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{{Use American English|date=December 2022}}
{{infobox television |
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2019}}
| show_name = American Idol (Season 7) | image = ]
{{Infobox television season
| caption =
| bgcolor = #64BADE
| format = ] ] singing competition
| image = American_Idol_logo.png
| runtime = Varies
| module1 = {{Infobox reality competition season
| creator = ]
| host = ]
| executive_producer = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]
| judges = <!-- NOTE TO EDITORS: Please do not change the judges around as they should go in surname alphabetically--> ]<br />]<br />]
| director = ]
| finals_venue = ]
| starring = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]
| winner = ]
| country = ]
| runner_up = ]
| filmed =
}}
| network = ]
| first_aired = ], ] | last_aired = ], ] | first_aired = {{start date|2008|01|15}}
| last_aired = {{end date|2008|05|21}}
| num_episodes = ]
| network = ]
| website = http://www.americanidol.com
| imdb_id = 0319931
| tv_com_id = 11307
}} }}


The '''seventh season''' of ''''']''''', the annual reality show and singing competition, began on ], ] and concluded on ], ]. ] continued to host the show with ], ] and ] returning as judges. ] was announced the winner of the competition on ], ], defeating runner-up ] by a margin of roughly 12 million votes out of over 97 million, the highest recorded total in the show's history. The split was 56 percent to 44 percent. The seventh season of '']'' began on January 15, 2008, and concluded on May 21, 2008. ] continued to host the show, while ], ], and ] returned as judges. ] was announced as the winner on May 21, 2008, defeating runner-up ] by a margin of roughly 12 million votes out of over 97 million, which was at that time the highest recorded vote total in the show's history.


== Changes from previous seasons ==
This is the first season in which neither the winner nor the runner-up, ], were ever in the bottom two or bottom three during any of the previous weeks. It is also the first time the winner did not sing his or her first single during the performance show -- David Cook's "]" was first performed at the end of the finale.
Prior to the start of the seventh season, executive producer ] admitted that the sixth season had placed more focus on the guest mentors than the contestants.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stransky |first=Tanner |url=https://ew.com/article/2007/07/25/idol-producer-we-made-mistakes/ |title=''Idol'' producer: ''We made mistakes'' {{pipe}} American Idol {{pipe}} TCA Press Tour {{pipe}} TV {{pipe}} Entertainment Weekly |publisher=Ew.com |date=July 25, 2007 |access-date=August 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100227184858/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20047678,00.html |archive-date=February 27, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> Changes were planned for the seventh season designed to return attention to the contestants by providing more information on their backgrounds and families.


In a major change for the seventh season, contestants were allowed to play musical instruments,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wyatt |first=Edward |title=The Return of 'Idol,' Confident in Season 7 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/arts/television/14idol.html |date=January 14, 2008 |access-date=December 24, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416211243/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/arts/television/14idol.html |archive-date=April 16, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> an element that originated on '']''. A brand new set was built, and a new introduction credit sequence was created. The season finale also moved from the ] to the larger ] in Los Angeles, which would be the venue for the live series finale for the next six years.
==Changes from past seasons==
The show made some changes for the seventh season, including: allowing contestants to play musical instruments,<ref name=newyorkpost>{{cite news |url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/11052007/tv/idol_shake_up_544501.htm |title = 'American Idol' Shake Up |first=Michael |last=Starr |work=New York Post |date=2007-11-05 }}</ref> an element that originated on '']'' and can also be seen on Norway's '']'' and '']''; building a brand new set; and creating a new introduction credit sequence. There would also be fewer celebrity mentors so that the producers could focus more on the contestants. The season finale also moved from the ] to the larger ] in Los Angeles.


== Regional auditions ==
==Early process==
For the seventh season, auditions began in San Diego, California, on July 30, 2007, and continued in these cities:<ref name="gmc">{{cite web|url=http://music.moldova.org/stiri/eng/54324/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512104914/http://music.moldova.org/stiri/eng/54324/ |archive-date=May 12, 2008 |title=Moldova.org – Music – News – "American Idol" season 7 Auditions begin July&nbsp;30 in San Diego |access-date=August 25, 2010}}</ref>
===Regional auditions===


{|class="wikitable sortable" style=" text-align:center"
For Season 7, auditions were held in the following cities:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=930 |title=Season 7 Auditions Begin July 30 in San Diego |work=American Idol Official Site |publisher=FOX |date=2007-06-25 }}</ref>
|+''American Idol'' (season 7) – regional auditions
! scope="col" | City
! scope="col" | Preliminary date
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Preliminary venue
! scope="col" | Filming date(s)
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Filming venue
! scope="col" | Golden tickets
|-
! scope="row" | ]<ref>{{cite news |last=Wilkens |first=John |date=July 30, 2007 |title=Thousands audition in S.D. for 'American Idol' |work=Union-Tribune |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20070730-1859-bn30idol.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227102025/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20070730-1859-bn30idol.html |archive-date=December 27, 2008}}</ref>
| July 30, 2007
| ]
| September 12–13, 2007
| Rancho Bernardo Inn<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stars pass judgment during tryouts at hotel |url=http://legacy.signonsandiego.com/news/features/20070912-9999-bn12idol.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921121239/http://legacy.signonsandiego.com/news/features/20070912-9999-bn12idol.html |archive-date=September 21, 2012 |access-date=September 7, 2011}}</ref>
| 31
|-
! scope="row" | ]<ref>{{cite news |date=August 6, 2007 |title=Singers swarm Dallas for 'Idol' auditions |publisher=Today.com |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/singers-swarm-dallas-idol-auditions-wbna20151317}}</ref>
| August 6, 2007
| ]
| September 20–23, 2007
| W Hotel Dallas Victory<ref>{{Cite web |title='American Idol' auditions continue at W Hotel |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spe/2007/idol/stories/0920glidolpackage.f19a09c9.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110901103342/http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spe/2007/idol/stories/0920glidolpackage.f19a09c9.html |archive-date=September 1, 2011 |access-date=September 7, 2011}}</ref>
| 24
|-
! scope="row" | ]<ref>{{cite news |last=Stickney |first=Dane |author2=Proskocil, Niz |date=August 9, 2007 |title='Idol' audition crowd thins out in the afternoon |work=Omaha World Herald |url=http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2620&u_sid=10103018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629201959/http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2620&u_sid=10103018 |archive-date=June 29, 2012}}</ref>
| August 10, 2007
| ]
| October 5–6, 2007
| Qwest Convention Center<ref>{{cite news |date=October 4, 2007 |title='American Idol' camera crews hitting Omaha streets today |newspaper=Omaha World-Herald |url=http://omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2620&u_sid=10149534 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071011081746/http://omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2620&u_sid=10149534 |archive-date=October 11, 2007}}</ref>
| 19
|-
! scope="row" | ]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disqualified Brittenum twins return for 'American Idol 7' auditi |url=http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/disqualified-brittenum-twins-return-for-american-idol-7-auditions-5681.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907043239/http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/disqualified-brittenum-twins-return-for-american-idol-7-auditions-5681.php |archive-date=September 7, 2011 |access-date=January 18, 2011}}</ref>
| August 14, 2007
| ]
| October 8–10, 2007
| ]<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 12, 2007 |title=American Idol- Back in Atlanta |url=http://castinginatl.blogspot.com/2007/10/american-idol-back-in-atlanta.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402073645/http://castinginatl.blogspot.com/2007/10/american-idol-back-in-atlanta.html |archive-date=April 2, 2012 |access-date=September 7, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=American Idol takes center stage at GICC |url=http://www.gicc.com/newsletters/FC_Winter08-3.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402073642/http://www.gicc.com/newsletters/FC_Winter08-3.pdf |archive-date=April 2, 2012 |access-date=September 7, 2011}}</ref>
| 21
|-
! scope="row" | ]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://all-access-95sx.xanga.com/600270719/american-idol-auditions---charleston-sc/ |title=American Idol Auditions – Charleston, SC |access-date=January 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718125007/http://all-access-95sx.xanga.com/600270719/american-idol-auditions---charleston-sc/ |archive-date=July 18, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| August 18, 2007
| ]
| September 6–7, 2007
| Charleston Area Convention Center<ref></ref>
| 23
|-
! scope="row" | ]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2007/08/not_what_theyre_looking_for_am.php |title=Not What They're Looking For – American Idol Tryouts |access-date=January 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615000641/http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2007/08/not_what_theyre_looking_for_am.php |archive-date=June 15, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| August 22, 2007
| ]
| September 29–30, 2007
| JW Marriott Hotel<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://blogs.herald.com/scene_in_the_tropics/2007/09/dave-grohl-at-s.html |title=Making Miami Their Own |access-date=September 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080601063543/http://blogs.herald.com/scene_in_the_tropics/2007/09/dave-grohl-at-s.html |archive-date=June 1, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 17
|-
! scope="row" | ]<ref>{{Cite web |title='American Idol' to hold auditions in Philly |url=http://articles.philly.com/2007-06-25/news/24994741_1_auditions-wristbands-wachovia-center |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304092404/http://articles.philly.com/2007-06-25/news/24994741_1_auditions-wristbands-wachovia-center |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=January 18, 2011}}</ref>
| August 27, 2007
| ]
| September 1–2, 2007
| Hyatt Regency<ref>{{cite web |date=September 1, 2007 |title=Philly fails to wow 'Idol' judges |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/09022007_american_idol_audtions_cowell.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119125213/http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/09022007_american_idol_audtions_cowell.html |archive-date=January 19, 2008 |access-date=September 13, 2011 |publisher=Philly.com}}</ref>
| 29
|- style="background:#FAF6F6;"
! colspan="5" | Total number of tickets to Hollywood
! 164
|}


Contestants were required to be between the ages of 16 and 28 on July 28, 2007, and eligible to work in the United States. Those ineligible included former contestants who had previously reached the semifinals of the first through third seasons, or the last phase of the Hollywood round of the fourth through sixth seasons, those holding recording or management contracts, or those who were not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left:1em; border:3px solid deepskyblue;width:30%; " align="right"

!bgcolor="deepskyblue" colspan="3" align="center" style="border-bottom:3px solid"|American Idol Season 7 Winner
== Hollywood week ==
The Hollywood week took place at the ] in ], over a period of five days. A total of 164 contestants were invited from the seven audition cities. This year, the process was altered slightly to ensure that no talent would be prematurely dismissed, and there are no group performances. The contestants performed at least two songs during this round.

The first round of individual performances lasted two days. For the first time ever, contestants had the option of either being accompanied by the band or playing an instrument themselves, such as a keyboard, guitar, or drums. If the judges approved of the contestants' performances, they received a "free pass," exempting them from having to perform in the second round. Unlike previous seasons, contestants whose performances were not considered good enough were afforded a second chance rather than immediate elimination. They lined up on stage in groups of ten and each sang a short segment of a song '']''. After each group had performed, the judges eliminated about 100 contestants.

In the final round, the remaining contestants individually performed a song chosen from a provided list of songs, accompanied by the band and three backup singers. After each performance, the judges decided the contestant's fate; 50 contestants emerged after this round ended. The judges then deliberated further on who should be in the top 24, and their decision was revealed the next day.

One of the more prominent contestants during the Hollywood week was ], whose unhappiness with the backing band resulted in him dismissing the band. He was ultimately eliminated. Another piece of drama involved contestant Kyle Ensley, when ] voiced strong objection over him not being selected for the semifinals. His non-selection was later revealed to have resulted in serious rift between Cowell and the show producer Nigel Lythgoe.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://realitytvmagazine.sheknows.com/2011/01/15/american-idol-journalist-richard-rushfield-pens-idol-tell-all-book/ |title=American Idol: Journalist Richard Rushfield Pens "Idol" Tell-All Book |access-date=February 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124020437/http://realitytvmagazine.sheknows.com/2011/01/15/american-idol-journalist-richard-rushfield-pens-idol-tell-all-book/ |archive-date=January 24, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Semifinals ==
The live show portion of the semifinals began on February 19, 2008. Similar to the previous three seasons, the women and men performed on separate shows, and then on the result shows, the bottom two contestants from each group were eliminated from the competition. The semifinals took place over three weeks, resulting in six males and six females being eliminated, leaving the other six to form the top 12. The men performed on the first night, and the ladies the next night.

'''Color key:'''
{| class="toccolours" style="font-size: 85%; white-space: nowrap;"
| {{legend|#fdfc8f|This contestant was safe.}}
|- |-
| {{legend|#FF91A4|This contestant was eliminated.}}
|colspan="3" align="center"| ] <br>
|}

=== Top 24 – Music from the 1960s ===
Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
{|
|valign="top"|
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+Top 24 - male contestants (February 19)
! scope="col" | Contestant
! scope="col" | Song
! scope="col" | Result
|- |-
! scope="row" | ]
!bgcolor="deepskyblue" colspan="3"|
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|- |-
! scope="row" | ]
|'''Birthname'''||colspan="2"|David Roland Cook
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|- |-
! scope="row" | ]
|'''Genres'''||colspan="2"|], ]/], ]
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|- |-
! scope="row" | Jason Yeager
|'''Successor'''||colspan="2"|Incumbent
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|- |-
! scope="row" | Robbie Carrico
|'''Predecessor'''||colspan="2"|]
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|- |-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Luke Menard
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Colton Berry
| "]"
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|-
! scope="row" | Garrett Haley
| "]"
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|}
|valign="top"|
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+Top 24 - female contestants (February 20)
! scope="col" | Contestant
! scope="col" | Song
! scope="col" | Result
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|-
! scope="row" | Alaina Whitaker
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Amy Davis
| "]"
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Alexandréa Lushington
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Kady Malloy
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|}
|}
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Non-competition performance
! scope="col" |Performers
! scope="col" |Song
|-
! scope="row" |Top 24
| 1960s medley:<br>"]"<br>"]"<br>"]"<br>"]"
|-
! scope="row" | ] &<br>]
| "]"
|} |}


=== Top 20 – Music from the 1970s ===
*]: ] - ] & ] <ref>{{cite news |title=Thousands audition in S.D. for 'American Idol' |first=John |last=Wilkens |date=2007-0730 |work=Union-Tribune |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20070730-1859-bn30idol.html }}</ref>
Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
*]: ] - ] & ] <ref>{{cite news |title=Singers swarm Dallas for ‘Idol’ auditions |work=Associated Press |publisher=MSNBC |date=2007-08-06 |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20151317/ }}</ref>
{|
*]: ] - ] & ] <ref>{{cite news |title='Idol' audition crowd thins out in the afternoon |first=Dane |last=Stickney |coauthors=Proskocil, Niz |work=Omaha World Herald |date=2007-08-09 |url=http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2620&u_sid=10103018 }}</ref>
|valign="top"|
*]: ] - ] & ]<ref>{{Dead link|date=February 2008}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
*]: ] - ] & ]<ref>{{Dead link|date=February 2008}}</ref>
|+Top 20 - male contestants (February 26)
*]: ] - ] & ]
! scope="col" | Contestant
*]: ] - ] & ]
! scope="col" | Song
! scope="col" | Result
|-
! scope="row" | Michael Johns
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Jason Castro
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Luke Menard
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Robbie Carrico
| "]"
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|-
! scope="row" | Danny Noriega
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | David Hernandez
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Jason Yeager
| "]"
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|-
! scope="row" | Chikezie
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | David Cook
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | David Archuleta
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|}
|valign="top"|
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+Top 20 - female contestants (February 27)
! scope="col" | Contestant
! scope="col" | Song
! scope="col" | Result
|-
! scope="row" | Carly Smithson
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Syesha Mercado
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Brooke White
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Ramiele Malubay
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Kristy Lee Cook
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Amanda Overmyer
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Alaina Whitaker
| "]"
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|-
! scope="row" | Alexandréa Lushington
| "]"
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|-
! scope="row" | Kady Malloy
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Asia'h Epperson
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|}
|}
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Non-competition performance
! scope="col" |Performers
! scope="col" |Song
|-
! scope="row" | Top 20
| 1970s medley:<br>"]"<br>"]"<br>"]"<br>"]"
|}


=== Top 16 – Music from the 1980s ===
Contestants were required to be between the ages of 16 and 28 on ], ], and eligible to work in the United States. Those ineligible include former contestants who reached the top 40 of past seasons, those holding recording or management contracts, or those who are not US citizens or landed immigrants (i.e. permanent residents).
Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
{|
|valign="top"|
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+Top 16 - male contestants (March 4)
! scope="col" | Contestant
! scope="col" | Song
! scope="col" | Result
|-
! scope="row" | Luke Menard
| "]"
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|-
! scope="row" | David Archuleta
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Danny Noriega
| "]"
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|-
! scope="row" | David Hernandez
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Michael Johns
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | David Cook
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Jason Castro
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Chikezie
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|}
|valign="top"|
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; line-height:20px;"
|+Top 16 - female contestants (March 5)
! scope="col" | Contestant
! scope="col" | Song
! scope="col" | Result
|-
! scope="row" | Asia'h Epperson
| "]"
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|-
! scope="row" | Kady Malloy
| "]"
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|-
! scope="row" | Amanda Overmyer
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Carly Smithson
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Kristy Lee Cook
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Ramiele Malubay
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Brooke White
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Syesha Mercado
| "]"
| bgcolor="FDFC8F" | Safe
|}
|}
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Non-competition performance
! scope="col" |Performers
! scope="col" |Song
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
|}


== Top 12 finalists ==
===Hollywood phase===
{{multiple image
| align = center
| direction = horizontal
| total_width = 750
| footer = From left to right: ], ], ], ], ], and ]
| footer_align = center
| image1 = DavidCookNOLA.jpg
| image2 = David Archuleta in parade.jpg
| image3 = Syesha Mercado.jpg
| image4 = JasonCastro.jpg
| image5 = Brooke White.jpg
| image6 = Carly Smithson in parade.jpg
}}
{{multiple image
| align = center
| direction = horizontal
| total_width = 750
| footer = From left to right: ], ], ], ], ], and ]
| footer_align = center
| image1 = Kristy Lee Cook.jpg
| image2 = Michael Johns 2.jpg
| image3 = RamieleMalubay.jpg
| image4 = ChikezieEze.jpg
| image5 = AmandaOvermyer.jpg
| image6 = DavidHernandez.jpg
}}


*''']''' (born December 20, 1982, in ]; 24 years old at the time of the show) was a native of ], who auditioned in Omaha with ]'s "]." His Hollywood performance of ]'s "]" did not impress Simon Cowell, but his second performance, ]'s "]," did.
As in years past, the Hollywood round took place at the ] in ] over a period of four days. A total of 164 contestants were invited from the seven audition cities. This year the process was altered slightly to ensure that no talent would be prematurely dismissed.
*''']''' (born December 28, 1990, in ], ]; 16 years old at the time of the show) was from ], and auditioned in San Diego with ]'s "]." He impressed the judges with his performance of ]'s "]" and ]'s "]" in Hollywood.
*''']''' (born January 2, 1987, in ]; 21 years old at the time of the show) was from ], and auditioned in Miami with ]'s "]." In Hollywood, she became ill and almost lost her voice. In preparation for her final Hollywood performance with Aretha Franklin's "]," she went on voice rest and wrote down everything she had to say on a pad of paper.
*''']''' (born March 25, 1987; 20 years old at the time of the show) was from ], and auditioned in Dallas with ]'s ] and ]'s "Crazy."
*''']''' (born June 2, 1983, in ]; 24 years old at the time of the show) was from ], and auditioned in Philadelphia with ]'s "]." She performed ]'s "Beautiful" in Hollywood.
*''']''' (born as Carly Hennessy on September 12, 1983, in ]; 24 years old at the time of the show) was a professional singer from ]. She had originally auditioned in ] during the show's ], but was dropped from the show due to a problem with her ]. She auditioned in San Diego with ]'s "]," and performed ]'s "]" and ]'s "]" in Hollywood.
*''']''' (born January 18, 1984; 24 years old at the time of the show) was from ], and auditioned in Philadelphia, where she sang "]," a song she also performed in Hollywood.
*''']''' (born as Michael Lee on October 20, 1978, in ]; 29 years old at the time of the show) auditioned in San Diego with ]'s "]." In Hollywood, he performed ]' "]," but it was his performance of ]s "]" that was one of the highlights.
*''']''' (born September 6, 1987, in Saudi Arabia;<ref>{{cite news |title='American Idol' cuts final four semifinalists, reveals Top 12 finalists |last=Rocchio |work=Reality TV World |date=March 8, 2008 |url=http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/american-idol-cuts-final-four-semifinalists-reveals-top-12-finalists-6673.php |access-date=March 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706144436/http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/american-idol-cuts-final-four-semifinalists-reveals-top-12-finalists-6673.php |archive-date=July 6, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> 20 years old at the time of the show) was from ], and auditioned in Miami with Aretha Franklin's "]." She performed Aretha Franklin's "]" and ]'s "]" in Hollywood.
*''']''' (born as Chikezie Eze on September 11, 1985, in ]; 22 years old at the time of the show) auditioned in San Diego with ]' "]." He had previously auditioned during the show's ], and made it to Hollywood, but was cut before the top 44.
*''']''' (born October 26, 1984; 23 years old at the time of the show) was from ], and auditioned in Atlanta with ]'s "Turtle Blues" and ]'s "]." She performed ]' "]" in Hollywood.
*''']''' (born May 31, 1983, in ]; 24 years old at the time of the show) was from ], and auditioned with ]' "]." He performed ]'s "]" in Hollywood.


== Finals ==
On the first day, all of the contestants took the stage individually and sang for the judges. For the first time ever, contestants had the option of either being accompanied by the band or playing an instrument themselves. Some were shown playing the keyboard, guitar, or even the drums. If the judges approved of the contestant's performance, they received a "free pass" to the third day of auditions. Unlike previous seasons, contestants whose performances were not considered good enough were given a second chance on day two. They were required to line up on stage in small groups and sing a short segment of a song '']''. After each group had finished, the judges cut those they felt were not talented enough. Those who were not cut joined the recipients of the free passes on day three of the Hollywood round. Each of these remaining contestants sang with the band, as well as three backup singers, a setup similar to the one used in the semifinals and finals. This replaced the group performances required in past seasons. After each performance, the judges decided whether or not to cut the contestant. By the end of the day, only 50 contestants were remaining. The judges then deliberated on who would be in the Top 24 and their decision was revealed at the end of the process.
There were eleven weeks of finals with twelve contestants competing. One contestant was eliminated every week based on the public's votes.


'''Color key:'''
==Semi-finalists==
{| class="toccolours" style="font-size: 90%; white-space: nowrap;"
===Male semi-finalists===
{| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="4" style="margin:0 1em 1em 0; text-align:left;"
|- |-
| {{legend|#FDFC8F|This contestant was saved by America's vote.}}
|valign="top"|]
'''Daniel 'Danny' Anthony Noriega''' (born ], ] in ]) is an 18-year-old who auditioned in San Diego. He sang "Proud Mary". He previously auditioned for ''Idol'' in ] and made it to Hollywood week, but was cut in the first round. His elimination song was "Best Days" by Graham Colton. Shortly following his elimination, Noriega received an offer from Rosie O' Donnell to perform on her cruise.<ref>{{cite news |last=Riley |first=Heather |title=American Idol Reject Danny Noriega Goes Cruising With Rosie O'Donnell |date=2008-03-17
|url=http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272619511.shtml |work=National Ledger }}</ref>
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
|- |-
| {{legend|#E0F0FF|This contestant was in the bottom two or three, but was saved by America's vote.}}
|valign="top"|'''Luke Menard''' (born ], ] in ]) is a 29-year-old who auditioned in ] with ] by ]. In Hollywood, he sang "]" by ] and "]" by ]. Previously, he auditioned for the sixth season in ] and sang "]" which did not make it to Hollywood. Prior to Season 7 of Idol, he was a member of the ] group ] and has toured with them for the past 6 years, as well as appearing on their albums and DVD. Menard was recently diagnosed with ].<ref></ref> It is treatable.
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
|- |-
| {{legend|#FF91A4|This contestant was eliminated.}}
|valign="top"|'''Robert "Robbie" Carrico''' (born ], ] in ]) is a 26-year-old from ] who auditioned for the show in Miami. His professional singing career prior to ''American Idol'' includes being a member of the pop group ], which opened for ] during her "]" tour in 1999.<ref name="mtv">{{cite news |title=Britney Spears' Ex-Boyfriend: The Next American Idol? |work=MTV |first=Jim |last=Cantiello |date=2008-01-31 |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1580745/20080131/spears_britney.jhtml }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Melbourne man makes cut on 'Idol' |first=Breuse |last=Hickman |work=Florida Today |date=2008-02-14 |url=http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080214/NEWS01/802140345/1006 }}</ref><ref name="Columbus Dispatch" /> The band's song "Messed Around" was written and produced by ] from ].<ref name="mtv" /> It was revealed that he also dated Britney Spears briefly around that time.
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
|- |-
| {{legend|gold|This contestant won ''American Idol''.}}
|valign="top"|'''Jason Yeager''' (born ], ]) is a 28-year-old from ] who auditioned in Dallas. He appeared and was a finalist on the first season of '']'', the ] reality show that led to the formation of boy band ].
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
|- |-
| {{legend|silver|This contestant was the runner-up.}}
|valign="top"|'''Colton Berry''' (born ], ]) is an 18-year-old from ] who auditioned in Charleston.
|}
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''

=== Top 12 – Lennon–McCartney ===
Contestants performed one song each from the ], and are listed in the order they performed.
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|- |-
! scope="col"| Contestant
|valign="top"|'''Garrett Haley''' (born ], ]) is a 17-year-old from ],<ref>{{cite news |title='American Idol' Castoffs Speak: Garrett Isn't Worried About Being Pale, Colton Tells Ellen To Give Him A Call |first=Katie |last=Byrne |work=MTV |publisher=MTV Networks |date=2008-02-22 |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1582171/20080222/id_0.jhtml }}</ref> who auditioned in ].
! scope="col"| ] song
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
! scope="col"| Result
|- |-
! scope="row" | Syesha Mercado
| "]"
| bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three
|-
! scope="row" | Chikezie
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Ramiele Malubay
|"]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Jason Castro
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Carly Smithson
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | David Cook
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Brooke White
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | David Hernandez
| "]"
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|-
! scope="row" | Amanda Overmyer
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Michael Johns
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Kristy Lee Cook
| "]"
| bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom two
|-
! scope="row" | David Archuleta
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Non-competition performance
|-
! Performers
! Song
|-
! scope="row" | Top 12
|] medley:<br>"]"<br>"]"<br>"]"<br>"]"
|-
! scope="row" | ]<br>& ]
| "]"
|} |}


=== Top 11 – The Beatles ===
===Female semi-finalists===
Contestants performed one song each from ], and are listed in the order they performed.
{{Cleanup-section|date=June 2008}}
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col"| Contestant
! scope="col"| ] song
! scope="col"| Result
|-
! scope="row" | Amanda Overmyer
| "]"
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|-
! scope="row" | Kristy Lee Cook
| "]"
| bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom two
|-
! scope="row" | David Archuleta
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Michael Johns
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Brooke White
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | David Cook
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Carly Smithson
| "]"
| bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three
|-
! scope="row" | Jason Castro
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Syesha Mercado
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Chikezie
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Ramiele Malubay
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Non-competition performance
|-
! Performers
! Song
|-
! scope="row" | Top 11
| ] medley:<br>"]"<br>"]"<br>"]"<br>"]"
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
|}


=== Top 10 – Contestants' birth year ===
{| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="4" style="margin:0 1em 1em 0; text-align:left;" |valign="top"
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
|valign="top"|'''Asia'h Epperson''' (born ], ]) is a 20-year-old (19 at the time of that show) from ] who auditioned in Atlanta singing "]." Two days before the auditions, her father died in a car accident. Her elimination song was "Hollywood's Not America" by Ferras. She currently has a few songs of her own on her MySpace page, including a cover of "]".
! scope="col"| Song
#"]" (])
! scope="col"| Birth year
#"]" (])
! scope="col"| Result
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
|- |-
! scope="row" | Ramiele Malubay
|valign="top"|'''Kady Malloy''' (born ], ]) is a {{age|1989|5|9}}-year old (18 at the time of that show) from ] who auditioned in Dallas. She became known on the show for her impersonation of ] and can also impersonate several other artists. Malloy is trained in ] singing. Her elimination song was "]" by ]. She has released several songs to her MySpace and shot a video for a cover of "]" with Colton Berry. Simon's comment after her audition was: "Out of all of the people we have seen during this season you are the best."
| "]"
#"]" (])
| 1987
#"]" (]) - ''Bottom 3 ], ]''
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
|- |-
! scope="row" | Jason Castro
|valign="top"|'''Alaina Whitaker''' (born ], ]) is a 17-year-old contestant from ], who auditioned in Dallas. She is a member of the group "Whitaker Malloy" along with her sister Brittney, and Kady Malloy
| "]"
#"]" (])
| 1987
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
| bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three
|- |-
! scope="row" | Syesha Mercado
|valign="top"|'''Alexandréa Lushington''' (born ], ]) is a 17-year-old from ] who auditioned in Atlanta. In 2004, she sang against fellow ''Idol'' semi-finalist David Archuleta on an episode of the television show '']''.<ref name="Columbus Dispatch" />
| "]"
#"]" (])
| 1987
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
| bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom two
|-
! scope="row" | Chikezie
| "]"
| 1985
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|- |-
! scope="row" | Brooke White
|valign="top"|''']''' (born ], ]) is a 26-year-old ] (25 at the time of that show) from ] who auditioned in Philadelphia. Before auditioning for ''Idol'', she appeared in and won '']''.
| "]"
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
| 1983
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Michael Johns
| "]" & "]"
| 1978
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Carly Smithson
| "]"
| 1983
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | David Archuleta
| "]"
| 1990
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Kristy Lee Cook
| "]"
| 1984
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | David Cook
| "]"
| 1982
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|}
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Non-competition performance
! scope="col" |Performers
! scope="col" |Song
|- |-
! scope="row" | Top 10
|valign="top"|'''Amy Davis''' (born ], ]) is a 25-year-old professional model from ]. She auditioned in Dallas.
| "]"
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
|- |-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
|} |}


=== Top 9 – Dolly Parton ===
===Semifinals weekly song themes===
] served as a guest mentor this week. Contestants performed one song each from ], and are listed in the order they performed.
<ul>
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
<li>'''Week 1''': 1960s
|-
<li>'''Week 2''': 1970s
! scope="col"| Contestant
<li>'''Week 3''': 1980s
! scope="col"| ] song
</ul>
! scope="col"| Result
|-
! scope="row" | Brooke White
| "]"
| bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three
|-
! scope="row" | David Cook
| "]"
| Style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Ramiele Malubay
| "]"
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|-
! scope="row" | Jason Castro
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Carly Smithson
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | David Archuleta
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Kristy Lee Cook
| "]"
| bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom two
|-
! scope="row" | Syesha Mercado
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Michael Johns
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|}
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Non-competition performance
! scope="col" |Performers
! scope="col" |Song
|-
! scope="row" | Top 9
|"]"
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "Jesus and Gravity"
|}


=== Top 8 – Inspirational music ===
==Top 12 finalists==
Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
{| border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="4" style="margin:0 1em 1em 0; text-align:left;"
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|- |-
! scope="col"| Contestant
|valign="top"|]
! scope="col"| Song
''']''' (born ], ] in ]) is a 25-year-old native of ] who auditioned in Omaha, Nebraska. Cook's interest in music began early in life; he received his first guitar at the age of 2.<ref name="wordnerd">{{cite news |title='Word nerd' spars with Simon |first=Cary |last=Aspinwall |work=Tulsa World |date=2008-02-27 |url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectID=264&articleID=20080227_1_A2_hrpCa04125 }}</ref> Prior to ''Idol'' he worked as a ] at the "Blank Slate" in Tulsa, where he would also occasionally play shows. He released an album entitled '']''. He enjoys doing crossword puzzles in his spare time and calls himself a "word nerd."<ref name="wordnerd"/> He, along with ], had never been in the "bottom three" during his time on the show. On May 21, 2008, he was declared winner over finalist ].
! scope="col"| Result
Since the Top 12 week, he has also been wearing an orange wristband to support a seven-year-old fan with leukemia.
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" ('']'')
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) (Simon Cowell's choice)
#"]" (]) (contestant's choice)
#"]" (]) (producers' choice)
#"] (]) (Clive Davis's choice)
#"]" (written by Emily Shackelton) (contestant's choice new song)<ref name="songwriters"/>
#"]" (]) (contestant's choice)
#"]" (Winner's Single) Winner May 21, 2008
|- |-
! scope="row" | Michael Johns
|valign="top"|
| "]"
''']''' (born ], ] in ]) is a 17-year-old from ] who auditioned in San Diego. In 2003, at the age of 12, he sang on several episodes of the television show '']''<ref name="Columbus Dispatch">{{cite news |title=Ringer Singers: Some 'Idol' Contestants Aren't Novices |first=Lea |last=Delaveris |date=2008-02-19 |work=Columbus Dispatch |url=http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/flipside/stories/2008/02/19/3_IDOL_RESUMES.ART_ART_02-19-08_D8_PL9C7F2.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=101 }}</ref> and went on to win the season finale and the $100,000 grand prize.<ref name="CBS Star Search Official site">{{cite news |title=David Archuleta is New Junior Singer Star|date=2003-03-19|url=http://www.cbs.com/primetime/star_search2/junior_story.php?dt=031903}}</ref> On one episode, he competed against Alexandréa Lushington, who was a fellow semi-finalist this season. He, along with David Cook, had never been in the "bottom three". David Archuleta was the runner-up this season.<ref name="Columbus Dispatch" />
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])<!--Do not change this to David Foster & Jeff Pescetto, because Farnham's original track was re-released in 1990, which was the year David was born, and therefore qualifies as the one to be listed. Original artist takes preference over cover artist in this situation.-->
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (] & ])
#"]" ('']'')
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) (Paula Abdul's choice)
#"]" (]) (contestant's choice)
#"]" (]) (producers' choice)
#"] (]) (Clive Davis's choice) - ''Runner Up ], ]''
#"In This Moment" (written by Ryan Gillmor) (contestant's choice new song)<ref name="songwriters">{{cite news| url=http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/fox-reveals-american-idol-top-20-songwriting-competition-songs-6923.php | title=Fox reveals 'American Idol' Top 20 songwriting competition songs | publisher=Reality TV World | last=Rocchio | first=Christopher | date=] | accessdate=2008-05-20}}</ref> - ''Runner Up ], ]''
#"Imagine" (John Lennon) (contestant's choice) - ''Runner Up ], ]''
</div>
|- |-
! scope="row" | Syesha Mercado
|]
| "]"
''']''' (born ], ] in ]) is a 21-year-old from ] who auditioned in Miami. She is a student at ] and has been singing and dancing since she was a child. During Hollywood week, she became ill and almost completely lost her voice. In preparation for her final audition, she went on voice rest and wrote down everything she had to say on a pad of paper. Prior to ''American Idol'', she appeared on '']'', a short-lived program on ABC; it was cancelled after two weeks due to low ratings.<ref name="Herald">{{cite news |title=Sing from the Soul, Hope for Best |first=Thomas |last=Becnel |date=2008-02-20 |work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |url=http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080220/NEWS/802200333 }}</ref>
| bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) - ''Bottom 3 ], ]''
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) -''Bottom 3 ], ]'' <!--Do not change this to bottom 2. Do not remove this note. See the talk page "Bottom 2/3" discussion.-->
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) - ''Bottom 3 ], ]''
#"]" (]) - ''Bottom 3 ], ]''
#"]" ('']'') - ''Bottom 2 ], ]''
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) (Randy Jackson's choice) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
#"]" (]) (contestant's choice) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
#"]" (]) (producers' choice) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
</div>
|- |-
|valign="top"|] ! scope="row" | Jason Castro
| "]"
''']''' (born ], ]) is a 21-year-old from ] who auditioned in Dallas. <ref>{{cite news |title='Idol' hopeful from Rockwall has had more hair-time than airtime |first=Darla |last=Atlas |work=Dallas Morning News |date=2008-02-19 |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/ent/stories/DN-castro_0219gl.State.Edition1.262d376.html }}</ref> He started in music playing the drums. In high school, he played for a band, Keeping Lions, which has since disbanded. <ref>{{cite news | title="Kin-dread spirit: Castro family musical|first=Jamie|last=Stengle|work=AP News Wire|date=2008-03-17|url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080317/ap_en_tv/tv_idol_castro;_ylt=AkpFIcFMgM7iHxy8FQxc.QhxFb8C }}</ref> In 2006, he appeared on ]'s '']'' ], as her real-life dating interest. Castro is the first person in his family, which is originally from ], to be born in the United States. He is a student at ], with a ] major and music minor. He began growing his hair out for ] during his senior year of high school.
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) - ''Bottom 3 ], ]''
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" ('']'')
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''<!--The Byrds sang and released the song first, despite Bob Dylan having written it and later released it on his own 1965 album. (The Byrds' album was released much earlier, in January of '65.) Like with Diamond writing "I'm a Believer" for The Monkees and later releasing his own recording on his album a couple years later, Dylan's case is the same scenario. Ergo, this is The Byrds' song.-->
</div>
|- |-
! scope="row" | Kristy Lee Cook
|valign="top"|]
| "]"
''']''' (born ], ] in ]) is a 24-year-old nanny from ] who auditioned in Philadelphia. During her audition, she admitted to never having seen an ] movie, prompting Cowell to state that the show will "bring her over to the dark side." In 2005, she released an album titled '']'' under New Millennium Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.com/Songs-Attic-Brooke-White/dp/B000KF0X0W/ref=pd_sim_m_title_5|title=''Songs From the Attic'' on Amazon.com|accessdate=2008-02-23}}</ref>
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) - ''Bottom 3 ], ]''
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) - ''Bottom 3 ], ]''
#"]" ('']'')
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
</div>
|- |-
! scope="row" | David Cook
|
| "]"
''']''' (born ], ] in ], ]) is a 24-year-old professional singer and ]/] from ], where she has been living for the past three years. Smithson previously signed a recording contract with major USA label ] and released an album in 2001 entitled '']'' under her birth name, Carly Hennessy. The album sold approximately 300 copies in the first three months following its release. Smithson was also a contestant in season five, but was dropped from the show due to a problem with her ].
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
|- s
#"]" (])
! scope="row" | Carly Smithson
#"]" (])
| "]"
#"]" (])
| bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) - ''Bottom 3 ], ]''
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) - ''Bottom 3 ], ]''
#"]" (])
#"]" ('']'') - ''Eliminated ], ]''
</div>
|- |-
! scope="row" | David Archuleta
|valign="top"|''']''' (born ], ]) is a 24-year-old horse trainer from ] who sold her prized horse in order to afford the trip to audition in Philadelphia. In 2001, she was signed to a major label, ].<ref name="bmi">{{cite news |title=Kristy Lee Signs In Triplicate with Arista, Britney, and BMI |date=] |work=BMI |url=http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/233653 }}</ref><ref name="Columbus Dispatch" /> Cook also signed with Britney Spears' production company, and Spears herself was supposed to have a cameo in Cook's first video.<ref name="bmi" /><ref name="Columbus Dispatch" /> At the time of signing, she was managed by the former manager of ].<ref name="bmi" /><ref name="Columbus Dispatch" /> In 2005, she released a CD called '']'' with Ren-Hen Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.com/Devoted-Kristy-Lee/dp/B000CAKUAS/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1203821110&sr=8-1|title=''Devoted'' on Amazon.com|accessdate=2008-02-23}}</ref>
| "]"
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) - ''Bottom 3 ], ]'' <!--Do not change this to bottom 2. Do not remove this note. See the talk page "Bottom 2/3" discussion.-->
#"]" (]) - ''Bottom 3 ], ]'' <!--Do not change this to bottom 2. Do not remove this note. See the talk page "Bottom 2/3" discussion.-->
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) - ''Bottom 3 ], ]'' <!--Do not change this to bottom 2. Do not remove this note. See the talk page "Bottom 2/3" discussion.-->
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
</div>
|- |-
! scope="row" | Brooke White
|valign="top"|]
| "]"
''']''' (born on ], ] in ]) is a 29-year-old ] ]/] ]/]. He moved to the ] from ] in 1998 and lived in ] for six years, performing at local venues solo and with local band ''Film''. He has since lived in ], ]. After recording a demo and traveling to ] to showcase for a number of labels in ], Johns signed with ] and formed a rock band called ''The Rising''<ref>
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
{{cite web |url=http://www.serge.org/musicmorsels/2003_10/musicmorsels1003.htm |title=Music Morsels |publisher=www.serge.org |accessdate=2008-01-13 |last= |first= }}</ref>.
|}
Before focusing on his singing career, Johns was a sportsman. He won a tennis scholarship<ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Johns interview (updated) |first=Rodney |last=Ho |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |publisher=Access Atlanta |date=2008-02-15 |url=http://www.accessatlanta.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/idol/entries/2008/02/15/215_talking_wit_1.html }}</ref> to become a professional tennis player and coaches the sport. He also played ] for the ] club Atlanta Kookaburras.<ref>{{cite news |title=Could a former USAFL player be the next American Idol? |last=Sean |work=World Footy News |date=2008-02-18 |url=http://www.worldfootynews.com/article.php/20080218195156977 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mike goes his own way |work=Atlanta Kookaburras Australian Rules Football Club |date=2008-02-27|url=http://www.atlantafooty.com/content/view/168/1/ }}</ref>
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;"> {| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Non-competition performance
#"]" (])
! scope="col" |Performers
#"]" (])
! scope="col" |Song
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]"/"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
</div>
|- |-
! scope="row" | Top 8
|valign="top"|]
|"]"
''']''' (born ], ] in ]<ref>{{cite news |title='American Idol' cuts final four semifinalists, reveals Top 12 finalists |last=Rocchio |work=Reality TV World|date=2008-03-08 |url=http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/american-idol-cuts-final-four-semifinalists-reveals-top-12-finalists-6673.php }}</ref>) is a 20-year-old ]-American from ] who auditioned in Miami. She was raised in the ]. Prior to auditioning on ''Idol'', she was a nursing student at ] and worked part-time at a ] restaurant. She started Polynesian Dancing when she was in the first grade and started singing at the age of twelve. Since 12, Ramiele started singing to various Filipino-American events and was always invited to sing as a front act to filipino singers who have concert tours in U.S.<ref>http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/feature/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003805824</ref>.
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
</div>
|- |-
! scope="row" | ] & ]
|valign="top"|]
| "]"
''']''' (born '''Chikezie Eze''' on ], ] in ]) is a 22-year-old ] from ] who auditioned in San Diego. During the competition, he dropped using his last name because it was so frequently mispronounced ('eh-zee' and not 'EE-zee').<ref>{{cite news |title= No Hard Feelings for Chikezie |first=Joal |last=Ryan |work=E! Online |date=2008-03-27 |url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/20080327/en_tv_eo/2173f59e_d4184192_ad0c_b3c550af84b1;_ylt=AjcSh6XiiX3vC9_NarQUmpZxFb8C }}</ref>He previously auditioned for the show's ], and made into the Hollywood Round, where he was cut before the top 44. Before auditioning for ''Idol'', he worked as a ] officer at ].
|}
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">

#"]" (])
=== Top 7 – Mariah Carey ===
#"]" (])
] served as a guest mentor this week. Contestants performed one song each from ], and are listed in the order they performed.
#"]" (])
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
</div>
|- |-
! scope="col"| Contestant
|valign="top"|]
! scope="col"| ] song
''']''' (born ], ]) is a 23-year-old ]-riding ] from ] who auditioned in Atlanta. She received a nursing degree from ], and is a health-care specialist dealing predominantly in respiratory issues. She has been the lead singer of several local hard rock bands, including Steeleto and Ruinaces. Before Hollywood week, she was in a near-fatal car accident. She is engaged to her boyfriend Casey Taylor. Since her elimination she has been slated to play at The ] bar in West Hollywood, and is also reportedly in talks to play her real-life musical influence Janis Joplin in a film about the aforementioned bar.
! scope="col"| Result
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (])
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
</div>
|- |-
! scope="row" | David Archuleta
|valign="top"|]
| "]" || style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
''']''' (born ], ] in ]) is a 24-year-old from ] and a student at ] with a major in ]. He gave up his apartment to move to ]. Until September 30, 2007, Hernandez worked as a male stripper named "Caden" at Dick's Cabaret in ], performing fully nude and giving lap dances to male patrons.<ref>{{cite news |title=Strip Club: 'Idol' Once Danced Here |first=Derrik J. |last=Lang |work=Associated Press |publisher=Google News |date=] |url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5glozMdQxsdF6P3FuJi42kXPqQSsgD8V6DOU00 }}</ref> He was allowed to remain on the show.<ref>{{Citation |last=Lang |first=Derrik J. |title= Hernandez to stay on 'Idol' despite past |url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080304/ap_en_tv/idol_stripper |publisher=Associated Press |date=] |accessdate=2008-03-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ariz. 'Idol' contestant disregards idle buzz |first=Suzanne Condie |last=Lambert |coauthors=Cordova, Randy |work=] |date=] |url=http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0305idol0305.html }}</ref>
|-
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
! scope="row" | Carly Smithson
#"]" (])
| "]"
#"]" (])
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
#"]" (])
|-
#"]" (]) - ''Eliminated ], ]''
! scope="row" | Syesha Mercado
</div>
| "]"
| bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom three
|-
! scope="row" | Brooke White
| "]"
| bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom two
|-
! scope="row" | Kristy Lee Cook
| "]"
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|-
! scope="row" | David Cook
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Jason Castro
| "]"
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|}
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Non-competition performance
! scope="col" |Performers
! scope="col" |Song
|-
! scope="row" | Top 7
|"]"
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "Free"
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
|} |}
===Weekly song themes===
*'''Week 1''' (]): ]
*'''Week 2''' (]): ]
*'''Week 3''' (]): Year They Were Born
*'''Week 4''' (]): ]
*'''Week 5''' (]): Inspirational Songs
*'''Week 6''' (]): ]
*'''Week 7''' (]): ]
*'''Week 8''' (]): ]
*'''Week 9''' (]): ]
*'''Week 10''' (]): Judges' Choice, Contestants' Choice, Producers' Choice
*'''Week 11''' (]): ]' Choice, Contestants' Choice from ''Idol'' Songwriting Contest 2008, Contestants' Choice


=== Top 6 – Andrew Lloyd Webber ===
==Results night performances==
] served as a guest mentor this week. Contestants performed one song each from one of ], and are listed in the order they performed.
During the Hollywood weeks, "]" by ] played when contestants were eliminated, while "Best Days" by ] was the elimination song for the semi-finals round. For the finals, ] winner ] remade ]' "]" as the exit song.
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col"| Contestant
! scope="col"| Song
! scope="col"| Musical
! scope="col"| Result
|-
! scope="row" | Syesha Mercado
| "]"
| '']''
| bgcolor="E0F0FF" | Bottom two
|-
! scope="row" | Jason Castro
| "]"
| '']''
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Brooke White
| "]"
| '']''
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | David Archuleta
| "]"
| '']''
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|-
! scope="row" | Carly Smithson
| "]"
| '']''
| bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|-
! scope="row" | David Cook
| "]"
| '']''
| style="background:#FDFC8F|Safe
|}
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Non-competition performance
! scope="col" |Performers
! scope="col" |Song
|-
! scope="row" | Top 6
| "]"<br>''from ]''
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
|}


=== Top 5 – Neil Diamond ===
===Group song===
] served as a guest mentor this week. Contestants performed two songs each from ], and are listed in the order they performed.
The contestants also perform medleys of songs from that week's theme.
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
*Top 24: A medley of songs from the 1960s, including "]" and "]" by ], "]" by ], and "]" by ].
|-
*Top 20: A medley of songs from the 1970s, including "]" by ], "]" by ], "]" by ], and "]" by ].
! scope="col"| Contestant
*Top 12: A medley of songs by The Beatles including "]", "]", "]", and "]"
! scope="col"| Order
*Top 11: A second medley of Beatles songs including "]", "]", "]", and "]".
! scope="col"| ] song
*Top 10: "]" by ].
! scope="col"| Result
*Top 9: "]" by ].
|-
*Top 8: "]" by ].
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | Jason Castro
*Top 7: "]" by ] with ].
| 1
*Top 6: "]" by ], from '']''.
| "]"
*Top 5: A medley of songs by ], including "]," "]," and "]".
| rowspan="2" style="background:#FDFC8F" |Safe
*Top 4: "]" by ].
|-
*Top 3: "]" by ].
| 6
*Final 2: "]" by ] and ].
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | David Cook
| 2
| "]"
| rowspan="2" style="background:#FDFC8F" |Safe
|-
| 7
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | Brooke White
| 3
| "]"
| rowspan="2" bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|-
| 8
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | David Archuleta
| 4
| "]"
| rowspan="2" style="background:#FDFC8F" |Safe
|-
| 9
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | Syesha Mercado
| 5
| "]"
| rowspan="2" style="background:#FDFC8F" |Safe
|-
| 10
| "]"
|}
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Non-competition performance
! scope="col" |Performers
! scope="col" |Song
|-
! scope="row" | Top 5
|] medley:<br>"]"<br>"]"<br>"]"
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "Pretty Amazing Grace"
|}


=== Top 4 – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ===
=== Other performances ===
Contestants performed two songs, and are listed in the order they performed.
In addition, songs are played during the elimination night to promote an artist, single, album, or the show itself. Included is a list of those songs with their '']'' ] and ] reactions. This chart does not include ].
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
{| border="5" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 90%;"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center"
| '''Week''' || '''Performer(s)''' || '''Title''' || '''Hot 100<br>Reaction''' || '''Hot Digital Songs<br>Reaction''' || '''Notes'''
|- |-
! scope="col"| Contestant
| Top 24 || ]<br>] || "]" || #62 (+18 - new peak)<ref></ref><!-- This is for the following week after the performance, not the peak. --> || #36 (32,215 copies sold) (+559%)<ref> UKMIX. 28 Feb. 2008.</ref> || music video premiere
! scope="col"| Order
! scope="col"| ] song
! scope="col"| Result
|- |-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | David Cook
| Top 20 || align=center colspan=5|''No performer''
| 1
| "]"
| rowspan="2" style="background:#FDFC8F" |Safe
|- |-
| 5
| Top 16 || ] || "]" || Failed to chart || #128 (10,182 copies sold) (+999%)<ref> UKMIX. 12 Feb. 2008.</ref> || performed live
| "]"
|- |-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | Syesha Mercado
| Top 12 || ]<br>] || "]" || Failed to chart || Ineligible to chart<br><small>(No legal digital release)</small> || McPhee performed live<br>Foster on ]
| 2
| "]"
| rowspan="2" style="background:#FDFC8F" |Safe
|- |-
| 6
| Top 11 || ] || "]" || Ineligible to re-enter || Failed to re-enter || performed live
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | Jason Castro
| 3
| "]"
| rowspan="2" bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|- |-
| 7
| Top 10 || ] || "]" || Failed to chart || Failed to chart || performed live
| "]"
|- |-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | David Archuleta
|rowspan="2"| Top 9 || ] || "]" || Failed to chart || Failed to chart || performed live
| 4
| "]"
| rowspan="2" style="background:#FDFC8F" |Safe
|- |-
| 8
|] || "Jesus and Gravity" || Failed to chart || Failed to chart || performed live
| "]"
|}
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Non-competition performance
! scope="col" |Performers
! scope="col" |Song
|- |-
! scope="row" | Top 4
| Top 8 || ] & ] || "]" || #3 (+4 - new peak) || #4 (153,648 copies sold) (+34%)<ref></ref> || performed live
|"]"
|- |-
! scope="row" | ]
|rowspan="2"| Top 7 || ] || "Free" || Failed to chart || Failed to chart || performed live
| "]"
|- |-
! scope="row" | ]
|] || "]" || #23 (debut) || #11 (60,037 copies sold) (+999%)<ref></ref> || performed live
| "Witness"
|}

=== Top 3 ===
Each contestant performed three songs: one chosen by one of the judges, one chosen by the producers, and one chosen by the contestant. Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|- |-
! scope="col"| Contestant
| Top 6 || ] || "]" || #1 (return for 4th week) || #1 (235,880 copies sold) (+30%)<ref></ref> || performed live
! scope="col"| Order
! scope="col"| Song
! scope="col"| Result
|- |-
! scope="row" rowspan="3" | David Archuleta
|rowspan="2"| Top 5 || ] || "]" || #8 (+11 spots - new peak) || #4 (134,830 copies sold) (+110%)<ref></ref> || performed live
| 1
| "]"{{Efn|Song chosen by ].}}
| rowspan="3" style="background:#FDFC8F" |Safe
|- |-
| 4
|] || "Pretty Amazing Grace" || Failed to chart || Failed to chart || performed live
|"]"
|- |-
| 7
| rowspan=2| Top 4 || ] || "]" || #57 (debut) || #21 (42,983 copies sold) (+999%)<ref></ref> || performed live
|"]"
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="3" | Syesha Mercado
| 2
| "]"{{Efn|Song chosen by ].}}
| rowspan="3" bgcolor="FF91A4" | Eliminated
|- |-
| 5
| ] || "]" || Failed to chart || Failed to chart || performed live
|"]"
|- |-
| 8
| Top 3 || ] || "Bore Me (Yawn)" || Failed to chart || Ineligible to chart<br><small>(No legal digital release)</small> || performed live
|"]
|- |-
! scope="row" rowspan="3" | David Cook
| rowspan=3| Top 2 || ] || "]" || Failed to chart || Failed to chart* || performed live at end of May 20, 2008 show
| 3
<!--This chart does not include finale performances. If you're going to include chart numbers of Idol alumni finale performances, then you have to include ALL finale performances.-->
| "]"{{Efn|Song chosen by ].}}
| rowspan="3" style="background:#FDFC8F" |Safe
|-
| 6
|"]"
|-
| 9
|"]"
|} |}
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Non-competition performance
! scope="col" |Performers
! scope="col" |Song
|-
! scope="row" | Top 3
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "Bore Me (Yawn)"
|}
{{notelist}}


=== Top 2 – Finale ===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>"Celebrate Me Home" was removed from iTunes the day after it was performed. It reached the top 60 before it was removed.
Each contestant performed three songs, and are listed in the order they performed. David Archuletha won the coin toss after the results show the prior week, and chose to perform last.
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col"| Contestant
! scope="col"| Order
! scope="col"| Song
! scope="col"| Result
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="3" | David Cook
| 1
| "]"{{Efn|name=Clive|Song chosen by ].}}
| rowspan="3" bgcolor="gold" | '''Winner'''
|-
| 3
|"]"
|-
| 5
|"]"
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="3" | David Archuleta
| 2
|"]"{{Efn|name=Clive}}
| rowspan="3" bgcolor="silver" | Runner-up
|-
| 4
|"In This Moment"
|-
| 6
|"]"
|}
{{notelist}}
{| class="wikitable unsortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Non-competition performance
! scope="col" |Performers
! scope="col" |Song
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" | Top 12
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" | ] & ]
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" | ]<br>with ]
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "Hallelujah"
|-
! scope="row" | Top 12 women<br>with ]
| "]"<br>"]"<br>"]"<br>"]"
|-
! scope="row" | ] & ]
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" | Top 12 men<br>with ]
| "]"<br>"]"<br>"]"<br>"]"
|-
! scope="row" | ]<br>with ]
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" | ]<br>with ]
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "We're Brothers Forever"
|-
! scope="row" | ]<br>with ]
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
|-
! scope="row" | Top 12<br>with ]
| "]"<br>"]"<br>"]"<br>"]"
|-
! scope="row" | ]
| "]"
|}


==Elimination chart== ==Elimination chart==
'''Color key:'''
<!--Don't mess with the table if you don't know how it works; please and thank you.And to however is changing the chart,bottom 2's ended in top 4 week,so there is no more bottom 2 boxes.-->
{{columns-list|colwidth=20em|
{{legend|gold|Winner}}
{{legend|silver|Runner-up}}
{{legend|#FDFC8F|Saved by the public}}
{{legend|#e0f0ff|Bottom two or three}}
{{legend|#FF91A4|Eliminated}}
}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:85%;"
<center>
|+ ''American Idol'' (season 7) - Eliminations
{| border="2" cellpadding="4" style="background:gray; border:1px solid gray; border-collapse:collapse; margin:0 1em 1em 0; text-align:center;"
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Contestant
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | {{abbr|Pl.|Place}}
|+ '''Legend'''
! scope="col" colspan=3 style="width:24%;" | Semifinals
|-
| style="background:pink;" width="20%" | Female ! scope="col" style="width:7%;" | Top 12
| style="background:cyan;" width="20%" | Male ! scope="col" style="width:7%;" | Top 11
| style="background:palegoldenrod;" width="20%" | Top 12 ! scope="col" style="width:7%;" | Top 10
| style="background:#CCCCCC;" width="20%" | Top 24 ! scope="col" style="width:7%;" | Top 9
! scope="col" style="width:7%;" | Top 8
|}
! scope="col" style="width:7%;" | Top 7

! scope="col" style="width:7%;" | Top 6
{| border="2" style="border:1px solid gray; border-collapse:collapse;"
! scope="col" style="width:7%;" | Top 5
| style="background:#FFFF00; padding-left: 1em;" width="20%" | Safe first
! scope="col" style="width:7%;" | Top 4
| style="background:#FFFF99; padding-left: 1em;" width="20%" | Safe second
! scope="col" style="width:7%;" | Top 3
| style="background:#FFFFCC; padding-left: 1em;" width="20%" | Eliminated
! scope="col" style="width:7%;" | Finale
|}
|-

! 2/21
</center>
! 2/28
! 3/6
<center>
! 3/13
{|class="wikitable" width=65%
! 3/20
|width=30% colspan="2" align="right"|''Stage:''
! 3/27
|colspan="3" bgcolor="CCCCCC" align="Center"|'''Semi-Finals'''
! 4/2
|colspan="11" bgcolor="palegoldenrod" align="Center"|'''Finals'''
! 4/10{{efn|name=Preempt|The top 8 results show was moved to Thursday, April 10, due to the '']'' special airing in the show's regular Wednesday timeslot.}}
|-
! 4/16
|colspan="2" align="right"|''Week:''
! 4/23
| align="center"|'''2/21'''
! 4/30
| align="center"|'''2/28'''
! 5/7
| align="center"|'''3/6 '''
! 5/14
| align="center"|'''3/12'''
! 5/21
| align="center"|'''3/19'''
|- style="height:40px"
| align="center"|'''3/26'''
! scope="row" |]
| align="center"|'''4/2 '''
| 1
| align="center"|'''4/10'''<sup>1</sup>
| style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe
| align="center"|'''4/16'''
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
| align="center"|'''4/23'''
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
| align="center"|'''4/30'''<sup>2</sup>
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
| align="center"|'''5/7 '''
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
| align="center"|'''5/14'''
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
| align="center"|'''5/21'''
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|-
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
!Place
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
!Contestant
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
!colspan="14" align="center"|Result
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|-
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|align="center" bgcolor="palegoldenrod"|'''1'''
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|bgcolor="cyan"|David Cook
| style="background:gold;"|'''Winner'''
|
|- style="height:40px"
|
! scope="row" |]
|
| 2
|
| 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="blue"|'''Winner'''
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|-
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|align="center" bgcolor="palegoldenrod"|'''2'''
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|bgcolor="cyan"|David Archuleta
| style="background:silver;"|Runner-up
|
|- style="height:40px"
|
! scope="row" |]
|
| | 3
| style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
| style="background:#e0f0ff;"| Bottom three
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
| style="background:#e0f0ff;"| Bottom two
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
| style="background:#e0f0ff;"| Bottom three
|
| style="background:#e0f0ff;"| Bottom three
|
| style="background:#e0f0ff;"| Bottom two
|bgcolor="FFFF00" align="center"|{{nowrap|'''Runner-Up'''}}
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|-
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|align="center" bgcolor="palegoldenrod"|'''3'''
| style="background:#FF91A4|Eliminated
|bgcolor="pink"|Syesha Mercado
| style="background:#919191|
|
|- style="height:40px"
|
! scope="row" |]
|
| 4
|bgcolor="FFFF00" align="center"|{{nowrap|Btm 3}}
| style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|bgcolor="FFFF99" align="center"|{{nowrap|Btm 3}} <!--Do not change this to Btm 2. See talk page under "Bottom 2/3". This is what the colors are for.-->
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|bgcolor="FFFF00" align="center"|{{nowrap|Btm 3}} <!--There was no "Safe first" or "Safe second" this week, Seacrest announced they were safe at the same time.-->
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|bgcolor="FFFF00" align="center"|{{nowrap|Btm 3}} <!-- DO NOT CHANGE COLOR, Rachzach96. This color means Syesha was the first declared safe this week. -->
| style="background:#e0f0ff;"| Bottom three
|bgcolor="FFFF00" align="center"|{{nowrap|Btm 2}} <!--Don't change the color. There was only a Bottom 2 this week.-->
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|bgcolor="FFFFCC" align="center"|'''Elim'''
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|colspan="1" bgcolor="666666"|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|-
|style="background:#FF91A4|Eliminated
|align="center" bgcolor="palegoldenrod"|'''4'''
| colspan=2 style="background:#919191|
|bgcolor="cyan"|Jason Castro
|- style="height:40px"
|
! scope="row" |]
|
| | 5
| style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|bgcolor="FFFF00" align="center"|{{nowrap|Btm 3}}
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
| style="background:#e0f0ff;"| Bottom three
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
| style="background:#e0f0ff;"| Bottom two
|bgcolor="#FFFFCC" align="center"|'''Elim'''
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|colspan=2 bgcolor="666666"|
|style="background:#FF91A4|Eliminated
|-
| colspan=3 style="background:#919191|
|align="center" bgcolor="palegoldenrod"|'''5'''
|- style="height:40px"
|bgcolor="pink"|Brooke White
! scope="row" |]
|
| 6
|
| style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
| style="background:#e0f0ff;"| Bottom three
|bgcolor="FFFF00" align="center"|{{nowrap|Btm 3}}
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|bgcolor="FFFF99" align="center"|{{nowrap|Btm 3}}<!--DO NOT change this to "Btm 2". See Talk page under "Btm 2/3" for what this means. This is the purpose of the difference in colors is for.-->
| style="background:#e0f0ff;"| Bottom three
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|bgcolor="FFFFCC" align="center"|'''Elim'''
|style="background:#FF91A4|Eliminated
|colspan="3" bgcolor="666666"|
| colspan=4 style="background:#919191|
|-
|- style="height:40px"
|align="center" bgcolor="palegoldenrod"|'''6'''
! scope="row" |]
|bgcolor="pink"|Carly Smithson
| | 7
| style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
| style="background:#e0f0ff;"| Bottom two
|bgcolor="FFFF00" align="center"|{{nowrap|Btm 3}}
| style="background:#e0f0ff;"| Bottom two
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
| style="background:#e0f0ff;"| Bottom two
|bgcolor="FFFF00" align="center"|{{nowrap|Btm 3}} <!--There was no "Safe first" or "Safe second" this week, Seacrest announced they were safe at the same time.-->
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FF91A4|Eliminated
|bgcolor="FFFFCC" align="center"|'''Elim'''
|colspan="4" bgcolor="666666"| | colspan=5 style="background:#919191|
|- style="height:40px"
|-
! scope="row" |]
|align="center" bgcolor="palegoldenrod"|'''7'''
| 8
|bgcolor="pink"|Kristy Lee Cook
| style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|bgcolor="FFFF99" align="center"|{{nowrap|Btm 3}} <!--Do not change this to Btm 2. See talk page under "Bottom 2/3". This is what the colors are for.-->
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|bgcolor="FFFF99" align="center"|{{nowrap|Btm 3}} <!--Do not change this to Btm 2. See talk page under "Bottom 2/3". This is what the colors are for.-->
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|bgcolor="FFFF99" align="center"|{{nowrap|Btm 3}} <!--Do not change this to Btm 2. See talk page under "Bottom 2/3". This is what the colors are for.-->
| style="background:#FF91A4|Eliminated
|
| colspan=6 style="background:#919191|
|bgcolor="FFFFCC" align="center"|'''Elim'''
|- style="height:40px"
|colspan="5" bgcolor="666666"|
! scope="row" |]
|-
| 9
|align="center" bgcolor="palegoldenrod"|'''8'''
| style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe
|bgcolor="cyan"|Michael Johns
|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=7 style="background:#919191|
|
|- style="height:40px"
|bgcolor="FFFFCC" align="center"|'''Elim'''
! scope="row" |]
|colspan="6" bgcolor="666666"|
| 10
|-
| style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe
|align="center" bgcolor="palegoldenrod"|'''9'''
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|bgcolor="pink"|Ramiele Malubay
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FF91A4|Eliminated
|
| colspan=8 style="background:#919191|
|
|- style="height:40px"
|
! scope="row" |]
|bgcolor="FFFFCC" align="center"|'''Elim'''
| 11
|colspan="7" bgcolor="666666"|
| style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe
|-
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|align="center" bgcolor="palegoldenrod"|'''10'''
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|bgcolor="cyan"|Chikezie<!--- Please see the talk page before adding his last name. -->
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FF91A4|Eliminated
|
| colspan=9 style="background:#919191|
|
|- style="height:40px"
|
! scope="row" |]
|
| 12
|bgcolor="FFFFCC" align="center"|'''Elim'''
| style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe
|colspan="8" bgcolor="666666"|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|-
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|align="center" bgcolor="palegoldenrod"|'''11'''
|style="background:#FF91A4|Eliminated
|bgcolor="pink"|Amanda Overmyer
| colspan=10 style="background:#919191|
|
|- style="height:40px"
|
! scope="row" |]
|
| rowspan="12" bgcolor="919191" |
|
| style="background:#FDFC8F;" |Safe
|bgcolor="FFFFCC" align="center"|'''Elim'''
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|colspan="9" bgcolor="666666"|
|rowspan=4 style="background:#FF91A4|Eliminated
|-
|rowspan=4 colspan=11 style="background:#919191|
|align="center" bgcolor="palegoldenrod"|'''12'''
|- style="height:40px"
|bgcolor="cyan"|David Hernandez
! scope="row" |Kady Malloy
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|- style="height:40px"
|bgcolor="FFFFCC" align="center"|'''Elim'''
! scope="row" |Luke Menard
|colspan="10" bgcolor="666666"|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|-
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|align="center" bgcolor="CCCCCC" rowspan="4"|'''13-16'''
|- style="height:40px"
|bgcolor="cyan"|Danny Noriega
! scope="row" |]
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|bgcolor="CCCCCC" rowspan="4" align="center"| '''Elim'''
|- style="height:40px"
|colspan="11" bgcolor="666666"|
! scope="row" |Robbie Carrico
|-
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|bgcolor="pink"|Asia'h Epperson
|rowspan=4 style="background:#FF91A4|Eliminated
|
|rowspan=4 colspan=12 style="background:#919191|
|
|- style="height:40px"
|colspan="11" bgcolor="666666"|
! scope="row" |Alexandréa Lushington
|-
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|bgcolor="cyan"|Luke Menard
|- style="height:40px"
|
! scope="row" |Alaina Whitaker
|
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|colspan="11" bgcolor="666666"|
|- style="height:40px"
|-
! scope="row" |Jason Yeager
|bgcolor="pink"|Kady Malloy
|style="background:#FDFC8F;"|Safe
|
|- style="height:40px"
|bgcolor="pink" align="center"|{{nowrap|Btm 3}}<!--Seacrest announced her as being in the Btm 3. Please do not remove!-->
! scope="row" |Colton Berry
|colspan="11" bgcolor="666666"|
|rowspan=4 style="background:#FF91A4|Eliminated
|-
|rowspan=4 colspan=13 style="background:#919191|
|align="center" bgcolor="CCCCCC" rowspan="4"|'''17-20'''
|- style="height:40px"
|bgcolor="cyan"| Robbie Carrico
! scope="row" |]
|
|- style="height:40px"
|bgcolor="CCCCCC" rowspan="4" align="center"| '''Elim'''
! scope="row" |Amy Davis
|colspan="12" bgcolor="666666"|
|- style="height:40px"
|-
! scope="row" |Garrett Haley
|bgcolor="pink"|Alaina Whitaker
|
|colspan="12" bgcolor="666666"|
|-
|bgcolor="pink"|{{nowrap|Alexandréa Lushington}}
|
|colspan="12" bgcolor="666666"|
|-
|bgcolor="cyan"|Jason Yeager
|
|colspan="12" bgcolor="666666"|
|-
|align="center" bgcolor="CCCCCC" rowspan="4"|'''21-24'''
|bgcolor="cyan"| Colton Berry
|bgcolor="CCCCCC" rowspan="4" align="center"| '''Elim'''
|colspan="13" bgcolor="666666"|
|-
|bgcolor="pink"|Joanne Borgella
|colspan="13" bgcolor="666666"|
|-
|bgcolor="pink"|Amy Davis
|colspan="13" bgcolor="666666"|
|-
|bgcolor="cyan"|Garrett Haley
|colspan="13" bgcolor="666666"|
|-
|} |}
{{notelist}}
</center>


== ''Idol Gives Back'' ==
<sup>1</sup> Due to the ''Idol Gives Back'' special airing on the show's regular Wednesday results night, the results show was moved to Thursday. Additionally, Seacrest announced that both Mercado and Smithson were safe in one statement before eliminating Johns.
{{Main|Idol Gives Back}}
The '']'' initiative returned on April 9, 2008. Again, proceeds went to children's charities in Africa and the United States. Unlike ''Idol Gives Back 2007'', where no contestant was eliminated, ] was eliminated during ''Idol Gives Back 2008.''


== Controversies ==
<sup>2</sup> From this point forward, neither the bottom 3 or bottom 2 contestants were explicitly identified.
Carly Smithson stirred up controversy due to a prior major label record deal she had with MCA Records. To further complicate things, Randy Jackson worked for MCA during the same period of time that Smithson was signed. The media noted that several of the other season 7 semifinalists had previously also had record deals, including ], ], and ]. According to a poll conducted by AOL Television, 63 percent of those polled believed that contestants who already had record deals should not be contestants on ''American Idol'',<ref>{{cite news |title=Underwood most popular "Idol," Castro overrated |work=Reuters |date=May 19, 2008 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN1944905320080519 |first=Jill |last=Serjeant |access-date=July 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621091803/http://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN1944905320080519 |archive-date=June 21, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> however, ''Idol'' rules stated that contestants were eligible so long as they were no longer under contract when ''Idol'' began, regardless of any past contracts.


On the April 29 show, the five remaining contestants each sang two songs. Diverting from the usual format due to time constraints, the judges' critiques were to be bundled until after both songs were performed. However, after the first round had finished, host ] asked for comments, and judge ], in discussing ], delivered feedback on his second song before he had actually performed it. This led to speculation that the show was scripted or rigged.<ref>{{cite news |title=Abdul makes gaffe on US Idol show |work=BBC News |date=April 30, 2008 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7375002.stm |access-date=April 30, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505155925/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7375002.stm |archive-date=May 5, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> The next day, Abdul claimed on Seacrest's radio show that she listened to the performances in rehearsal and in the rushed atmosphere of the show was confused and thought she was supposed to critique both.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Paulagate 2008: Ms. Abdul does some 'splaining on Ryan Seacrest's radio show |first=Adam B |last=Vary |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=April 30, 2008 |url=http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2008/04/paulagate-2008.html |access-date=April 30, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501134115/http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2008/04/paulagate-2008.html |archive-date=May 1, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Idol Gives Back==
{{main|Idol Gives Back}}
<!-- As soon as this airs, this needs to be reduced to a summary and then the rest put into the main Idol Gives Back article. -->
The "]" initiative returned on ] for a second consecutive year, with a special start time of 7:30 p.m. ET, running for 150 minutes (the show ran several minutes late). Producers are hoping to exceed last year's ]76 million raised. Again, proceeds will go to children's charities in ] and the ]. Unlike "Idol Gives Back 2007" when no finalist was eliminated (and two were eliminated in the following week), Michael Johns was still eliminated during "Idol Gives Back 2008."


==Finale== == Releases ==
=== iTunes ===
{{main|Grand Finale (American Idol 7)}}
During season 7, ''American Idol'' partnered with ] to make available for sale exclusive performance videos, live performance singles of the semifinalists, and full-length studio recordings of the songs that contestants performed on the show. In order to keep the competition fair, these singles were not allowed to appear on iTunes sales charts until after the finale. The contestants' performances during the season were removed soon after the finale.


The winning song, "]", was recorded by ] and released on May 22, 2008. The song was certified platinum by the RIAA on December 12, 2008.<ref name=DC_RIAA>{{Cite certification |region=United States |artist=David Cook |title=Time of My Life |type =single}}</ref> It was the first winner's song to not be performed during the competition as the top 2 each selected a different song from a list of ten entries in song-writing competition to perform instead. Cook performed "The Time of My Life" after ] had announced him as the winner.
==Controversies==
*Season 7 contestant Carly Smithson has stirred up controversy due to a prior major label record deal she had with MCA Records. It has been reported that MCA spent over 2 million dollars promoting Smithson's previous album "Ultimate High", which she made under the name Carly Hennessy. The album sold 378 copies, but is now available on iTunes. To further complicate things, Randy Jackson worked for MCA during the same period of time that Smithson was signed. The show made no mention of this deal, despite the fact that the show goes to great lengths to chronicle the personal lives of its contestants (such as the homelessness of Josiah Leming). According to a poll conducted by AOL Television, 63 percent of those polled believed that contestants who have already had record deals should not be contestants on American Idol.<ref>{{cite news |title=Underwood most popular "Idol," Castro overrated |work=Reuters |date=2008-05-19 |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN1944905320080519 }}</ref>


===Post-''Idol''===
* ] was revealed by ] to have worked as a ] in Phoenix, AZ. According to the owner of Dick's Cabaret, David's job included a routine featuring full nudity and performing lap dances for male clientele. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20181846,00.html |title=Club Manager Says 'Idol' Contestant Was a Stripper? |work=Associated Press |publisher=Entertainment Weekly }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://television.aol.com/news/story/_a/male-stripper-claims-hit-idol-hopeful/20080304070309990001 |title='American Idol' Stripper to Stay on Show |work=AOL Television |date=2008-03-04 }}</ref>
David Cook's ] was released on November 18, 2008, on 19 Recordings / RCA Records and was certified platinum by the RIAA on January 22, 2009.<ref name="DC_RIAA" /> Cook teamed with ] winning producer Rob Cavallo (], ]) on the album. A single from the album, "]," was released and peaked at 20 on the ].<ref>Marnie September (2008). http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1413 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522194532/http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/?pid=1413 |date=May 22, 2011 }}</ref> His sophomore album, ''This Loud Morning'', was released on June 28, 2011.


David Archuleta signed with ] and his ] was released on November 11, 2008, and debuted at number two. Archuleta's album certified gold. Archuleta's first single, "]," debuted at number two on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and number one on the ] chart, giving it the highest single debut of 2008 and the highest single debut in 18 months. The song has sold 1.9 million copies as of January 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.usatoday.com/idolchatter/2009/01/those-sales-don.html#more |title=Idol Chatter 2009-01-28 |publisher=Blogs.usatoday.com |date=August 20, 2010 |access-date=August 25, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090402015959/http://blogs.usatoday.com/idolchatter/2009/01/those-sales-don.html |archive-date=April 2, 2009 }}</ref>
* On the ] show, the five remaining contestants each sang two songs. Diverting from their usual format, due to time constraints, the judges' critiques after each performance comments were instead to be bundled until after both songs were performed. However after the first round had finished, host ] asked for comments and judge ], in discussing ], delivered feedback on his second song before he had performed it. This has led to speculation that the show is scripted or rigged.<ref>{{cite news |title=Abdul makes gaffe on US Idol show |work=BBC News |date=2008-04-30 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7375002.stm }}</ref> The next day, Abdul claimed on Seacrest's radio show that she listened to the performance in rehearsal and in the rushed atmosphere of the show was confused and thought she was supposed to critique both.<ref>{{cite news |title=Paulagate 2008: Ms. Abdul does some 'splaining on Ryan Seacrest's radio show |first=Adam B |last=Vary |work=Entertainment Weekly |date=2008-04-30 |url=
http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2008/04/paulagate-2008.html }}</ref>


== U.S. Nielsen ratings ==
* Following the ] show, David Archuleta's father, Jeff, was banned from rehearsals. It was reported that Mr. Archuleta was constantly involved in his son's preparation, much to the dismay of the series' producers. The catalyst that caused the producers to ban him from rehearsals was when Mr. Archuleta insisted on altering David's rendition of "Stand by Me" to include the lyrics of ]'s "]" despite being warned not to do so. This lyric change caused additional licensing costs to the show.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/05/11/archuleta.idol.ap/index.html |title='Idol' contestant's dad booted from backstage |work=Associated Press |publisher=CNN |date=2008-05-11 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = David Archuleta's dad loses 'American Idol' backstage pass |first=Lynn |last=Elber | date = 2008-05-10 | work=Associated Press |url =http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jVJWgpovJsBFxmTTOPm5_eB9qMuQD90II6HO0}}</ref>
Season 7 of ''American Idol'' overall was the most watched primetime program in the United States for the fourth consecutive year, during the conclusion of the 2007–2008 television season. The Tuesday episode viewership averaged 27.665 million while the Wednesday episode averaged 26.843 million, taking the top 2 spots for the season.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310150830/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/09/25/final-2007-8-season-to-date-broadcast-shows-by-viewers/5308/ |date=March 10, 2012 }}</ref> The show helped Fox become the most watched overall television network in the U.S. for the first time in its history (as well as a record first for a non-] major network in ]), and lead the 18–49 demographic ratings with still-standing largest ever margin since the introduction of the ] in the Nielsen nationwide television tallies during the ].<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528175052/http://www.medialifemagazine.com/artman2/publish/Television_44/It_s_official_Yes_Fox_wins_the_season.asp |date=May 28, 2008 }}</ref>


{| class="wikitable collapsible" style="width:95%; margin:1em auto 1em auto;"
==Releases==
|-
===iTunes===
! style="background:#8b8589;" | Episode list
This season, ''American Idol'' has partnered with ] to make available for sale exclusive performance videos and full length studio recordings of the songs contestants performed on the show. In order to keep the competition fair, these singles are not allowed to appear on iTunes sales charts until after the finale. As a result only David Cook and David Archuleta's songs charted.
|-
|style="padding:0; border:none;"|
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="margin:0; width:100%;"
|-
! Show
! Episode
! Air date
! Week<br />rank
! Rating/Share
! 18–49<br /> rating/Share
! Viewers<br />(millions)
|-
| 1
| "Philadelphia Auditions"<ref name="tvbythenumbers Jan 23, 2008"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011051536/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/01/23/top-broadcast-shows-jan-13-20-2008/2436/ |date=October 11, 2012 }}</ref>
| January 15, 2008
| 3
| 17.7 / 26
| 13.8 / 32
| 33.415
|-
| 2
| "Dallas Auditions"<ref name="tvbythenumbers Jan 23, 2008"/>
| January 16, 2008
| 4
| 16.7 / 25
| 12.6 / 30
| 30.437
|-
| 3
| "San Diego Auditions"<ref name="tvbythenumbers Jan 29, 2008"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011051549/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/01/29/top-broadcast-shows-january-21-27-2008/2490/ |date=October 11, 2012 }}</ref>
| January 22, 2008
| 1
| 16.2 / 24
| 11.8 / 29
| 29.274
|-
| 4
| "Charleston Auditions"<ref name="tvbythenumbers Jan 29, 2008"/>
| January 23, 2008
| 2
| 15.1 / 23
| 10.9 / 28
| 27.091
|-
| 5
| "Omaha Auditions"<ref name="tvbythenumbers Feb 5, 2008"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011093817/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/02/05/broadcast-nielsen-ratings-we-feb-3fox-breaks-records/2559/ |date=October 11, 2012 }}</ref>
| January 29, 2008
| 4
| 15.7 / 24
| 11.1 / 28
| 28.223
|-
| 6
| "Miami Auditions"<ref name="tvbythenumbers Feb 5, 2008"/>
| January 30, 2008
| 5
| 14.4 / 22
| 10.1 / 26
| 25.573
|-
| 7
| "Atlanta Auditions"<ref name="tvbythenumbers Feb 12, 2008"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011094157/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/02/12/niesen-ratings-we-feb-10-2008-fox-still-super/2634/ |date=October 11, 2012 }}</ref>
| February 5, 2008
| 1
| 15.7 / 23
| 11.2 / 28
| 27.914
|-
| 8
| "Best of the Rest"<ref name="tvbythenumbers Feb 12, 2008"/>
| February 6, 2008
| 2
| 14.6 / 23
| 10.5 / 26
| 26.278
|-
| 9
| "Hollywood Round, Part 1"<ref name="tvbythenumbers Feb 20, 2008"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918153350/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/02/20/nielsen-ratings-we-feb-17-2008-fox-still-on-top/2695/ |date=September 18, 2012 }}</ref>
| February 12, 2008
| 1
| 16.6 / 25
| 12.3 / 29
| 29.962
|-
| 10
| "Hollywood Round, Part 2"<ref name="tvbythenumbers Feb 20, 2008"/>
| February 13, 2008
| 2
| 14.3 / 22
| 9.8 / 26
| 24.752
|-
| 11
| "Top 12 Men Perform"<ref name="tvbythenumbers Feb 27, 2008"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110324104502/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/02/27/nielsen-ratings-we-feb-24-2008-and-the-winner-is/2756 |date=March 24, 2011 }}</ref>
| February 19, 2008
| 2
| 16.4 / 25
| 11.3 / 27
| 29.006
|-
| 12
| "Top 12 Women Perform"<ref name="tvbythenumbers Feb 27, 2008"/>
| February 20, 2008
| 3
| 16.1 / 24
| 11.2 / 27
| 28.885
|-
| 13
| "Top 24 Results"<ref name="tvbythenumbers Feb 27, 2008"/>
| February 21, 2008
| 4
| 13.4 / 21
| 8.5 / 22
| 23.374
|-
| 14
| "Top 10 Men Perform"<ref name="TVbythenumbers 03-04-2008"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024184807/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/03/04/weekly-nielsen-ratings-32-fox-and-idol-roll-on/2822/ |date=October 24, 2012 }}</ref>
| February 26, 2008
| 1
| 16.0 / 24
| 11.1 / 27
| 28.592
|-
| 15
| "Top 10 Women Perform"<ref name="TVbythenumbers 03-04-2008"/>
| February 27, 2008
| 2
| 15.7 / 24
| 10.5 / 27
| 27.553
|-
| 16
| "Top 20 Results"<ref name="TVbythenumbers 03-04-2008"/>
| February 28, 2008
| 3
| 14.9 / 23
| 9.1 / 24
| 26.232
|-
| 17
| "Top 8 Men Perform"<ref name="TV by the numbers 03-11-2008"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006053525/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/03/11/weekly-broadcast-nielsen-ratings-foxidol-beatdown-all/2902/ |date=October 6, 2012 }}</ref>
| March 4, 2008
| 1
| 15.9 / 24
| 10.6 / 26
| 28.463
|-
| 18
| "Top 8 Women Perform"<ref name="TV by the numbers 03-11-2008" />
| March 5, 2008
| 2
| 16.0 / 25
| 10.4 / 27
| 28.324
|-
| 19
| "Top 12 Revealed"<ref name="TV by the numbers 03-11-2008" />
| March 6, 2008
| 3
| 15.0 / 23
| 9.4 / 24
| 26.502
|-
| 20
| "Top 12 Perform"<ref name="TV by the numbers 03-18-2008"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215073532/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/03/18/nielsen-top-20-broadcast-show-ratings-idol-supremacy/2965/ |date=February 15, 2012 }}</ref>
| March 11, 2008
| 1
| 16.9 / 26
| 11.0 / 28
| 29.884
|-
| 21
| "Top 12 Results"<ref name="TV by the numbers 03-18-2008" />
| March 12, 2008
| 2
| 15.8 / 24
| 10.3 / 26
| 27.127
|-
| 22
| "Top 11 Perform"<ref name="TV by the numbers 03-25-2008"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817091139/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/03/25/nielsen-top-twenty-singing-beats-dancing/3058/ |date=August 17, 2011 }}</ref>
| March 18, 2008
| 1
| 15.2 / 23
| 10.4 / 26
| 27.338
|-
| 23
| "Top 11 Results"<ref name="TV by the numbers 03-25-2008"/>
| March 19, 2008
| 2
| 15.3 / 24
| 9.8 / 25
| 26.078
|-
| 24
| "Top 10 Perform"<ref name="TV by the numbers 04-01-2008"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011094018/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/01/last-weeks-most-watched-primetime-shows-broadcast-networks/3154/ |date=October 11, 2012 }}</ref>
| March 25, 2008
| 2
| 14.0 / 21
| 9.7 / 25
| 24.758
|-
| 25
| "Top 10 Results"<ref name="TV by the numbers 04-01-2008" />
| March 26, 2008
| 1
| 15.2 / 24
| 9.8 / 25
| 25.742
|-
| 26
| "Top 9 Perform"<ref name="TV by the numbers 04-08-2008"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011094033/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/08/nielsens-most-watched-shows-broadcast-networks/3247/ |date=October 11, 2012 }}</ref>
| April 1, 2008
| 1
| 14.7 / 23
| 9.6 / 26
| 26.117
|-
| 27
| "Top 9 Results"<ref name="TV by the numbers 04-08-2008" />
| April 2, 2008
| 2
| 14.8 / 22
| 9.4 / 23
| 24.839
|-
| 28
| "Top 8 Perform"<ref name="TV by the numbers 04-15-2008"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011094047/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/15/nielsens-most-watched-shows-broadcast-networks-2/3346/ |date=October 11, 2012 }}</ref>
| April 8, 2008
| 1
| 14.2 / 22
| 9.2 / 24
| 24.668
|-
| 29
| "Idol Gives Back"<ref name="TV by the numbers 04-15-2008" />
| April 9, 2008
| 6
| 10.4 / 16
| 6.8 / 18
| 17.751
|-
| 30
| "Top 8 Results"<ref name="TV by the numbers 04-15-2008" />
| April 10, 2008
| 2
| 12.0 / 19
| 7.0 / 19
| 20.133
|-
| 31
| "Top 7 Perform"<ref name="TV by the numbers 04-22-2008"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011094105/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/22/nielsen-ratings-weekly-top-shows-broadcast-networks/3467/ |date=October 11, 2012 }}</ref>
| April 15, 2008
| 1
| 13.9 / 22
| 8.8 / 23
| 23.646
|-
| 32
| "Top 7 Results"<ref name="TV by the numbers 04-22-2008" />
| April 16, 2008
| 2
| 13.4 / 21
| 8.8 / 22
| 23.339
|-
| 33
| Top 6 Perform"<ref name="TV by the numbers 04-29-2008"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011094124/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/04/29/greys-lost-and-csi-return-but-idol-still-wins-nielsen-top-20-broadcast-shows/3545/ |date=October 11, 2012 }}</ref>
| April 22, 2008
| 1
| 14.2 / 22
| 9.0 / 25
| 24.740
|-
| 34
| "Top 6 Results"<ref name="TV by the numbers 04-29-2008" />
| April 23, 2008
| 2
| 13.7 / 21
| 8.6 / 21
| 23.196
|-
| 35
| "Top 5 Perform"<ref name="TV by the numbers 05-06-2008"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214211223/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/05/06/idol-still-tops-but-cbs-shows-dominate-weekly-nielsen-top-20/3644/ |date=February 14, 2012 }}</ref>
| April 29, 2008
| 1
| 14.5 / 23
| 9.0 / 24
| 25.094
|-
| 36
| "Top 5 Results"<ref name="TV by the numbers 05-06-2008" />
| April 30, 2008
| 2
| 13.6 / 21
| 8.4 / 21
| 22.800
|-
| 37
| "Top 4 Perform"<ref name="TV by the numbers 05-13-2008"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225082336/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/05/13/nielsen-weekly-top-20-idol-wins-zucker-and-nbc-nowhere-to-be-found/3754/ |date=February 25, 2012 }}</ref>
| May 6, 2008
| 2
| 12.6 / 20
| 8.4 / 23
| 21.755
|-
| 38
| "Top 4 Results"<ref name="TV by the numbers 05-13-2008" />
| May 7, 2008
| 1
| 13.9 / 21
| 8.2 / 21
| 22.867
|-
| 39
| "Top 3 Perform"<ref name="TV by the numbers 05-20-2008"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310072006/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/05/20/american-idol-dancing-with-the-stars-and-csi-lead-weekly-nielsen-ratings/3846/ |date=March 10, 2012 }}</ref>
| May 13, 2008
| 2
| 14.4 / 23
| 9.0 / 25
| 24.772
|-
| 40
| "Top 3 Results"<ref name="TV by the numbers 05-20-2008" />
| May 14, 2008
| 1
| 14.6 / 22
| 9.2 / 22
| 24.863
|-
| 41
| "Top 2 Perform"<ref name="TV by the numbers 05-28-2008"> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011094141/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/05/28/nielsen-ratings-weekly-top-20-david-vs-david-finale-scores-big-for-fox/3939/ |date=October 11, 2012 }}</ref>
| May 20, 2008
| 2
| 15.1 / 24
| 10.1 / 28
| 27.061
|-
| 42
| Season 7 Finale"<ref name="TV by the numbers 05-28-2008" />
| May 21, 2008
| 1
| 17.7 / 28
| 11.4 / 30
| 31.661
|}
|}

==See also==
* ]


==References== ==References==
{{reflist|2}} {{reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
* *
* {{IMDb episodes|0319931}}
*

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{{succession box|title='']''|before=]|after=Season 8 (2009) |years='''''Season 7 (2008)'''''}}
{{end box}}


{{American Idol 7}} {{American Idol 7}}
{{American Idol}} {{American Idol}}
{{TopUSTVShows}}


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Latest revision as of 08:41, 18 January 2025

Season of television series
American Idol
Season 7
[REDACTED]
Hosted byRyan Seacrest
JudgesPaula Abdul
Simon Cowell
Randy Jackson
WinnerDavid Cook
Runner-upDavid Archuleta
Finals venueNokia Theatre L.A. Live
Release
Original networkFox
Original releaseJanuary 15 (2008-01-15) –
May 21, 2008 (2008-05-21)
Season chronology
← Previous
Season 6Next →
Season 8
List of episodes

The seventh season of American Idol began on January 15, 2008, and concluded on May 21, 2008. Ryan Seacrest continued to host the show, while Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson returned as judges. David Cook was announced as the winner on May 21, 2008, defeating runner-up David Archuleta by a margin of roughly 12 million votes out of over 97 million, which was at that time the highest recorded vote total in the show's history.

Changes from previous seasons

Prior to the start of the seventh season, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe admitted that the sixth season had placed more focus on the guest mentors than the contestants. Changes were planned for the seventh season designed to return attention to the contestants by providing more information on their backgrounds and families.

In a major change for the seventh season, contestants were allowed to play musical instruments, an element that originated on Australian Idol. A brand new set was built, and a new introduction credit sequence was created. The season finale also moved from the Kodak Theatre to the larger Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, which would be the venue for the live series finale for the next six years.

Regional auditions

For the seventh season, auditions began in San Diego, California, on July 30, 2007, and continued in these cities:

American Idol (season 7) – regional auditions
City Preliminary date Preliminary venue Filming date(s) Filming venue Golden tickets
San Diego, California July 30, 2007 Qualcomm Stadium September 12–13, 2007 Rancho Bernardo Inn 31
Dallas, Texas August 6, 2007 Texas Stadium September 20–23, 2007 W Hotel Dallas Victory 24
Omaha, Nebraska August 10, 2007 Qwest Center Omaha October 5–6, 2007 Qwest Convention Center 19
Atlanta, Georgia August 14, 2007 Georgia Dome October 8–10, 2007 Georgia International Convention Center 21
Charleston, South Carolina August 18, 2007 North Charleston Coliseum September 6–7, 2007 Charleston Area Convention Center 23
Miami, Florida August 22, 2007 American Airlines Arena September 29–30, 2007 JW Marriott Hotel 17
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania August 27, 2007 Wachovia Center September 1–2, 2007 Hyatt Regency 29
Total number of tickets to Hollywood 164

Contestants were required to be between the ages of 16 and 28 on July 28, 2007, and eligible to work in the United States. Those ineligible included former contestants who had previously reached the semifinals of the first through third seasons, or the last phase of the Hollywood round of the fourth through sixth seasons, those holding recording or management contracts, or those who were not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Hollywood week

The Hollywood week took place at the Pasadena Civic Center in Pasadena, California, over a period of five days. A total of 164 contestants were invited from the seven audition cities. This year, the process was altered slightly to ensure that no talent would be prematurely dismissed, and there are no group performances. The contestants performed at least two songs during this round.

The first round of individual performances lasted two days. For the first time ever, contestants had the option of either being accompanied by the band or playing an instrument themselves, such as a keyboard, guitar, or drums. If the judges approved of the contestants' performances, they received a "free pass," exempting them from having to perform in the second round. Unlike previous seasons, contestants whose performances were not considered good enough were afforded a second chance rather than immediate elimination. They lined up on stage in groups of ten and each sang a short segment of a song a cappella. After each group had performed, the judges eliminated about 100 contestants.

In the final round, the remaining contestants individually performed a song chosen from a provided list of songs, accompanied by the band and three backup singers. After each performance, the judges decided the contestant's fate; 50 contestants emerged after this round ended. The judges then deliberated further on who should be in the top 24, and their decision was revealed the next day.

One of the more prominent contestants during the Hollywood week was Josiah Leming, whose unhappiness with the backing band resulted in him dismissing the band. He was ultimately eliminated. Another piece of drama involved contestant Kyle Ensley, when Simon Cowell voiced strong objection over him not being selected for the semifinals. His non-selection was later revealed to have resulted in serious rift between Cowell and the show producer Nigel Lythgoe.

Semifinals

The live show portion of the semifinals began on February 19, 2008. Similar to the previous three seasons, the women and men performed on separate shows, and then on the result shows, the bottom two contestants from each group were eliminated from the competition. The semifinals took place over three weeks, resulting in six males and six females being eliminated, leaving the other six to form the top 12. The men performed on the first night, and the ladies the next night.

Color key:

  This contestant was safe.
  This contestant was eliminated.

Top 24 – Music from the 1960s

Contestants are listed in the order they performed.

Top 24 - male contestants (February 19)
Contestant Song Result
David Hernandez "In the Midnight Hour" Safe
Chikezie "More Today Than Yesterday" Safe
David Cook "Happy Together" Safe
Jason Yeager "Moon River" Safe
Robbie Carrico "One" Safe
David Archuleta "Shop Around" Safe
Dani Noriega (AKA Adore Delano) "Jailhouse Rock" Safe
Luke Menard "Everybody's Talkin'" Safe
Colton Berry "Suspicious Minds" Eliminated
Garrett Haley "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" Eliminated
Jason Castro "Daydream" Safe
Michael Johns "Light My Fire" Safe
Top 24 - female contestants (February 20)
Contestant Song Result
Kristy Lee Cook "Rescue Me" Safe
Joanne Borgella "I Say a Little Prayer" Eliminated
Alaina Whitaker "More Today Than Yesterday" Safe
Amanda Overmyer "Baby, Please Don't Go" Safe
Amy Davis "Where the Boys Are" Eliminated
Brooke White "Happy Together" Safe
Alexandréa Lushington "Spinning Wheel" Safe
Kady Malloy "A Groovy Kind of Love" Safe
Asia'h Epperson "Piece of My Heart" Safe
Ramiele Malubay "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" Safe
Syesha Mercado "Tobacco Road" Safe
Carly Smithson "The Shadow of Your Smile" Safe
Non-competition performance
Performers Song
Top 24 1960s medley:
"Needles and Pins"
"When You Walk in the Room"
"Spanish Harlem"
"Bend Me, Shape Me"
Paula Abdul &
Randy Jackson 		"Dance Like There's No Tomorrow"

Top 20 – Music from the 1970s

Contestants are listed in the order they performed.

Top 20 - male contestants (February 26)
Contestant Song Result
Michael Johns "Go Your Own Way" Safe
Jason Castro "I Just Want to Be Your Everything" Safe
Luke Menard "Killer Queen" Safe
Robbie Carrico "Hot Blooded" Eliminated
Danny Noriega "Superstar" Safe
David Hernandez "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" Safe
Jason Yeager "Long Train Runnin'" Eliminated
Chikezie "I Believe to My Soul" Safe
David Cook "All Right Now" Safe
David Archuleta "Imagine" Safe
Top 20 - female contestants (February 27)
Contestant Song Result
Carly Smithson "Crazy on You" Safe
Syesha Mercado "Me and Mrs. Jones" Safe
Brooke White "You're So Vain" Safe
Ramiele Malubay "Don't Leave Me This Way" Safe
Kristy Lee Cook "You're No Good" Safe
Amanda Overmyer "Carry On Wayward Son" Safe
Alaina Whitaker "Hopelessly Devoted to You" Eliminated
Alexandréa Lushington "If You Leave Me Now" Eliminated
Kady Malloy "Magic Man" Safe
Asia'h Epperson "All by Myself" Safe
Non-competition performance
Performers Song
Top 20 1970s medley:
"I Saw the Light"
"It's a Heartache"
"The Things We Do for Love"
"I Feel the Earth Move"

Top 16 – Music from the 1980s

Contestants are listed in the order they performed.

Top 16 - male contestants (March 4)
Contestant Song Result
Luke Menard "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" Eliminated
David Archuleta "Another Day in Paradise" Safe
Danny Noriega "Tainted Love" Eliminated
David Hernandez "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" Safe
Michael Johns "Don't You (Forget About Me)" Safe
David Cook "Hello" Safe
Jason Castro "Hallelujah" Safe
Chikezie "All the Man That I Need" Safe
Top 16 - female contestants (March 5)
Contestant Song Result
Asia'h Epperson "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" Eliminated
Kady Malloy "Who Wants to Live Forever" Eliminated
Amanda Overmyer "I Hate Myself for Loving You" Safe
Carly Smithson "I Drove All Night" Safe
Kristy Lee Cook "Faithfully" Safe
Ramiele Malubay "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)" Safe
Brooke White "Love Is a Battlefield" Safe
Syesha Mercado "Saving All My Love for You" Safe
Non-competition performance
Performers Song
Blake Lewis "How Many Words"

Top 12 finalists

From left to right: David Cook, David Archuleta, Syesha Mercado, Jason Castro, Brooke White, and Carly Smithson From left to right: Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, Ramiele Malubay, Chikezie, Amanda Overmyer, and David Hernandez

Finals

There were eleven weeks of finals with twelve contestants competing. One contestant was eliminated every week based on the public's votes.

Color key:

  This contestant was saved by America's vote.
  This contestant was in the bottom two or three, but was saved by America's vote.
  This contestant was eliminated.
  This contestant won American Idol.
  This contestant was the runner-up.

Top 12 – Lennon–McCartney

Contestants performed one song each from the Lennon–McCartney discography, and are listed in the order they performed.

Contestant Lennon–McCartney song Result
Syesha Mercado "Got to Get You into My Life" Bottom three
Chikezie "She's a Woman" Safe
Ramiele Malubay "In My Life" Safe
Jason Castro "If I Fell" Safe
Carly Smithson "Come Together" Safe
David Cook "Eleanor Rigby" Safe
Brooke White "Let It Be" Safe
David Hernandez "I Saw Her Standing There" Eliminated
Amanda Overmyer "You Can't Do That" Safe
Michael Johns "Across the Universe" Safe
Kristy Lee Cook "Eight Days a Week" Bottom two
David Archuleta "We Can Work It Out" Safe
Non-competition performance
Performers Song
Top 12 Beatles medley:
"All My Loving"
"I Feel Fine"
"Can't Buy Me Love"
"Help!"
Katharine McPhee
& David Foster 		"Something"

Top 11 – The Beatles

Contestants performed one song each from the Beatles discography, and are listed in the order they performed.

Contestant Beatles song Result
Amanda Overmyer "Back in the U.S.S.R." Eliminated
Kristy Lee Cook "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" Bottom two
David Archuleta "The Long and Winding Road" Safe
Michael Johns "A Day in the Life" Safe
Brooke White "Here Comes the Sun" Safe
David Cook "Day Tripper" Safe
Carly Smithson "Blackbird" Bottom three
Jason Castro "Michelle" Safe
Syesha Mercado "Yesterday" Safe
Chikezie "I've Just Seen a Face" Safe
Ramiele Malubay "I Should Have Known Better" Safe
Non-competition performance
Performers Song
Top 11 Beatles medley:
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
"Here, There and Everywhere"
"Because"
"The End"
Kellie Pickler "Red High Heels"

Top 10 – Contestants' birth year

Contestants each performed one song from the year they were born, and are listed in the order they performed.

Contestant Song Birth year Result
Ramiele Malubay "Alone" 1987 Safe
Jason Castro "Fragile" 1987 Bottom three
Syesha Mercado "If I Were Your Woman" 1987 Bottom two
Chikezie "If Only for One Night" 1985 Eliminated
Brooke White "Every Breath You Take" 1983 Safe
Michael Johns "We Will Rock You" & "We Are the Champions" 1978 Safe
Carly Smithson "Total Eclipse of the Heart" 1983 Safe
David Archuleta "You're the Voice" 1990 Safe
Kristy Lee Cook "God Bless the U.S.A." 1984 Safe
David Cook "Billie Jean" 1982 Safe
Non-competition performance
Performers Song
Top 10 "Right Back Where We Started From"
Kimberley Locke "Fall"

Top 9 – Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton served as a guest mentor this week. Contestants performed one song each from her discography, and are listed in the order they performed.

Contestant Dolly Parton song Result
Brooke White "Jolene" Bottom three
David Cook "Little Sparrow" Safe
Ramiele Malubay "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" Eliminated
Jason Castro "Travelin' Thru" Safe
Carly Smithson "Here You Come Again" Safe
David Archuleta "Smoky Mountain Memories" Safe
Kristy Lee Cook "Coat of Many Colors" Bottom two
Syesha Mercado "I Will Always Love You" Safe
Michael Johns "It's All Wrong, But It's All Right" Safe
Non-competition performance
Performers Song
Top 9 "9 to 5"
The Clark Brothers "This Little Light of Mine"
Dolly Parton "Jesus and Gravity"

Top 8 – Inspirational music

Contestants are listed in the order they performed.

Contestant Song Result
Michael Johns "Dream On" Eliminated
Syesha Mercado "I Believe" Bottom three
Jason Castro "Over the Rainbow" Safe
Kristy Lee Cook "Anyway" Safe
David Cook "Innocent" Safe
Carly Smithson "The Show Must Go On" Bottom three
David Archuleta "Angels" Safe
Brooke White "You've Got a Friend" Safe
Non-competition performance
Performers Song
Top 8 "Shout to the Lord"
Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown "No Air"

Top 7 – Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey served as a guest mentor this week. Contestants performed one song each from her discography, and are listed in the order they performed.

Contestant Mariah Carey song Result
David Archuleta "When You Believe" Safe
Carly Smithson "Without You" Safe
Syesha Mercado "Vanishing" Bottom three
Brooke White "Hero" Bottom two
Kristy Lee Cook "Forever" Eliminated
David Cook "Always Be My Baby" Safe
Jason Castro "I Don't Wanna Cry" Safe
Non-competition performance
Performers Song
Top 7 "One Sweet Day"
Elliott Yamin "Free"
Mariah Carey "Bye Bye"

Top 6 – Andrew Lloyd Webber

Andrew Lloyd Webber served as a guest mentor this week. Contestants performed one song each from one of his musicals, and are listed in the order they performed.

Contestant Song Musical Result
Syesha Mercado "One Rock & Roll Too Many" Starlight Express Bottom two
Jason Castro "Memory" Cats Safe
Brooke White "You Must Love Me" Evita Safe
David Archuleta "Think of Me" The Phantom of the Opera Safe
Carly Smithson "Superstar" Jesus Christ Superstar Eliminated
David Cook "The Music of the Night" The Phantom of the Opera Safe
Non-competition performance
Performers Song
Top 6 "All I Ask of You"
from The Phantom of the Opera
Leona Lewis "Bleeding Love"

Top 5 – Neil Diamond

Neil Diamond served as a guest mentor this week. Contestants performed two songs each from his discography, and are listed in the order they performed.

Contestant Order Neil Diamond song Result
Jason Castro 1 "Forever in Blue Jeans" Safe
6 "September Morn"
David Cook 2 "I'm Alive" Safe
7 "All I Really Need Is You"
Brooke White 3 "I'm a Believer" Eliminated
8 "I Am...I Said"
David Archuleta 4 "Sweet Caroline" Safe
9 "America"
Syesha Mercado 5 "Hello Again" Safe
10 "Thank the Lord for the Night Time"
Non-competition performance
Performers Song
Top 5 Neil Diamond medley:
"Cracklin' Rosie"
"Song Sung Blue"
"Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show"
Natasha Bedingfield "Pocketful of Sunshine"
Neil Diamond "Pretty Amazing Grace"

Top 4 – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Contestants performed two songs, and are listed in the order they performed.

Contestant Order Rock and roll song Result
David Cook 1 "Hungry Like the Wolf" Safe
5 "Baba O'Riley"
Syesha Mercado 2 "Proud Mary" Safe
6 "A Change Is Gonna Come"
Jason Castro 3 "I Shot the Sheriff" Eliminated
7 "Mr. Tambourine Man"
David Archuleta 4 "Stand by Me" Safe
8 "Love Me Tender"
Non-competition performance
Performers Song
Top 4 "Reelin' In the Years"
Maroon 5 "If I Never See Your Face Again"
Bo Bice "Witness"

Top 3

Each contestant performed three songs: one chosen by one of the judges, one chosen by the producers, and one chosen by the contestant. Contestants are listed in the order they performed.

Contestant Order Song Result
David Archuleta 1 "And So It Goes" Safe
4 "With You"
7 "Longer"
Syesha Mercado 2 "If I Ain't Got You" Eliminated
5 "Fever"
8 "Hit Me Up
David Cook 3 "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" Safe
6 "Dare You to Move"
9 "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing"
Non-competition performance
Performers Song
Top 3 "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now"
Fantasia "Bore Me (Yawn)"
  1. Song chosen by Paula Abdul.
  2. Song chosen by Randy Jackson.
  3. Song chosen by Simon Cowell.

Top 2 – Finale

Each contestant performed three songs, and are listed in the order they performed. David Archuletha won the coin toss after the results show the prior week, and chose to perform last.

Contestant Order Song Result
David Cook 1 "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" Winner
3 "Dream Big"
5 "The World I Know"
David Archuleta 2 "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" Runner-up
4 "In This Moment"
6 "Imagine"
  1. ^ Song chosen by Clive Davis.
Non-competition performance
Performers Song
Ruben Studdard "Celebrate Me Home"
Top 12 "Get Ready"
David Cook & David Archuleta "Hero"
Syesha Mercado
with Seal 		"Waiting for You"
Jason Castro "Hallelujah"
Top 12 women
with Donna Summer 		"She Works Hard for the Money"
"Hot Stuff"
"Stamp Your Feet"
"Last Dance"
Carly Smithson & Michael Johns "The Letter"
Top 12 men
with Bryan Adams 		"Summer of '69"
"Heaven"
"I Thought I'd Seen Everything"
"Somebody"
David Cook
with ZZ Top 		"Sharp Dressed Man"
Brooke White
with Graham Nash 		"Teach Your Children"
Jonas Brothers "S.O.S"
Renaldo Lapuz "We're Brothers Forever"
David Archuleta
with OneRepublic 		"Apologize"
Jordin Sparks "One Step at a Time"
Gladys Knight "Midnight Train to Georgia"
Carrie Underwood "Last Name"
Top 12
with George Michael 		"Faith"
"Father Figure"
"Freedom"
"Praying for Time"
David Cook "The Time of My Life"

Elimination chart

Color key:

  Winner   Runner-up   Saved by the public   Bottom two or three   Eliminated
American Idol (season 7) - Eliminations
Contestant Pl. Semifinals Top 12 Top 11 Top 10 Top 9 Top 8 Top 7 Top 6 Top 5 Top 4 Top 3 Finale
2/21 2/28 3/6 3/13 3/20 3/27 4/2 4/10 4/16 4/23 4/30 5/7 5/14 5/21
David Cook 1 Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Winner
David Archuleta 2 Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Runner-up
Syesha Mercado 3 Safe Safe Safe Bottom three Safe Bottom two Safe Bottom three Bottom three Bottom two Safe Safe Eliminated
Jason Castro 4 Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Bottom three Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Eliminated
Brooke White 5 Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Bottom three Safe Bottom two Safe Eliminated
Carly Smithson 6 Safe Safe Safe Safe Bottom three Safe Safe Bottom three Safe Eliminated
Kristy Lee Cook 7 Safe Safe Safe Bottom two Bottom two Safe Bottom two Safe Eliminated
Michael Johns 8 Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Eliminated
Ramiele Malubay 9 Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Eliminated
Chikezie 10 Safe Safe Safe Safe Safe Eliminated
Amanda Overmyer 11 Safe Safe Safe Safe Eliminated
David Hernandez 12 Safe Safe Safe Eliminated
Asia'h Epperson Safe Safe Eliminated
Kady Malloy Safe Safe
Luke Menard Safe Safe
Danny Noriega Safe Safe
Robbie Carrico Safe Eliminated
Alexandréa Lushington Safe
Alaina Whitaker Safe
Jason Yeager Safe
Colton Berry Eliminated
Joanne Borgella
Amy Davis
Garrett Haley
  1. The top 8 results show was moved to Thursday, April 10, due to the Idol Gives Back special airing in the show's regular Wednesday timeslot.

Idol Gives Back

Main article: Idol Gives Back

The Idol Gives Back initiative returned on April 9, 2008. Again, proceeds went to children's charities in Africa and the United States. Unlike Idol Gives Back 2007, where no contestant was eliminated, Michael Johns was eliminated during Idol Gives Back 2008.

Controversies

Carly Smithson stirred up controversy due to a prior major label record deal she had with MCA Records. To further complicate things, Randy Jackson worked for MCA during the same period of time that Smithson was signed. The media noted that several of the other season 7 semifinalists had previously also had record deals, including Kristy Lee Cook, Brooke White, and Michael Johns. According to a poll conducted by AOL Television, 63 percent of those polled believed that contestants who already had record deals should not be contestants on American Idol, however, Idol rules stated that contestants were eligible so long as they were no longer under contract when Idol began, regardless of any past contracts.

On the April 29 show, the five remaining contestants each sang two songs. Diverting from the usual format due to time constraints, the judges' critiques were to be bundled until after both songs were performed. However, after the first round had finished, host Ryan Seacrest asked for comments, and judge Paula Abdul, in discussing Jason Castro, delivered feedback on his second song before he had actually performed it. This led to speculation that the show was scripted or rigged. The next day, Abdul claimed on Seacrest's radio show that she listened to the performances in rehearsal and in the rushed atmosphere of the show was confused and thought she was supposed to critique both.

Releases

iTunes

During season 7, American Idol partnered with iTunes to make available for sale exclusive performance videos, live performance singles of the semifinalists, and full-length studio recordings of the songs that contestants performed on the show. In order to keep the competition fair, these singles were not allowed to appear on iTunes sales charts until after the finale. The contestants' performances during the season were removed soon after the finale.

The winning song, "The Time of My Life", was recorded by David Cook and released on May 22, 2008. The song was certified platinum by the RIAA on December 12, 2008. It was the first winner's song to not be performed during the competition as the top 2 each selected a different song from a list of ten entries in song-writing competition to perform instead. Cook performed "The Time of My Life" after Ryan Seacrest had announced him as the winner.

Post-Idol

David Cook's debut album was released on November 18, 2008, on 19 Recordings / RCA Records and was certified platinum by the RIAA on January 22, 2009. Cook teamed with Grammy winning producer Rob Cavallo (Green Day, Kid Rock) on the album. A single from the album, "Light On," was released and peaked at 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. His sophomore album, This Loud Morning, was released on June 28, 2011.

David Archuleta signed with Jive Records and his self-titled debut album was released on November 11, 2008, and debuted at number two. Archuleta's album certified gold. Archuleta's first single, "Crush," debuted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot Digital Songs chart, giving it the highest single debut of 2008 and the highest single debut in 18 months. The song has sold 1.9 million copies as of January 2009.

U.S. Nielsen ratings

Season 7 of American Idol overall was the most watched primetime program in the United States for the fourth consecutive year, during the conclusion of the 2007–2008 television season. The Tuesday episode viewership averaged 27.665 million while the Wednesday episode averaged 26.843 million, taking the top 2 spots for the season. The show helped Fox become the most watched overall television network in the U.S. for the first time in its history (as well as a record first for a non-Big Three major network in American television history), and lead the 18–49 demographic ratings with still-standing largest ever margin since the introduction of the people meter technology in the Nielsen nationwide television tallies during the 1985–1986 television season.

Episode list
Show Episode Air date Week
rank 		Rating/Share 18–49
rating/Share 		Viewers
(millions)
1 "Philadelphia Auditions" January 15, 2008 3 17.7 / 26 13.8 / 32 33.415
2 "Dallas Auditions" January 16, 2008 4 16.7 / 25 12.6 / 30 30.437
3 "San Diego Auditions" January 22, 2008 1 16.2 / 24 11.8 / 29 29.274
4 "Charleston Auditions" January 23, 2008 2 15.1 / 23 10.9 / 28 27.091
5 "Omaha Auditions" January 29, 2008 4 15.7 / 24 11.1 / 28 28.223
6 "Miami Auditions" January 30, 2008 5 14.4 / 22 10.1 / 26 25.573
7 "Atlanta Auditions" February 5, 2008 1 15.7 / 23 11.2 / 28 27.914
8 "Best of the Rest" February 6, 2008 2 14.6 / 23 10.5 / 26 26.278
9 "Hollywood Round, Part 1" February 12, 2008 1 16.6 / 25 12.3 / 29 29.962
10 "Hollywood Round, Part 2" February 13, 2008 2 14.3 / 22 9.8 / 26 24.752
11 "Top 12 Men Perform" February 19, 2008 2 16.4 / 25 11.3 / 27 29.006
12 "Top 12 Women Perform" February 20, 2008 3 16.1 / 24 11.2 / 27 28.885
13 "Top 24 Results" February 21, 2008 4 13.4 / 21 8.5 / 22 23.374
14 "Top 10 Men Perform" February 26, 2008 1 16.0 / 24 11.1 / 27 28.592
15 "Top 10 Women Perform" February 27, 2008 2 15.7 / 24 10.5 / 27 27.553
16 "Top 20 Results" February 28, 2008 3 14.9 / 23 9.1 / 24 26.232
17 "Top 8 Men Perform" March 4, 2008 1 15.9 / 24 10.6 / 26 28.463
18 "Top 8 Women Perform" March 5, 2008 2 16.0 / 25 10.4 / 27 28.324
19 "Top 12 Revealed" March 6, 2008 3 15.0 / 23 9.4 / 24 26.502
20 "Top 12 Perform" March 11, 2008 1 16.9 / 26 11.0 / 28 29.884
21 "Top 12 Results" March 12, 2008 2 15.8 / 24 10.3 / 26 27.127
22 "Top 11 Perform" March 18, 2008 1 15.2 / 23 10.4 / 26 27.338
23 "Top 11 Results" March 19, 2008 2 15.3 / 24 9.8 / 25 26.078
24 "Top 10 Perform" March 25, 2008 2 14.0 / 21 9.7 / 25 24.758
25 "Top 10 Results" March 26, 2008 1 15.2 / 24 9.8 / 25 25.742
26 "Top 9 Perform" April 1, 2008 1 14.7 / 23 9.6 / 26 26.117
27 "Top 9 Results" April 2, 2008 2 14.8 / 22 9.4 / 23 24.839
28 "Top 8 Perform" April 8, 2008 1 14.2 / 22 9.2 / 24 24.668
29 "Idol Gives Back" April 9, 2008 6 10.4 / 16 6.8 / 18 17.751
30 "Top 8 Results" April 10, 2008 2 12.0 / 19 7.0 / 19 20.133
31 "Top 7 Perform" April 15, 2008 1 13.9 / 22 8.8 / 23 23.646
32 "Top 7 Results" April 16, 2008 2 13.4 / 21 8.8 / 22 23.339
33 Top 6 Perform" April 22, 2008 1 14.2 / 22 9.0 / 25 24.740
34 "Top 6 Results" April 23, 2008 2 13.7 / 21 8.6 / 21 23.196
35 "Top 5 Perform" April 29, 2008 1 14.5 / 23 9.0 / 24 25.094
36 "Top 5 Results" April 30, 2008 2 13.6 / 21 8.4 / 21 22.800
37 "Top 4 Perform" May 6, 2008 2 12.6 / 20 8.4 / 23 21.755
38 "Top 4 Results" May 7, 2008 1 13.9 / 21 8.2 / 21 22.867
39 "Top 3 Perform" May 13, 2008 2 14.4 / 23 9.0 / 25 24.772
40 "Top 3 Results" May 14, 2008 1 14.6 / 22 9.2 / 22 24.863
41 "Top 2 Perform" May 20, 2008 2 15.1 / 24 10.1 / 28 27.061
42 Season 7 Finale" May 21, 2008 1 17.7 / 28 11.4 / 30 31.661

See also

References

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External links

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