The first up to audition is Tuan Nguyen, 20, Spring Valley, California, a cashier with hair out to here, who tells us his mother is half Vietnamese and half Caucasian. He's going to sing some Michael Jackson, then add some tap moves to the whole thing, and I can only imagine this robotic tap isn't going to go over well.

First up tonight was 20 year old Chelsea who is in a varsity choir. She was a cute little thing, with a horrible voice. As Randy Jackson covered his face, Simon Cowell said it sounded likes cats jumping off the Empire State building and her singing was the sound they made before they hit the ground. Kara DioGuardi and Paula Abdul said she is a pretty girl, but singing is not her thing.

Dean-Anthony Bradford, wearing a huge plaid coat, says he's a failed entrepreneur. He tells the judges he had a special event production company but "apparently the special events weren't too special." Randy calls his audition torture. Simon doesn't like his hair color, though Dean-Anthony claims it's natural and the carpet matches the drapes. Then he starts to take off the coat and everyone freaks out.

The auditions continue on American Idol from Louisville, KY as the judges continue their quest to find the next singing superstar.As the judges get settled in 18 year old Tiffany shows up and kills A Hero Lies In You. She said if she doesn't do well she will go off to college…off to college she goes with her positive attitude.

12,000 hardy auditioners turned out in torrential rain in Jacksonville, Florida to sing for the chance to be on season 8 of American Idol.

Thousands of hopeful auditioners streamed into Salt Lake City for their chance to show us that they have the talent to be the next American Idol.

The final auditions take place as the judges head to New York City and then San Juan, PR. in search for the next American Idol.

The first round in Hollywood begins as the judges take a look at this seasons talent.

The second installment of the Hollywood performances continue.

The singing hopefuls continue their journey in Hollywood as they try for a spot in the Top 36.

Taylor Vaifanua sat in front of the judges and Randy Jackson welcomed her to American Idol season 8. Then American idol showed a quick list of the following female contestants who made it into the top 36. They were Jasmine Murray, Arianna Afsar, Casey Carlson, Megan Corkrey, Mishavonna Henson and Stevie Wright.

Ricky is singing a song by Leon Russell. He takes the stage in a burgundy suit jacket over a white shirt and jeans, and sings very impressively. Randy calls Ricky's performance the 'start' of season 8! Kara says it was amazing, Paula says she is proud that America gets to see how talented he is.....

Alexis Grace was called up next by Ryan Seacrest and the crowd cheered for her. She sang I Never Loved A Man last night and Simon Cowell had called her a dark horse of the competition. She was the first to make it through to the top 12. Alexis then was asked to sing the song from last night and rocked it..

Matt Giraud was the second performer tonight. He sang Viva La Vida. Kara DioGuardi said that she was blown away during Hollywood week, but tonight she wasn't blown away. The song he sang didn't show the best side of him. Paula Abdul said that the song was risky and she said that he went for it even though it may have been the wrong song.

The second set of 3 finalists are chosen, while nine more contestants are released.

The third group of 12 performers take the stage for a chance of being named one of the three who will be moving on to the next round.

Nathaniel and Kristen were asked to stand after Scott sang. Ryan told them both that neither of them were in the top 12. Felicia and Von were also asked to stand and neither of them made it through either. Junot and Jorge also stood up and Ryan Seacrest told the guys that one of them was through to the top 12 and it was Jorge!

3 More contestants chosen in Wildcard Round to complete the Top 12

First American Idol performer, Lil Rounds, is from Memphis Tennesee and is a mother of three. Her family once wound up living in a motel after a tornado ruined their home. Lil is singing The Way You Make Me Feel! She is wearing a soft pink bustier with one flounced sleeve, and white pants. She belts out the tune with attitude that raises cheers from the crowd.

Two of the 13 finalists are voted off the show.

The remaining 11 singers compete.

The Top 11 contestants find out who is safe and who will be sent home during the results show.Ryan Seacrest now says it's time to pull out the bottom three. He calls Danny Gokey - who is safe, Lil Rounds - who is also safe, and Anoop Desai - who also gets the nod - he too will be joining the American Idol summer tour! Allison Iraheta and Michael Sarver are asked to stand up next.

The third showcase features songs from the Motown song library. Motown legends Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy make an appearance.

Smokey Robinson and Ruben Studdard perform live before one more contestant is eliminated.

episode 25 of season 8..The American Idol finalists take the stage to perform live for the nation. The contestant will sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America's vote and surviving another week in the competition. Tuned in to see who impresses the judges and who buckles under the pressure....

The nine remaining finalist will see one more voted off. Also, a performance by season 7 winner David Cook and Lady GaGa.

This week's performance showcases feature songs from the year each performer was born for the eight remaining singers.

Former season five contestant Kellie Pickler comes back to perform before one more singer is eliminated.

The remaining seven performers take the stage to sing songs from the cinema. Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino acts as the guest mentor.

It's the end of a dream for one of the remaining seven contestants as another singer is eliminated. Season 3 finalist Jennifer Hudson and Miley Cyrus each perform.

The seven remaining singers will be challenged with a disco tune theme.

This episode will end with 2 contestants being eliminated. Performances from disco week include Harry Casey, Thelma Houston and Freda Payne singing a medley of the genres gems. Also, season 7 runner up David Archuleta stops by to sing a song.

This week's performances will come from the songbook of the Rat Pack, the 1960's cool crooners who also went by the names of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr.

Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks returns to the stage for a performance before one more contestant is released.

Guest mentor Slash, (Guns 'n Roses, Velvet Revolver) help the remaining four singers with their rock songs for this week's performance.

The votes are in and 1 more of the remaining 4 singers are dismissed from the series. Also included are performances from No Doubt and Daughtry.

The series 300th episode finds the Top 3 singers performing two songs apiece in the performance edition.

Tonight will reveal the final two contestants after one more singer is eliminated. Songstress Katy Perry and season six winner Jordin Sparks make an appearance.

Presented live from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, the final performances from the Top 2 contestants in their last competition.

The season 8 finale live from Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, features a reunion of the Top 13 finalists before naming this season’s winner.