
| scope="row" | Top 10 with Joe Perry |
| scope="row" | Lana Del Rey
| "Video Games" |
| scope="row" | Haley Reinhart
| "Free" |
=Top 9 – Personal idols=
Stevie Nicks served as a guest mentor this week. Contestants performed two songs each from their own personal idols: one solo and one trio with two fellow contestants. Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col"| Contestant
! scope="col"| Order ! scope="col"| Song ! scope="col"| Personal idol ! scope="col"| Result |
|---|
| scope="row" | Colton Dixon
| 1 | "Everything" | bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Skylar Laine
| 2 | "Gunpowder & Lead" | bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three |
| scope="row" | Heejun Han
| 4 | "A Song for You" | bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated |
| scope="row" | Hollie Cavanagh
| 5 | bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three |
| scope="row" | DeAndre Brackensick
| 6 | "Sometimes I Cry" | bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Jessica Sanchez
| 7 | "Sweet Dreams" | Beyoncé | bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Phillip Phillips
| 9 | "Still Rainin'" | bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Joshua Ledet
| 10 | "Without You" | bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Elise Testone
| 12 | "Whole Lotta Love" | bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| style="border-top:5px solid"
! scope="row" | Colton Dixon, | 3 | "Landslide" | rowspan="3" bgcolor="darkgray" | |
| scope="row" | DeAndre Brackensick, Heejun Han & Joshua Ledet | 8 | "The Lady in My Life" |
| scope="row" | Hollie Cavanagh, Skylar Laine & Jessica Sanchez | 11 | "Like a Prayer" | Madonna |
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Non-competition performance |
| scope="col" | Performers
! scope="col" | Song |
|---|
| scope="row" | Nicki Minaj
| "Starships" |
| scope="row" | Scotty McCreery
| "Water Tower Town" |
=Top 8 – Music from the 1980s=
Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal served as guest mentors this week. Each contestant performed two songs: one solo and one duet with a fellow contestant. Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col"| Contestant
! scope="col"| Order ! scope="col"| 1980s song ! scope="col"| Result |
|---|
| scope="row" | DeAndre Brackensick
| 1 | "I Like It" | bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated |
| scope="row" | Elise Testone
| 2 | "I Want to Know What Love Is" | bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three |
| scope="row" | Phillip Phillips
| 4 | "That's All" | bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Joshua Ledet
| 6 | "If You Don't Know Me by Now" | bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Jessica Sanchez
| 7 | "How Will I Know" | bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| scope="row" | Hollie Cavanagh
| 9 | "Flashdance... What a Feeling" | bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three |
| scope="row" | Colton Dixon
| 11 | "Time After Time" | style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe |
| scope="row" | Skylar Laine
| 12 | style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe |
| style="border-top:5px solid"
! scope="row" | Colton Dixon | 3 | rowspan="4" bgcolor="darkgray" | |
| scope="row" | DeAndre Brackensick & Hollie Cavanagh | 5 | "I'm So Excited" |
| scope="row" | Phillip Phillips & Elise Testone | 8 |
| scope="row" | Joshua Ledet & Jessica Sanchez | 10 |
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Non-competition performance |
| scope="col" | Performers
! scope="col" | Song |
|---|
| scope="row" | Jennifer Lopez, featuring Pitbull
| "Dance Again" |
| scope="row" | The Wanted
| "Glad You Came" |
| scope="row" | Kellie Pickler |
=Top 7 (April 12) – Music from the 2010s=
Akon served as a guest mentor this week. Each contestant performed two songs: one solo and either one duet with a fellow contestant or one trio with two fellow contestants. Contestants are listed in the order they performed. The judges chose to use their "judges' save" when Jessica Sanchez was announced as the performer to be eliminated. As a result, no one was eliminated this week.
| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col"| Contestant
! scope="col"| Order ! scope="col"| 2010s song ! scope="col"| Result |
|---|
| scope="row" | Skylar Laine
| 1 | "Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You" | style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe |
| scope="row" | Colton Dixon
| 2 | style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe |
| scope="row" | Jessica Sanchez
| 4 | "Stuttering" | bgcolor="B0E0E6" | Saved by the judges |
| scope="row" | Joshua Ledet
| 5 | "Runaway Baby" | bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three |
| scope="row" | Hollie Cavanagh
| 7 | "Fuckin' Perfect" | style="background:#FDFC8F" |Safe |
| scope="row" | Phillip Phillips
| 8 | style="background:#FDFC8F" |Safe |
| scope="row" | Elise Testone
| 10 | "You and I" | bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three |
| style="border-top:5px solid"
! scope="row" | Phillip Phillips | 3 | "Somebody That I Used to Know" | rowspan="3" bgcolor="darkgray" | |
| scope="row" | Colton Dixon & Skylar Laine | 6 |
| scope="row" | Hollie Cavanagh, Joshua Ledet & Jessica Sanchez | 9 |
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Non-competition performance |
| scope="col" | Performers
! scope="col" | Song |
|---|
| scope="row" | Top 7 |
| scope="row" | James Durbin |
| scope="row" | Jennifer Hudson & Ne-Yo
| "Think Like a Man" |
=Top 7 (April 19) – Music from now & then=
Each contestant performed two songs: one Billboard number one hit from the 21st century and one song from the classic soul era. Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col"| Contestant
! scope="col"| Order ! scope="col"| Song ! scope="col"| Result |
|---|
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Hollie Cavanagh
| 1 | rowspan="2" bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three |
| 8 |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Colton Dixon
| 2 | "Bad Romance" | rowspan="2" bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated |
| 9
| "September" |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Elise Testone
| 3 | "No One" | rowspan="2" bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three |
| 10
| "Let's Get It On" |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Phillip Phillips
| 4 | "U Got It Bad" | rowspan="2" style="background:#FDFC8F" |Safe |
| 11 |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Jessica Sanchez
| 5 | "Fallin'" | rowspan="2" style="background:#FDFC8F" |Safe |
| 12 |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Skylar Laine
| 6 | "Born This Way" | rowspan="2" style="background:#FDFC8F" |Safe |
| 13 |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Joshua Ledet
| 7 | "I Believe" | rowspan="2" style="background:#FDFC8F" |Safe |
| 14 |
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Non-competition performance |
| scope="col" | Performers
! scope="col" | Song |
|---|
| scope="row" | Top 7 |
| scope="row" | Kris Allen |
| scope="row" | LMFAO |
=Top 6 – Queen=
Each contestant performed two songs, one of which was from the Queen discography. Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col"| Contestant
! scope="col"| Order ! scope="col"| Song ! scope="col"| Result |
|---|
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Jessica Sanchez
| 1 | rowspan="2" style="background:#FDFC8F" |Safe |
| 7 |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Skylar Laine
| 2 | rowspan="2" bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three |
| 8 |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Joshua Ledet
| 3 | "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" | rowspan="2" style="background:#FDFC8F" |Safe |
| 9
| "Ready for Love" |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Elise Testone
| 4 | "I Want It All" | rowspan="2" bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated |
| 10
| "Bold as Love" |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Phillip Phillips
| 5 | rowspan="2" style="background:#FDFC8F" |Safe |
| 11
| "The Stone" |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Hollie Cavanagh
| 6 | "Save Me" | rowspan="2" bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom two |
| 12
| "The Climb" |
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Non-competition performance |
| scope="col" | Performers
! scope="col" | Song |
|---|
| scope="row" | Top 6 with Brian May & Roger Taylor | Queen medley: |
| scope="row" | Queen Extravaganza
| "Somebody to Love" |
| scope="row" | Stefano Langone
| "I'm on a Roll" |
| scope="row" | Katy Perry
| "Part of Me" |
=Top 5 – Music from the 1960s & British pop=
Steven Van Zandt served as a guest mentor this week. Each contestant performed two songs: one solo and either one duet with a fellow contestant or one trio with two fellow contestants. Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col"| Contestant
! scope="col"| Order ! scope="col"| Song ! scope="col"| Result |
|---|
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Hollie Cavanagh
| 1 | "River Deep – Mountain High" | rowspan="2" bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom two |
| 7
| "Bleeding Love" |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Phillip Phillips
| 2 | "The Letter" | rowspan="2" bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| 8 |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" |Skylar Laine
| 3 | rowspan="2" bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated |
| 10 |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" |Jessica Sanchez
| 5 |"Proud Mary" | rowspan="2" bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| 11 |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Joshua Ledet
| 6 | rowspan="2" bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| 12 |
| style="border-top:5px solid"
! scope="row" | Joshua Ledet & | 4 | "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" | bgcolor="darkgray" | |
| scope="row" | Hollie Cavanagh, Skylar Laine & Jessica Sanchez | 9 | "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" | bgcolor="darkgray" | |
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Non-competition performance |
| scope="col" | Performers
! scope="col" | Song |
|---|
| scope="row" | Coldplay
| "Paradise" |
| scope="row" | Carrie Underwood
| "Blown Away" |
| scope="row" | Coldplay |
=Top 4 – Music of California & songs the contestants wish they'd written=
Each contestant performed three songs: one solo, one duet with a fellow contestant, and one song with all four contestants. Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col"| Contestant
! scope="col"| Order ! scope="col"| Song ! scope="col"| Result |
|---|
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Phillip Phillips
| 1 | "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" | rowspan="2" bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| 8
| "Volcano" |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Hollie Cavanagh
| 2 | "Faithfully" | rowspan="2" bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated |
| 9 |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Joshua Ledet
| 3 | "You Raise Me Up" | rowspan="2" bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| 10 |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | Jessica Sanchez
| 4 | "Steal Away" | rowspan="2" bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| 11 |
| style="border-top:5px solid"
! scope="row" | Joshua Ledet & | 5 | "This Love" | rowspan="3" bgcolor="darkgray" | |
| scope="row" | Hollie Cavanagh & Jessica Sanchez | 6 | "Eternal Flame" |
| scope="row" | Hollie Cavanagh, Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips & Jessica Sanchez | 7 |
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Non-competition performance |
| scope="col" | Performers
! scope="col" | Song |
|---|
| scope="row" | Top 4 |
| scope="row" | David Cook |
| scope="row" | Jennifer Lopez
| "Dance Again" |
=Top 3=
Each contestant performed three songs: one chosen by one of the judges, one chosen by the contestant, and one chosen by mentor Jimmy Iovine. Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col"| Contestant
! scope="col"| Order ! scope="col"| Song ! scope="col"| Result |
|---|
| scope="row" rowspan="3" | Joshua Ledet
| 1 | "I'd Rather Go Blind"{{Efn|Song chosen by Randy Jackson.}} | rowspan="3" bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated |
| 4
| "Imagine" |
| 7
| "No More Drama"{{Efn|name=Iovine|Song chosen by Jimmy Iovine.}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="3" | Jessica Sanchez
| 2 | "My All"{{Efn|Song chosen by Jennifer Lopez.}} | rowspan="3" bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| 5 |
| 8
| "I'll Be There"{{Efn|name=Iovine}} |
| scope="row" rowspan="3" | Phillip Phillips
| 3 | "Beggin'"{{Efn|Song chosen by Steven Tyler.}} | rowspan="3" bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe |
| 6
| "Disease" |
| 9
| "We've Got Tonite"{{Efn|name=Iovine}} |
| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Non-competition performance ! scope="col" |Performers ! scope="col" |Song |
| scope="row" | Top 3 |
|---|
| scope="row" | Lisa Marie Presley |
| scope="row" | Adam Lambert |
{{notelist}}
=Top 2 – Finale=
Each contestant performed three songs, one of which was chosen by producer Simon Fuller, and are listed in the order they performed.
| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col"| Contestant
! scope="col"| Order ! scope="col" | Song ! scope="col"| Result |
|---|
| scope="row" rowspan="3" | Jessica Sanchez
| 1 | "I Have Nothing"{{Efn|name=Fuller|Song chosen by Simon Fuller.}} | rowspan="3" bgcolor="silver" | Runner-up |
| 3
|"The Prayer" |
| 5 |
| scope="row" rowspan="3" | Phillip Phillips
| 2 | "Stand by Me"{{Efn|name=Fuller}} | rowspan="3" bgcolor="gold" | Winner |
| 4 |
| 6
|"Home" |
{{notelist}}
{{notelist}}
Elimination chart
Color key:
{{columns-list|colwidth=20em|
{{legend|gold|Winner}}
{{legend|silver|Runner-up}}
{{legend|#FFEBCD|Did not perform}}
{{legend|#FDFC8F|Saved by the public}}
{{legend|#B0E0E6|Saved by the judges}}
{{legend|#e0f0ff|Bottom two or three}}
{{legend|#FFB694|Disqualified}}
{{legend|#FF91A4|Eliminated}}
}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:85%;"
|+ American Idol (season 11) - Eliminations ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Contestant ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | {{abbr|Pl.|Place}} ! colspan="2" scope="col" style="width:14%;" | Semifinals !Wild Card ! scope="col" style="width:6%;" | Top 13{{efn|The bottom men and the bottom women were announced this week. The one man and the one woman who received the fewest votes faced the judges, who had to decide which contestant would be saved and which would be eliminated.}} ! scope="col" style="width:7%;" | Top 11 ! scope="col" style="width:7%;" | Top 10 ! scope="col" style="width:7%;" | Top 9 ! scope="col" style="width:7%;" | Top 8 ! scope="col" colspan=2 style="width:6%;" | Top 7{{efn|Because the judges used their one "judges' save" to save Jessica Sanchez, the top 7 remained intact for another week.}} ! scope="col" style="width:7%;" | Top 6 ! scope="col" style="width:7%;" | Top 5 ! scope="col" style="width:7%;" | Top 4 ! scope="col" style="width:7%;" | Top 3 !Finale |
| 2/28
! 2/29 ! 3/1 ! 3/8 ! 3/15 ! 3/22 ! 3/29 ! 4/5 ! 4/12 ! 4/19 ! 4/26 ! 5/3 ! 5/10 ! 5/17 !5/23 |
|---|
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Phillip Phillips | 1 | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#FFEBCD;"| N/A | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | bgcolor="gold" | Winner |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Jessica Sanchez | 2 | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#B0E0E6;" |Saved | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | bgcolor="silver" | Runner-up |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Joshua Ledet | 3 | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom three | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom three | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FF91A4" |Eliminated | bgcolor="919191" | |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Hollie Cavanagh | 4 | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom three | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom three | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom three | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom two | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom two | style="background:#FF91A4" |Eliminated | colspan="2" style="background:#919191" | |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Skylar Laine | 5 | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom three | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom three | style="background:#FF91A4" |Eliminated | colspan="3" style="background:#919191" | |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Elise Testone | 6 | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#B0E0E6;" |Saved | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom three | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom three | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom three | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom three | style="background:#FF91A4" |Eliminated | colspan="4" style="background:#919191" | |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Colton Dixon | 7 | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FF91A4" |Eliminated | colspan="5" style="background:#919191" | |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | DeAndre Brackensick | 8 | style="background:#B0E0E6;" | Wild Card | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#B0E0E6;" |Saved | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom three | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FF91A4" |Eliminated | colspan="7" style="background:#919191" | |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Heejun Han | 9 | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom three | style="background:#FF91A4" |Eliminated | colspan="8" style="background:#919191" | |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Erika Van Pelt | 10 | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#B0E0E6;" | Wild Card | style="background:#B0E0E6;" | Saved | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom three | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom three | style="background:#FF91A4" |Eliminated | colspan="9" style="background:#919191" | |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Shannon Magrane | 11 | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#e0f0ff;" | Bottom two | style="background:#FF91A4" |Eliminated | colspan="10" rowspan="2" style="background:#919191" | |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Jermaine Jones | 12 | style="background:#FDFC8F;" | Safe | style="background:#FFEBCD;"|N/A | style="background:#FFEBCD;"|N/A |style="background:#e0f0ff"|Bottom two |style="background:#FFB694|Disqualified |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Jeremy Rosado | 13 | style="background:#B0E0E6;" | Wild Card | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | style="background:#B0E0E6;" |Saved |style="background:#FF91A4|Eliminated | colspan="11" style="background:#919191" | |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Reed Grimm | rowspan="12" bgcolor="919191" | | style="background:#B0E0E6;" | Wild Card | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A |rowspan=3 style="background:#FF91A4|Eliminated | colspan="12" rowspan="3" style="background:#919191" | |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Jen Hirsh |style="background:#FFEBCD;"|N/A | style="background:#B0E0E6;" | Wild Card |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Brielle Von Hugel |style="background:#FFEBCD;"|N/A | style="background:#B0E0E6;" | Wild Card |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Baylie Brown | style="background:#FFEBCD;" |N/A | rowspan="4" style="background:#FF91A4" |Eliminated | colspan="13" rowspan="4" style="background:#919191" | |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Hallie Day |style="background:#FFEBCD;"|N/A |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Haley Johnsen |style="background:#FFEBCD;"|N/A |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Chelsea Sorrell |style="background:#FFEBCD;"|N/A |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Adam Brock |rowspan=5 style="background:#FF91A4|Eliminated | colspan="14" rowspan="5" style="background:#919191" | |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Creighton Fraker |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Eben Franckewitz |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Chase Likens |
| style="height:40px"
! scope="row" | Aaron Marcellus |
{{notelist}}
Compilation album
American Idol Season 11 Duets and Trios Highlights, a compilation album by the top 6 finalists, was released on July 3, 2012. It consisted of the following songs:
{{tracklist
| headline =
| title1 = (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher
| note1 = Hollie Cavanagh, Skylar Laine & Jessica Sanchez
| length1 = 2:42
| title2 = I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)
| note2 = Joshua Ledet & Sanchez
| length2 = 2:40
| title3 = Stop Draggin' My Heart Around
| note3 = Phillip Phillips & Elise Testone
| length3 = 2:35
| title4 = This Love
| note4 = Ledet & Phillips
| length4 = 2:52
| title5 = Eternal Flame
| note5 = Cavanagh & Sanchez
| length5 = 2:33|
}}
Controversies
On March 14, finalist Jermaine Jones was disqualified for concealing arrests and outstanding warrants. Jones, however, denied that he had concealed his previous arrests and had admitted his arrests when he signed up for Idol.{{cite news |author=Kevin O'Donnell |title=Jermaine Jones: I Didn't Know I Broke American Idol's Rules |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20579187,00.html |work=People |date=March 16, 2012 |access-date=March 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316193114/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20579187,00.html |archive-date=March 16, 2012 |url-status=dead }} A police official where he was the target of two arrest warrants said that "the case wasn't big enough to merit going after him in California," and a New Jersey legislator commented that for the show "to expose, embarrass and interrogate a young man without an attorney in front of 40 million viewers was an outrage."{{cite news |author=Beth DeFalco |title=Cops: Wasn't worth chasing 'Idol' on small charges |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Cops-Wasn-t-worth-chasing-Idol-on-small-charges-3409991.php |agency=Associated Press |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=March 15, 2012 }} Critics suggested that the show may have staged the disqualification to boost ratings.{{cite news |author=Shirley Halperin |title='American Idol': Did Show Producers Plot the Jermaine Jones Scandal in Advance? (Opinion) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-jermaine-jones-disqualified-producers-300015 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=March 14, 2012 |access-date=March 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316201955/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-jermaine-jones-disqualified-producers-300015 |archive-date=March 16, 2012 |url-status=live }} When asked about speculations that producers had had prior knowledge of his criminal past and that the producers were simply out to exploit him on-air, Jones replied that "I haven't even taken my mind into that and why they did what they did, because then I'll drive myself crazy."{{cite news |title=Jermaine Jones speaks on 'Idol' exit |url=http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/16/jermaine-jones-speaks-on-idol-exit/ |work=The Marquee Blog |publisher=CNN |date=March 16, 2012 |access-date=March 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316195919/http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/16/jermaine-jones-speaks-on-idol-exit/ |archive-date=March 16, 2012 |url-status=dead }}
U.S. Nielsen ratings
The premiere was watched by 21.93 million viewers. While at the time it drew the second largest audience of any entertainment program in the television season, it was down 16 percent from the previous year's premiere, which was watched by 26.23 million viewers. After seven consecutive years as the most watched program on primetime television (eight years in the 18/49 demo), the eleventh season of American Idol came in second place to NBC Sunday Night Football in total viewers, as well as in the 18/49 demo.{{cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|title=Full 2011–2012 TV Season Series Rankings|url=https://deadline.com/2012/05/full-2011-2012-tv-season-series-rankings-277941/|access-date=May 25, 2012|date=May 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424020321/http://www.deadline.com/2012/05/full-2011-2012-tv-season-series-rankings/|archive-date=April 24, 2014|url-status=live}}
|}
- {{note|4|Note a}} This episode was shown on Sunday, January 22, 2012, after the NFC Championship Game, but was repeated on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 with ratings of 5.7/9 overall and 3.4/9 for the 18/49 demographic. Overall, the episode averaged 9.64 million viewers.{{cite web|last=Seidman|first=Robert|title=Tuesday Final Ratings: 'American Idol' Encore Adjusted Up; No Adjustments for '90210' or 'Remodeled'|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/01/25/tuesday-final-ratings-american-idol-encore-adjusted-up-no-adjustments-for-90210-or-remodeled/117629/|publisher=TV|access-date=2012-01-31|date=January 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807125534/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/01/25/tuesday-final-ratings-american-idol-encore-adjusted-up-no-adjustments-for-90210-or-remodeled/117629/|archive-date=August 7, 2012|url-status=dead}}
- {{note|5|Note b}}Episode was bumped out of primetime due to the NFC Championship Game going into overtime, therefore it was not included in the weekly rankings.{{cite web|last=Herbert|first=Steven|title=Fox wins with 'American Idol' and football|url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/million-337330-viewers-cbs.html|publisher=The Orange County Register|access-date=2012-02-10|date=January 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070147/http://www.ocregister.com/articles/million-337330-viewers-cbs.html|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}