American Idol season 14 explained
The fourteenth season of American Idol, also known as American Idol XIV, premiered on the Fox television network on January 7, 2015. Ryan Seacrest returned as host, while Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez, and Keith Urban returned as judges. Randy Jackson stepped down as the in-house mentor and was replaced by Scott Borchetta. Long-time sponsor Coca-Cola ended its relationship with the show.
Before the finale, it was announced that the fifteenth season would be the last of the reality show. Since the series began in 2002, it peaked in viewership at 30 million viewers per episode in 2006, slipping to 20 million viewers per episode in 2011, and down further since with an average of about 9.15 million viewers per episode in 2015.[1]
On May 13, Nick Fradiani was announced as this season's winner, with Clark Beckham as the runner-up.
Changes from previous seasons
The fourteenth season of American Idol featured a number of changes to its format. Former judge Randy Jackson, who had served as a mentor on the previous season, left the show and was succeeded by Big Machine Records founder Scott Borchetta.[2] In May 2014, Ryan Seacrest signed a two-year extension to remain as host through 2016, which would be the show's final season.[3] [4] Long-time sponsor Coca-Cola ended its relationship with the series, and the Ford Motor Company maintained a reduced role.[5] [6]
To evaluate their ability to perform in front of a live audience, the final 48 contestants participated in a private concert at the House of Blues in West Hollywood before being cut to 24. Separate results shows during the top 12 rounds were discontinued in favor of a single two-hour broadcast on Wednesday nights, where the results from the previous week were revealed, similarly to So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars.
A new feature was also introduced, where viewers could vote via Twitter to decide which of the bottom two singers from the previous week would advance.[7] Beginning with the top 9, the two contestants who received the lowest votes the previous week were revealed.[8] The bottom two contestants then performed in exactly the same format as the safe contestants. However, after the performances were completed, the viewers only had five minutes to vote by Twitter; the contestant with the higher vote count would be safe and the other contestant would be eliminated.
The finale returned to the Dolby Theatre, where five of the first six-season finales took place.[9]
Regional auditions
The American Idol "Audition Bus Tour" visited the following cities: Portland, Oregon; Portland, Maine; Reno, Nevada; Columbus, Ohio; Richmond, Virginia; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Amarillo, Texas; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Branson, Missouri; Tallahassee, Florida; and Kansas City, Missouri.
Auditions took place in the following cities:[10] [11]
City! scope="col" | Preliminary date | Preliminary venue | Filming date(s) | Filming venue |
|---|
| June 18, 2014 | | September 24–25, 2014 | Minneapolis Convention Center[12] |
|---|
| June 25, 2014 | | August 26–27, 2014 | Morial Convention Center[13] |
|---|
| Various cities | July 9–21, 2014 | Varied | August 13–14, 2014 | Bartle Hall Convention Center
(Kansas City)[14] |
|---|
| Uniondale, New York | July 23, 2014 | | September 16–17, 2014 | Marriott Hotel (Brooklyn)[15] |
|---|
| July 30, 2014 | | August 3–4, 2014 | Music City Center[16] |
|---|
| September 29, 2014 | | October 3–4, 2014 | Westin St. Francis[17] | |
|---|
Hollywood week
Hollywood week aired in four parts over two weeks. Contestants participated in three rounds: lines of ten, groups and solos. The judges also asked some of the most notable contestants to sing for them at the beginning of the rounds, surprising many of them, but they all advanced. After Hollywood Week, contestants performed in the Showcase round in front of a live audience at the House of Blues in Los Angeles.
Semifinals
The semifinals began on February 25, 2015, and were filmed at The Fillmore in Detroit, Michigan.[18] After the top 10 finalists were determined by the public vote, the judges chose two additional contestants to advance to the finals as Wild Card picks.
Color key:
Top 24
Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
Top 16 – Motown
Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
Top 12 finalists
- Nick Fradiani (born November 15, 1985) was from Guilford, Connecticut.[19] He and his girlfriend auditioned in New York City, and his golden ticket song was Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes."[20] In Hollywood, he sang "Babylon" by David Gray. He sang Train's "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)" during the House of Blues Showcase, earning his spot in the top 24.
- Clark Beckham (born May 15, 1992) was from White House, Tennessee.[21] Beckham sang James Brown's "It's a Man's World" during his audition. In his first solo performance in Hollywood, he sang Otis Reding's "Try a Little Tenderness". He advanced to the top 24 after he sang "Georgia on My Mind" by Ray Charles in the House of Blues Showcase.
- Jax (born May 5, 1996) was from East Brunswick, New Jersey.[22] She auditioned in New York City with her rendition of the Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand". She also sang "Toxic" by Britney Spears during her first solo in Hollywood. For her final solo, she sang the Beatles' "Let it Be". She earned her spot in the Top 24 in the House of Blues Showcase after she performed Lady Gaga's "You & I."
- Rayvon Owen (born June 27, 1991) was a vocal coach from Richmond, Virginia.[23] He auditioned in San Francisco with his rendition of Katy Perry's "Wide Awake." He sang "Ordinary People" by John Legend as his first solo and Otis Reding's "Try a Little Tenderness" as his final solo in Hollywood. He performed Sam Smith's "Lay Me Down" in the House of Blues Showcase, earning his spot in the semifinals.
- Tyanna Jones (born August 8, 1998) was from Jacksonville, Florida. For her audition, she sang "Wings" by Little Mix. In Hollywood, she sang Olly Murs' "Dance with Me Tonight" as her first solo and "Try" by Colbie Caillat as her final solo. She performed Beyoncé's "Love on Top" in the House of Blues Showcase, earning her spot in the semifinals.
- Quentin Alexander (born December 11, 1994) was from New Orleans, Louisiana.[24] He auditioned in New Orleans with "Royals" by Lorde.[25] In Hollywood, he sang "Riptide" by Vance Joy. He sang "Youth" by Foxes in the House of Blues Showcase, earning his spot in the semifinals.
- Joey Cook (born March 30, 1991) was originally from Woodbridge, Virginia, but had moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where she auditioned with "King of Spain" by The Tallest Man on Earth. She sang Miranda Lambert's "Kerosene" as her first solo and "Across the Universe" by the Beatles as her final solo in Hollywood. She earned her spot in the top 24 after she performed "Sweet Pea" by Amos Lee in the House of Blues Showcase. Her performance of Fancy during the top 11 was well-received by the judges and earned a standing ovation from Keith Urban. She played the accordion, ukulele, banjo, and the mandolin during the course of the season.[26]
- Qaasim Middleton (born January 13, 1996) was from Brooklyn, New York. He auditioned in New York City with "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder. He performed Ed Sheeran's "Give Me Love" as his final solo in Hollywood. He sang "Satisfaction" by Allen Stone, earning his spot in the top 24 in the House of Blues Showcase.
- Daniel Seavey (born April 2, 1999) was from Vancouver, Washington. He sang Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" during his audition in San Francisco. In Hollywood, he sang Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" as his first solo and Sheeran's "I See Fire" as his final solo in Hollywood. He performed "Straight Up" again in the House of Blues Showcase, earning his spot in the top 24.
- Adanna Duru (born October 10, 1996) was from Diamond Bar, California. She auditioned in San Francisco with Lady Gaga's "You & I." She performed "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World" by James Brown during the House of Blues Showcase, where she got standing ovation by Jennifer Lopez and earned her spot in the Top 24.
- Maddie Walker (born December 23, 1997) was from Ankeny, Iowa. She had previously auditioned in the thirteenth season, but was cut during the group round in Hollywood. She auditioned again in New York City with Gwen Sebastian's "Suitcase." She sang "Already Gone" by Sugarland as her first solo in Hollywood, and "Don't Ya" by Brett Eldredge as her final solo. During the House of Blues Showcase, she sang "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie. She was cut during the top 24 selection, but was called back by the judges, and subsequently earned a spot in the semifinals.
- Sarina-Joi Crowe (born June 27, 1995) was from Columbia, Tennessee. She had originally auditioned in the tenth season, but was cut on the last day in Hollywood. She had also auditioned in the twelfth and thirteenth seasons, where she was again cut. For her fourth appearance, she auditioned in Nashville with "Love Runs Out" by OneRepublic. She sang Jessie J's "Big White Room" in the House of Blues Showcase, where she earned her spot in the top 24.
Finals
There were eleven weeks of finals with twelve contestants competing. At least one contestant was eliminated every week based on the public's votes, although the judges could veto one elimination through the use of the "judges' save."
Color key:
Top 12 – Back to the start
Contestants performed the songs they originally sang at their auditions, and are listed in the order they performed.
Top 11 (March 19) – Party songs
Sarina-Joi Crowe performed "Neon Lights," but the judges chose to not save her, resulting in her elimination. Contestants are listed in the order they performed. The judges did, however, choose to use their "judges' save" the following week when Qaasim Middleton was announced as the performer to be eliminated.
Top 11 (March 26) – Movie soundtracks
Nile Rodgers served as a guest mentor this week. Contestants chose songs featured in movies, and are listed in the order they performed.
Top 9 – Music from the 1980s
Boy George served as a guest mentor this week. Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
Beginning the following week, viewers could vote via Twitter to determine which of the bottom two contestants would be eliminated and which would be saved.
Top 8 – Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson served as a guest mentor this week. Contestants performed one song each from her discography, and are listed in the order they performed.
Daniel Seavey performed "Breakaway," but he lost the Twitter vote and was eliminated.
Top 7 – Billboard Hot 100
Jason Derulo and Florida Georgia Line served as guest mentors this week. Contestants performed one song each from the Billboard Hot 100, and are listed in the order they performed.
Qaasim Middleton performed "Hey Ya!," but he lost the Twitter vote and was eliminated.
Top 6 – American classics
Each contestant performed two songs.[27] Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
Joey Cook performed "My Funny Valentine" and "Somebody to Love," but she lost the Twitter vote and was eliminated.
Top 5 – Arena anthems
Each contestant performed two songs.[28] Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
Quentin Alexander performed "Light My Fire" and "Shake It Out," but he lost the Twitter vote and was eliminated.
Top 4 – Judges' hometowns & one's soul
Martina McBride and Jay DeMarcus served as guest mentors this week. Each contestant performed two songs: one representing a judge's hometown, and one representing their own soul.[29]
Tyanna Jones sang "Only Girl (in the World)" mid-show; however, there was no longer a Twitter save, and she was automatically eliminated as having the lowest number of votes from the previous week. Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
Top 3
Each contestant performed three songs: one chosen by mentor Scott Borchetta, one dedicated to the finalists' hometowns, and one chosen by the judges. Contestants are listed in the order they performed.
Rayvon Owen performed "Want to Want Me", "As", and "You Are So Beautiful"; however, he was revealed to have had the lowest vote count from the previous week and was eliminated.
Top 2 – Finale
Each contestant performed three songs, one of which was chosen by producer Simon Fuller, and are listed in the order they performed.
Jax was revealed to have the lowest number of votes from the previous week and was eliminated prior to performing.
Elimination chart
Color key:
Contestant! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Semifinals | Top 12 | Top 11 | Top 9 | Top 8 | Top 7 | Top 6 | Top 5 | Top 4 | Top 3 | Finale |
|---|
| 3/4 | 3/5 | 3/11 | 3/12 | 3/19 | 3/26 | 4/2 | 4/9 | 4/16 | 4/23 | 4/30 | 5/6 | 5/12 | 5/13 |
|---|
| Nick Fradiani | 1 | Safe | N/A | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Winner |
|---|
| Clark Beckham | 2 | Safe | N/A | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Runner-up |
|---|
| Jax | 3 | N/A | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Eliminated | |
|---|
| Rayvon Owen | 4 | Safe | N/A | Safe | Safe | Safe | Bottom three | Twitter save | Twitter save | Twitter save | Twitter save | Bottom two | Eliminated | |
|---|
| Tyanna Jones | 5 | N/A | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Eliminated | |
|---|
| Quentin Alexander | 6 | Safe | N/A | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Eliminated | |
|---|
| Joey Cook | 7 | N/A | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Eliminated | |
|---|
| Qaasim Middleton | 8 | Safe | N/A | Safe | Safe | Saved | Safe | Safe | Eliminated | |
|---|
| Daniel Seavey | 9 | Safe | N/A | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Eliminated | |
|---|
| Adanna Duru | 10 | N/A | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe | Eliminated | |
|---|
| Maddie Walker | N/A | Safe | Safe | Safe | Safe |
|---|
| Sarina-Joi Crowe | 12 | N/A | Safe | Safe | Eliminated | |
|---|
| Mark Andrew | | Safe | N/A | Eliminated | |
|---|
| Adam Ezegelian | Safe | N/A |
|---|
| Alexis Gomez | N/A | Safe |
|---|
| Loren Lott | N/A | Safe |
|---|
| Shannon Berthiaume | N/A | Eliminated | |
|---|
| Lovey James | N/A |
|---|
| Shi Scott | N/A |
|---|
| Katherine Winston | N/A |
|---|
| Riley Bria | Eliminated | |
|---|
| Trevor Douglas |
|---|
| Michael Simeon |
|---|
| Savion Wright | |
|---|
Controversies
Quentin Alexander incident
National media outlets reported on an exchange between judge Harry Connick Jr. and contestant Quentin Alexander, noting that Connick scolding a contestant was awkward.[30] [31] On the live airing of the top 6 show, there were three contestants who had not been saved when Alexander was chosen. After he performed, host Ryan Seacrest noted that he appeared to be upset. When asked, Alexander responded, "This sucks, we've got two of the best vocalists, my best friend [Joey Cook] sitting over there. This whole thing is whack, but I'm going to shut up right now." Seacrest then replied that it was a competition, and with the save anything could happen. After Alexander had left the stage, Connick Jr. said, "Quentin, if it's that whack, then you can always go home, because Idol is paying a lot of money to give you this experience and for you to say that to this hand that is feeding you right now, I think is highly disrespectful." Alexander was then prompted by the producers to return to the stage, where he approached the judges and clarified that he meant the two being potentially eliminated was whack, not the show nor the experience. Later, after performing his second song, he explained, "I understand that these things are going to happen, and I just didn't want my friend to leave" and apologized.[32] Judge Jennifer Lopez empathized with Alexander's emotions running high, but said that as an artist, he would have to learn to work through that even when putting on a performance.[33] Joey Cook commented after being eliminated on Alexander's statements:
I pretty much just told him what he did was beautiful, in my opinion, and it was the perfect representation of him. Quentin is a very emotional person. He’s very 'all cards on the table.' There is no sugar coating. He doesn’t hide his emotions. He’s honest. He’s a raw human being, and I think what happened last night was the perfect example of that and how emotional of a person he is.[34]
The producers played up the exchange in what Music Times termed "what seemed like shady circumstances" to replay the incident throughout the week in show promos and at the beginning of the top 5 show.[35] [36] An Idol source also stated that for fairness purposes, the judges and contestants had a strict wall of silence between them and only interact onstage so Connick Jr. and Alexander have not had contact since last week.[35] Alexander was eliminated the following week with what Music Times questioned as possibly the first time American Idol "went into an episode with what seemed to be a very clear agenda."[37] Yahoos managing editor Lyndsey Parker detailed many points that she argued was American Idol "throwing Quentin Alexander under the tour bus" referring to the idiom of "throwing [someone] under the bus" by sacrificing a friend as the show heavily promoted the summer tour, which only guaranteed that the top five finalists would be included.[38] Included in her critique was that the show had aired the promotional video featuring the confrontation, which she characterized as "misleadingly edited" to boost ratings.[39] She also wrote: Throughout the evening, almost all of the contestants were lavishly praised, even though two of them actually messed up, one of them made a questionable lyrical change, and several of them had obvious pitch issues. Quentin’s perfectly solid “Light My Fire” received one of only
two negative critiques among the night’s dozen performances, and undeservedly so. Parker also referenced a "backhanded and unflattering" exchange from Connick Jr. insinuating that Alexander needed Auto-Tune. She also noted that the "fan save" via Twitter was handled uniquely in that contestant Rayvon Owen didn't have a replay or critique until after a commercial break, while Alexander did not get the same treatment, and host Ryan Seacrest claimed Alexander had muttered "I give up," to which Alexander had to clarify that he had actually said, "I give it up." USA Today echoed the sentiment stating that the awkward moments probably led to his elimination.[40]
Reception
U.S. Nielsen ratings
The season premiere was watched by 11.2 million viewers; down 25% from the thirteenth season's premiere (which had an audience of 15.19 million viewers). However, it was up 6.3% from the thirteenth season's finale (which had an audience of 10.53 million viewers), the second time in the show's history. Currently, the most-viewed episode this season was the "Minneapolis Auditions," which aired on January 21, 2015, and the episode with the fewest viewers tuning in was the "Top 7 Perform: Billboard Hits," which aired on April 8, 2015. This episode now takes the top spot as the least-viewed and worst-rated American Idol episode ever, with 6.58 viewers. The title was previously held by the thirteenth season's "The Final 2," which was watched by 6.76 million viewers on May 20, 2014.[41] [42] The average viewership in millions for the audition episodes was 10.84. The "Top 10 Perform: Movie Night" episode was moved to Thursday night, to make way for the two-hour finale of Empire. This season, there was a two part finale, with the first of two parts airing on Tuesday, May 12, 2015, at 9/8c. The second of the two-part-finale aired on Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at 8/7c.[43]
Episode list| No. | Episode | Air date (2015) | Timeslot (ET) | Rating/Share
18–49 | Viewers
(millions) | Weekly
rank | Source(s) |
|---|
| 1 | "Nashville Auditions" | January 7 | Wednesday 8:00 p.m. | 3.2 / 10 | 11.20 | 6 | [44] [45] [46] |
|---|
| 2 | "Nashville & Kansas City Auditions" | January 8 | Thursday 8:00 p.m. | 3.1 / 9 | 11.23 | 8 | [47] |
|---|
| 3 | "Kansas City Auditions" | January 14 | Wednesday 8:00 p.m. | 3.0 / 9 | 10.87 | | [48] [49] [50] |
|---|
| 4 | "Brooklyn Auditions" | January 15 | Thursday 8:00 p.m. | 2.6 / 8 | 10.42 | 10 | [51] [52] |
|---|
| 5 | "Minneapolis Auditions" | January 21 | Wednesday 8:00 p.m. | 3.4 / 11 | 11.76 | 3 | [53] [54] [55] |
|---|
| 6 | "New Orleans Auditions" | January 22 | Thursday 8:00 p.m. | 2.8 / 9 | 10.65 | 7 | [56] [57] |
|---|
| 7 | "San Francisco Auditions" | January 28 | Wednesday 8:00 p.m. | 2.9/9 | 11.28 | 10 | [58] [59] |
|---|
| 8 | "San Francisco Auditions (Continued)" | January 29 | Thursday 8:00 p.m. | 2.2/7 | 9.37 | 17 | [60] |
|---|
| 9 | "Hollywood Week: Part 1" | February 4 | Wednesday 8:00 p.m. | 3.1/10 | 11.21 | 8 | [61] |
|---|
| 10 | "Hollywood Week: Part 2" | February 5 | Thursday 8:00 p.m. | 2.4/8 | 9.65 | 16 | [62] |
|---|
| 11 | "Hollywood Week: Part 3" | February 11 | Wednesday 8:00 p.m. | 2.8/9 | 10.66 | 9 | [63] |
|---|
| 12 | "Hollywood Week: Part 4" | February 12 | Thursday 8:00 p.m. | 2.3/8 | 9.62 | 16 | [64] |
|---|
| 13 | "Showcase Week: Part 1"[65] | February 18 | Wednesday 8:00 p.m. | 2.8/9 | 10.70 | 11 | [66] |
|---|
| 14 | "Showcase Week: Part 2" | February 19 | Thursday 8:00 p.m. | 2.1/7 | 8.98 | 22 | [67] |
|---|
| 15 | "Top 12 Boys Perform" | February 25 | Wednesday 8:00 p.m. | 2.7/8 | 10.38 | 11 | [68] |
|---|
| 16 | "Top 12 Girls Perform" | February 26 | Thursday 8:00 p.m. | 2.2/7 | 9.43 | 16 | [69] [70] |
|---|
| 17 | "Guys Results: Top 8 Guys Perform" | March 4 | Wednesday 8:00 p.m. | 2.1/7 | 8.89 | 19 | [71] [72] |
|---|
| 18 | "Girls Results: Top 8 Girls Perform" | March 5 | Thursday 8:00 p.m. | 2.2/7 | 9.41 | 23 | [73] |
|---|
| 19 | "Top 12 Perform: Back to the Start"[74] | March 11 | Wednesday 8:00 p.m. | 2.4/7 | 9.71 | 17 | [75] [76] |
|---|
| 20 | "Top 11 Perform: Party Songs"[77] | March 12 | Thursday 8:00 p.m. | 1.8/6 | 8.32 | 21 | [78] |
|---|
| 21 | "Top 10 Perform: Movie Night"[79] | March 19 | 1.8/6 | 8.51 | 14 | [80] |
|---|
| 22 | "Top 9 Perform: Songs from the 1980s"[81] | March 25 | Wednesday 8:00 p.m. | 1.7/6 | 8.46 | 21 | [82] [83] |
|---|
| 23 | "Top 8 Perform: Kelly Clarkson Night"[84] | April 1 | 1.8/6 | 8.48 | 16 | [85] [86] |
|---|
| 24 | "Top 7 Perform: Billboard Top 100"[87] | April 8 | 1.4/5 | 6.58 | <25 | [88] [89] |
|---|
| 25 | "Top 6 Perform: American Classics"[90] | April 15 | 1.4/5 | 7.63 | <25 | [91] [92] |
|---|
| 26 | "Top 5 Perform: Arena Anthems"[93] | April 22 | 1.5/5 | 7.47 | <25 | [94] [95] |
|---|
| 27 | "Top 4 Perform: Judges' Hometowns & Soul Songs"[96] | April 29 | 1.6/5 | 7.36 | 25 | [97] [98] |
|---|
| 28 | "Top 3 Perform: Judge's Pick, Scott Borchetta's Pick, & Contestant's Hometowns"[99] | May 6 | 1.4/5 | 6.93 | <25 | [100] [101] |
|---|
| 29 | "Top 2 Perform" | May 12 | Tuesday 9:00 p.m. | 1.3/4 | 5.55 | <25 | [102] [103] |
|---|
| 30 | "Season 14 Finale" | May 13 | Wednesday 8:00 p.m. | 1.7/6 | 8.03 | 18 | [104] | |
|---|
Music releases
Concert tour
See main article: American Idols LIVE! Tour 2015.
The top five finalists performed in the American Idol tour that year.[105]
Notes and References
- News: Velaszquez. Giselle. Fox canceling 'American Idol' after 15th season. S.F. Examiner. S.F. Examiner. May 13, 2015.
- News: It's Official: Scott Borchetta Joining 'American Idol' Season 14 as Mentor . December 2, 2014 . Michele Amabile Angermiller . Shirley Halperin . Hollywood Reporter . December 12, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141214161149/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/scott-borchetta-joining-american-idol-753525 . December 14, 2014 . live .
- Web site: 'American Idol' Renewed For Final Season. Deadline.com. May 11, 2015 . May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150513173150/http://deadline.com/2015/05/american-idol-renewed-final-season-15-1201424278/. May 13, 2015. live.
- Web site: Rose. Lacey. Ryan Seacrest Inks Deal to Return to 'American Idol'. The Hollywood Reporter. June 1, 2014. May 9, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140610040659/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/ryan-seacrest-inks-deal-return-702673. June 10, 2014. live.
- Web site: Fox Faces Challenge to Make 'American Idol' Sing. Variety. December 17, 2014 . January 7, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150208151131/http://variety.com/2014/tv/features/fox-faces-challenge-to-rejuvenate-american-idol-1201379994/. February 8, 2015. live.
- Web site: In season 14, 'American Idol' hoping to bounce back . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20150107200111/http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/television/2015/01/05/american-idol-the-search-for-next-pop-star-and-its-growing-pains/QmQXmq0nNqZw7RJfp9K6BI/story.html . January 7, 2015 . January 7, 2015 . Boston Globe.
- American Idol fans can now tweet to save their favorite singer. May 8, 2015. Entertainment Weekly. April 1, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150509071944/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/04/01/american-idol-fans-save-contestants-via-twitter. May 9, 2015. live.
- Web site: 'American Idol' installs 'Twitter save:' Will it help or hurt Team NOLA Joey Cook and Quentin Alexander?. NOLA.com. April 2, 2015 . May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150506102554/http://www.nola.com/tv/index.ssf/2015/04/american_idol_twitter_save_joe.html. May 6, 2015. live.
- Michele Amabile Angermiller . April 23, 2015 . 'American Idol' Finale Switches Venues . live . . https://web.archive.org/web/20150510113753/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/idol-worship/6539039/american-idol-finale-switches-venues . May 10, 2015 . April 23, 2015.
- Web site: American idol on FOX – American Idol® XIV Announces Auditions in 15 Cities Across America . . May 7, 2014 . June 1, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140626022050/http://www.americanidol.com/news/american-idol-xiv-announces-auditions-in-15-cities-across-america . June 26, 2014.
- Web site: American Idol Casting Cities & Dates . Casting Master . June 24, 2014 . June 24, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140826113829/http://castingmaster.com/american-idol-casting-guide/ . August 26, 2014 . live .
- News: Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. visit Minneapolis for 'American Idol' auditions . Neal . Justin . Star Tribune . September 24, 2014 . September 30, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140926071750/http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/tv/276974941.html . September 26, 2014 . live .
- News: Judges Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban bring 'American Idol' to New Orleans . Ted . Jackson . The Times-Picayune . August 27, 2014 . August 31, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140901091704/http://www.nola.com/tv/index.ssf/2014/08/judges_harry_connick_jr_jennif.html . September 1, 2014 . live .
- News: McDowell . Sean . August 13, 2014 . American Idol judges in Kansas City, contestants line up to perform . Fox4kc.com . live . August 25, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140826114507/http://fox4kc.com/2014/08/13/american-idol-judges-in-kansas-city-contestants-line-up-to-perform/ . August 26, 2014.
- News: 'American Idol' callback auditions held in Downtown Brooklyn . September 17, 2014 . News 12 Brooklyn . September 28, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141006080941/http://brooklyn.news12.com/news/american-idol-callback-auditions-held-in-downtown-brooklyn-1.9337119 . October 6, 2014 . dead .
- News: 'Idol' judges return to work with tweaked auditions . Brian . Mansfield . USA TODAY . August 4, 2014 . August 24, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170729210024/https://www.usatoday.com/story/idolchatter/2014/08/04/american-idol-auditions-nashville/13592191/ . July 29, 2017 . live .
- News: American Idol Judges Round: San Francisco . October 3, 2014 . Fox 40 Sacramento Stockton Modesto . Gelfand . Gary . October 27, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141009203245/http://fox40.com/2014/10/03/american-idol-judges-round-san-francisco/ . October 9, 2014 . live .
- News: 'American Idol' to tape semi-finals in Detroit at The Fillmore . February 5, 2015 . myFOXDetroit . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150223090955/http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/28031707/american-idol-to-tape-semi-finals-in-detroit . February 23, 2015 .
- Web site: Southern. Rodney. American Idol 14: Interesting Facts About Top 24 Finalists. February 25, 2015 . Celebrity Dirty Laundry. April 30, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150502095715/http://www.celebdirtylaundry.com/2015/american-idol-14-interesting-facts-about-top-24-finalists/. May 2, 2015. live.
- Web site: West Haven's Nick Fradiani trying to make his mark on American Idol . Kate . Ramunni . New Haven Register . January 18, 2015 . May 2, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150505040853/http://www.nhregister.com/arts-and-entertainment/20150118/west-havens-nick-fradiani-trying-to-make-his-mark-on-american-idol . May 5, 2015 . live .
- Web site: Pierce. Susan. Lee University alumnus Clark Beckham advances to the top five finalists on 'American Idol'. Times Free Press. April 22, 2015 . April 30, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150501021721/http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/life/entertainment/story/2015/apr/22/lee-university-alumnus-clark-beckham-advances-top-five-finalists-american-idol/300261/. May 1, 2015. live.
- Web site: Makin. Cheryl. Jax set to score with 'Arena Anthems' on 'American Idol'. Ashbury Park Press. April 30, 2015.
- Web site: Weigle. Lauren. Rayvon Owen – 'American Idol' 2015 Contestant. Heavy. April 30, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150504175930/http://heavy.com/entertainment/2015/04/rayvon-owen-american-idol-2015-contestants-instagram-performances-auditions-photos/. May 4, 2015. live.
- Web site: Bergeron. Judy. New Orleanian Quentin Alexander still in race for 'Idol' position. The Advocate. March 21, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150315205336/http://theadvocate.com/entertainment/music/11686946-123/new-orleanian-quentin-alexander-still. March 15, 2015. live.
- Web site: Walker. Dave. For Quentin Alexander, second New Orleans 'American Idol' audition was a winner. January 23, 2015 . The Times-Picayune. March 21, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150331053046/http://www.nola.com/tv/index.ssf/2015/01/for_quentin_alexander_second_n.html. March 31, 2015. live.
- Web site: American Idol Spoilers . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150508075616/http://www.americanidolspoilers.com/ . May 8, 2015 . May 11, 2015.
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- Web site: Pierce. Susan. Touring or not? Clark Beckham learns answer tonight on 'Idol'. April 22, 2015 . Chattanooga Times Free Press. April 23, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150425001812/http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/life/entertainment/story/2015/apr/22/touring-or-not-clark-beckham-learns-answer-tonight-idol/300040/. April 25, 2015. live.
- Web site: American Idol 2015 Top 5 Theme Revealed: Hometown & Soul. American Idol Net. April 23, 2015 . May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518082810/http://americanidolnet.com/american-idol-2015-top-5-theme-revealed-hometown-soul/. May 18, 2015. live.
- Web site: Telling. Gillian. American Idol Harry Connick Jr. battles with a contestant—and not the singing kind. Entertainment Weekly. April 19, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150419004034/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/04/15/american-idol-harry-connick-jr-faces-quentin-alexander. April 19, 2015. live.
- Web site: Bently. Jean. After American Idol Fight, Is Harry Connick, Jr. or Quentin Alexander Right?. Us Magazine. April 16, 2015 . April 19, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150418163129/http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/american-idol-fight-is-harry-connick-jr-or-quentin-alexander-right-2015164. April 18, 2015. live.
- Web site: 'American Idol' Contestant Quentin Alexander Speaks Out After Awkward Argument With Harry Connick Jr. [VIDEO]]. Tyler. McCarthy. April 16, 2015. International Business Times. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150419014250/http://www.ibtimes.com/american-idol-contestant-quentin-alexander-speaks-out-after-awkward-argument-harry-1885068. April 19, 2015. live.
- Web site: Gomez. Patrick. The Tense American Idol Moment Everyone Is Talking About. People. April 24, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150418175946/http://www.people.com/article/harry-connick-jr-quentin-alexander-american-idol-argument. April 18, 2015. live.
- 'American Idol' Alum Joey Cook on Quentin's 'Wack' Drama: 'What He Did Was Beautiful'. Billboard. 11 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150523103843/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6538526/american-idol-joey-cook-quentin-alexander-wack-response. 23 May 2015. live.
- Web site: Bentley. Jean. Will American Idol Revisit Harry Connick, Jr., Quentin Alexander Fight in Top 6 Week?. April 20, 2015 . Us Weekly. April 21, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150421181121/http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/american-idol-ad-revisits-harry-connick-jr-quentin-alexander-fight-2015204. April 21, 2015. live.
- Web site: Menyes. Carolyn. Quentin Alexander of 'American Idol' Season 14 Opens Up About Harry Connick Jr., Controversial Elimination. Music Times. April 24, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150429024514/http://www.musictimes.com/articles/36725/20150424/quentin-alexander-interview-american-idol-season-14-harry-connick-jr-elimination.htm. April 29, 2015. live.
- Web site: Menyes. Carolyn. 'American Idol' Season 14 Recap & Review: Top 5 Tour Established as Quentin Alexander is Sent Packing After Controversial Statement. Music Times. April 23, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150427002738/http://www.musictimes.com/articles/36566/20150422/american-idol-season-14-recap-review-top-5-tour-quentin-alexander-controversy.htm. April 27, 2015. live.
- Web site: Parker. Lyndsey. 'American Idol' Top 6 Recap: Quentin Alexander Gets Thrown Under the Tour Bus. April 23, 2015 . Yahoo Music. April 23, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150425052430/https://www.yahoo.com/music/american-idol-top-6-recap-quentin-alexander-117148175451.html. April 25, 2015. live.
- Web site: SANTILLI. MJ. New American Idol Promo Revisits Confrontation. April 20, 2015 . MJs Big Blog. April 23, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150505003354/http://www.mjsbigblog.com/new-american-idol-promo-revisits-confrontation-video.htm. May 5, 2015. live.
- Web site: Mansfield. Brian. Quentin Alexander bids 'Idol' farewell. USA Today. April 24, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150424025643/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2015/04/23/quentin-alexander-american-idol-interview/26256937/. April 24, 2015. live.
- Web site: TV Ratings: 'American Idol' Plunges To Lowest Rated and Least Watched Show Ever. Rickey - Entertainment News and Videos. May 11, 2015.
- Web site: Ratings: "The Voice" Results Show Tops "American Idol" (Updated). Headline Planet. April 9, 2015 . May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150519221628/http://headlineplanet.com/home/2015/04/09/ratings-the-voice-results-show-crushes-american-idol-performance-show/. May 19, 2015. live.
- Web site: 'American Idol' Spoilers: Top 10 Week Theme Is 'Movie Songs' — J.Lo Performing - TVLine. Michael. Slezak. TVLine. March 12, 2015 . May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150513064634/http://tvline.com/2015/03/12/american-idol-spoilers-top-10-theme-songs-from-movies/. May 13, 2015. live.
- Web site: Wednesday Final Ratings: No Adjustments Beyond Previously Released Increases for 'Empire' & 'American Idol' - Ratings — TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. January 10, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20170825143703/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/sdsdskdh279882992z1/wednesday-final-ratings-no-adjustments-beyond-previously-released-increases-for-empire-american-idol/347642/. August 25, 2017. dead.
- Web site: TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: NFL Football Tops Adults 18-49 and Total Viewers for the Week Ending January 11, 2015. TVbytheNumbers. January 19, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150119053911/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/01/13/tv-ratings-broadcast-top-25-nfl-football-tops-adults-18-49-and-total-viewers-for-the-week-ending-january-11-2015/349844/. January 19, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Live +7 Ratings: FOX's 'Empire' Premiere Grows 47 Percent in Adults 18-49 - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150512040707/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/01/25/live-7-ratings-foxs-empire-premiere-grows-47-percent-in-adults-18-49/355351/. May 12, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'American Idol', 'Two and a Half Men' & 'Elementary' Adjusted Up; 'Mom' Adjusted Down — Ratings — TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. January 10, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150110005055/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/01/09/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-american-idol-two-and-a-half-men-mom-adjusted-down/348227/. January 10, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Wednesday Final Ratings: 'American Idol' & 'The Mentalist' Adjusted Up; 'The Mysteries of Laura' and 'black-ish' Adjusted Down. January 16, 2015. Kondolojy. Amanda. TV by the Numbers. January 16, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20170825150341/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/sdsdskdh279882992z1/wednesday-final-ratings-american-idol-the-mysteries-of-laura-and-black-ish-adjusted-down/350895/. August 25, 2017. dead.
- Web site: TV Ratings: Empire rises in Week 2, Idol retains and FOX leads Wednesday. HitFix. January 19, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150119044425/http://www.hitfix.com/the-fien-print/tv-ratings-empire-rises-in-week-2-idol-retains-and-fox-leads-wednesday. January 19, 2015. live.
- Web site: TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: AFC Championship Tops Adults 18-49 and Total Viewers for the Week Ending January 18, 2015. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150526065614/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/01/21/tv-ratings-broadcast-top-25-afc-championship-tops-adults-18-49-and-total-viewers-for-the-week-ending-january-18-2015/352652/. May 26, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Thursday Final Ratings: 'The World Dog Awards' Adjusted Up. Kondolojy. Amanda. TV by the Numbers. January 19, 2015. January 19, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150119233837/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/01/19/thursday-final-ratings-the-world-dog-awards-adjusted-up/350914/. January 19, 2015. dead.
- Web site: TV Ratings: American Idol" leads FOX Thursday as World Dog Awards tops A to Z. HitFix. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150630151241/http://www.hitfix.com/the-fien-print/tv-ratings-american-idol-leads-fox-thursday-as-world-dog-awards-tops-a-to-z. June 30, 2015. live.
- Web site: Wednesday Final Ratings: 'Empire', 'American Idol', 'Criminal Minds' & 'Law & Order: SVU' Adjusted Up; 'The 100 Adjusted Down - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150123005815/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/01/22/wednesday-final-ratings-empire-american-idol-criminal-minds-the-100-adjusted-down/354002/. January 23, 2015. dead.
- Web site: TV Ratings: Empire rises again, America Idol also up for FOX Wednesday. https://archive.today/20150124174929/http://m.hitfix.com/the-fien-print/tv-ratings-empire-rises-again-america-idol-also-up-for-fox-wednesday. dead. January 24, 2015. HitFix. May 11, 2015.
- Web site: 'Empire' Notches Biggest Adults 18-49 Increase, 'Revenge' Leads Percentage Gainers & 'Elementary' Tops Viewership Gains in Live +7 Ratings for Week 18 Ending January 25 - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150209215129/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/02/09/empire-notches-biggest-adults-18-49-increase-revenge-tops-percentage-gainers-in-live-7-ratings-for-week-18-ending-january-25/361178/. February 9, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Vampire Diaries' & 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; 'Mom', 'Backstrom', 'Two and a Half Men' & 'Bad Judge' Adjusted Down - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150512003248/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/01/23/thursday-final-ratings-the-vampire-diaries-mom-backstrom-two-and-a-half-men-bad-judge-adjusted-down/354524/. May 12, 2015. dead.
- Web site: TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Empire' Tops Adults 18-49, 'Scorpion' Leads Total Viewers for the Week Ending January 25, 2015 - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150515200358/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/01/27/tv-ratings-broadcast-top-25-empire-tops-adults-18-49-scorpion-leads-total-viewers-for-the-week-ending-january-25-2015/356093/. May 15, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Wednesday Final Ratings: 'Stalker' & 'The 100′ Adjusted Down; No Adjustment for 'Empire' - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150428092208/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/01/29/wednesday-final-ratings-stalker-no-adjustment-for-empire/356933/. April 28, 2015. dead.
- Web site: 'The Big Bang Theory' Notches Biggest Adults 18-49 & Viewership Increase, 'Hart of Dixie' Top Percentage Gainer in Live +7 Ratings for Week 18 Ending February 1 - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150218050525/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/02/17/the-big-bang-theory-notches-biggest-adults-18-49-viewership-increase-hart-of-dixie-top-percentage-gainers-in-live-7-ratings-for-week-18-ending-february-1/363650/. February 18, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Thursday Final Ratings: 'Grey's Anatomy', 'The Big Bang Theory' & 'How to Get Away With Murder' Adjusted Up. Kondolojy. Amanda. January 30, 2015. TV by the Numbers. January 30, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150201200927/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/01/30/thursday-final-ratings-greys-anatomy-the-big-bang-theory-how-to-get-away-with-murder-adjusted-up/357299/. February 1, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Wednesday Final Ratings: 'American Idol' Adjusted Up, 'Fresh Off the Boat' & 'The 100' Adjusted Down. Bibel. Sara. February 5, 2015. TV by the Numbers. February 5, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150206003915/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/02/05/wednesday-final-ratings-american-idol-adjusted-up-fresh-off-the-boat-the-100-adjusted-down/359861/. February 6, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Blacklist', 'Scandal', 'Grey's Anatomy' & 'The Big Bang Theory' Adjusted Up; 'The Vampire Diaries' Adjusted Down. Bibel. Sara. TV by the Numbers. February 6, 2015. February 6, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150207003127/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/02/06/thursday-final-ratings-the-blacklist-scandal-greys-anatomy-the-vampire-diaries-adjusted-down/360315/. February 7, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Wednesday Final Ratings: 'Empire', 'Arrow' & 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; 'The Goldbergs', 'The 100', 'The Mentalist', 'The Mysteries of Laura', 'black-ish' & 'Criminal Minds' Adjusted Down. Kondolojy. Amanda. TV by the Numbers. February 12, 2015. February 12, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150212233555/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/02/12/wednesday-final-ratings-empire-arrow-the-goldbergs-the-100-the-mentalist-the-mysteries-of-laura-black-ish-criminal-minds-adjust/362461/. February 12, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Thursday Final Ratings: 'Backstrom' Adjusted Down, No Adjustment to 'The Blacklist', 'Scandal' or 'The Vampire Diaries'. Kondolojy. Amanda. February 13, 2015. TV by the Numbers. February 13, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150214004417/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/02/13/thursday-final-ratings-backstrom-adjusted-down-no-adjustment-to-the-blacklist-scandal-or-the-vampire-diaries/362826/. February 14, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Meet your 'American Idol' Season 14 Top 24: House of Blues Showcase results revealed - Zap2it - News & Features. Jean. Bentley. February 20, 2015. Zap2it. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150426055323/http://www.zap2it.com/blogs/meet_your_american_idol_season_14_top_24_house_of_blues_showcase_results_revealed-2015-02. April 26, 2015. live.
- Web site: Wednesday Final Ratings: 'Empire', 'Arrow', 'American Idol' & 'Modern Family' Adjusted Up; 'The 100' & 'Stalker' Adjusted Down. Bibel. Sara. February 19, 2015. TV by the Numbers. February 19, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150221011354/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/02/19/wednesday-final-ratings-empire-arrow-american-idol-the-100-stalker-adjusted-down/365253/. February 21, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory,' 'Scandal', 'Two and a Half Men' & 'How To Get Away With Murder' Adjusted Up. Bibel. Sara. TV by the Numbers. February 20, 2015. February 20, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150221011941/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/02/20/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-scandal-two-and-a-half-men-how-to-get-away-with-murder-adjusted-up/365727/. February 21, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Wednesday Final Ratings: 'Empire', 'American Idol', 'Suvivor' & 'Arrow' Adjusted Up; 'The 100′, 'black-ish' & 'Nashville' Adjusted Down - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150602191553/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/02/26/wednesday-final-ratings-empire-american-idol-suvivor-the-100-black-ish-nashville-adjusted-down/367873/. June 2, 2015. dead.
- Web site: TV Ratings Thursday: 'The Blacklist' Rises as 'The Slap' & 'Allegiance' Fall Further + 'Backstrom' & 'American Idol' Flat - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150515015955/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/02/27/tv-ratings-thursday-the-blacklist-rises-as-the-slap-allegiance-fall-further-backstrom-american-idol-flat/368340/. May 15, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Blacklist' & 'American Idol' Adjusted Up - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150301114419/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/02/27/thursday-final-ratings-the-blacklist-american-idol-adjusted-up/368251/. March 1, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Wednesday Final Ratings: 'Empire' Adjusted Up - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150709110212/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/03/05/wednesday-final-ratings-empire-adjusted-up/371408/. July 9, 2015. dead.
- Web site: TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Empire' Tops With Adults 18-49, 'The Big Bang Theory' Wins With Total Viewers for the Week Ending March 8, 2015 - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150313222716/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/03/10/tv-ratings-broadcast-top-25-empire-tops-with-adults-18-49-the-big-bang-theory-wins-with-total-viewers-for-the-week-ending-march-8-2015/373296/. March 13, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'American Idol' & 'The Blacklist' Adjusted Up - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150308114705/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/03/06/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-american-idol-the-blacklist-adjusted-up/371969/. March 8, 2015. dead.
- Web site: American Idol XIV: The Top 12 Perform – "Back to the Start" - The Hudsucker. The Hudsucker. March 12, 2015 . May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150521085226/http://thehudsucker.com/2015/03/12/american-idol-xiv-the-top-12-perform-back-to-the-start/. May 21, 2015. live.
- Web site: Wednesday Final Ratings: 'Empire' & 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; 'CSI: Cyber' Adjusted Down - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150315044729/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/03/12/wednesday-final-ratings-empire-csi-cyber-adjusted-down/374047/. March 15, 2015. dead.
- Web site: TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Empire' Tops With Adults 18-49, 'The Big Bang Theory' Wins With Total Viewers for the Week Ending March 15, 2015 - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150320061458/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/03/17/tv-ratings-broadcast-top-25-empire-tops-with-adults-18-49-the-big-bang-theory-wins-with-total-viewers-for-the-week-ending-march-15-2015/375526/. March 20, 2015. dead.
- Web site: American Idol 14 Spoilers - Top 11 Party Songs • mjsbigblog. mj. santilli. mjsbigblog. March 12, 2015 . May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150402130103/http://www.mjsbigblog.com/american-idol-14-spoilers-top-11-party-songs.htm. April 2, 2015. live.
- Web site: Thursday Final Ratings: 'Scandal', 'American Idol', & 'Dateline' Adjusted Up; 'The Odd Couple', 'Mom' & 'Elementary' Adjusted Down - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150315223951/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/03/13/thursday-final-ratings-scandal-american-idol-the-odd-couple-mom-elementary-adjusted-down/374485/. March 15, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Recap: American Idol Season 14 - Top 10 Movie Night and Results. HitFix. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150516043133/http://www.hitfix.com/the-fien-print/recap-american-idol-season-14-top-10-movie-night-and-an-elimination. May 16, 2015. live.
- Web site: TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Empire' Tops Adults 18-49 & Total Viewers for the Week Ending March 22, 2015 - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150326221204/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/03/24/tv-ratings-broadcast-top-25-empire-tops-adults-18-49-total-viewers-for-the-week-ending-march-22-2015/378988/. March 26, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Recap: American Idol Season 14 - Top 9 80s Night and Double-Elimination. HitFix. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150507230619/http://www.hitfix.com/the-fien-print/recap-american-idol-season-14-top-9-80s-night-and-double-elimination. May 7, 2015. live.
- Web site: Wednesday Final Ratings: 'Survivor', 'The Middle', 'The Goldbergs', 'Modern Family' & 'Criminal Minds' Adjusted Up - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150402160628/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/03/26/wednesday-final-ratings-survivor-the-middle-the-goldbergs-modern-family-criminal-minds-adjusted-up/379833/. April 2, 2015. dead.
- Web site: TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'The Voice' Tops Adults 18-49. 'NCIS' Wins With Total Viewers for the Week Ending March 29, 2015 - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150402172159/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/03/31/tv-ratings-broadcast-top-25-the-voice-tops-adults-18-49-ncis-wins-with-total-viewers-for-the-week-ending-march-29-2015/381512/. April 2, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Recap: American Idol Season 14 - Top 8 Kelly Clarkson Night Plus Elimination. HitFix. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150507230614/http://www.hitfix.com/the-fien-print/recap-american-idol-season-14-top-8-kelly-clarkson-night-plus-elimination. May 7, 2015. live.
- Web site: Wednesday Final Ratings: 'American Idol', 'Survivor', 'The Middle', 'The Goldbergs', & 'Modern Family' Adjusted Up; 'The Mysteries of Laura' Adjusted Down - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150507065139/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/04/02/wednesday-final-ratings-american-idol-survivor-the-middle-the-goldbergs-the-mysteries-of-laura-adjusted-down/383554/. May 7, 2015. dead.
- Web site: TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'The Big Bang Theory' Tops Adults 18-49 & 'NCIS' Wins With Total Viewers for the Week Ending April 5, 2015 - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150409005033/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/04/07/tv-ratings-broadcast-top-25-the-big-bang-theory-tops-adults-18-49-ncis-wins-with-total-viewers-for-the-week-ending-april-5-2015/385881/. April 9, 2015. dead.
- Web site: 'American Idol': Top 8 Perform — April 8 Recap - Hollywood Life. Casey. Mink. Hollywood Life. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150512125119/http://hollywoodlife.com/2015/04/08/american-idol-top-8-apr-8-recap/. May 12, 2015. live.
- Web site: Wednesday Final Ratings: 'Survivor', 'The Voice', 'The Middle', 'Criminal Minds', 'CSI:Cyber' and 'The Goldbergs' Adjusted Up - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150412200441/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/04/09/wednesday-final-ratings-survivor-the-voice-the-middle-criminal-minds-csicyber-and-the-goldbergs-adjusted-up/386711/. April 12, 2015. dead.
- Web site: TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: NCAA Basketball Championship Tops Adults 18-49 & Total Viewers for the Week Ending April 12, 2015. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150418161707/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/04/14/tv-ratings-broadcast-top-25-ncaa-basketball-championship-tops-adults-18-49-total-viewers-for-the-week-ending-april-12-2015/388428/. April 18, 2015. dead.
- Web site: 'American Idol' Top 7 Song Spoilers Revealed: 'American Classics' Week - TVLine. Michael. Slezak. TVLine. April 13, 2015 . May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150428184132/http://tvline.com/2015/04/13/american-idol-top-7-song-spoilers-american-classics/. April 28, 2015. live.
- Web site: Wednesday Final Ratings: 'The Middle', 'The Goldbergs' & 'Criminal Minds' Adjusted Up; 'Arrow' & 'Supernatural' Adjusted Down. Bibel. Sara. TV by the Numbers. April 16, 2015. April 17, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150417005829/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/04/16/wednesday-final-ratings-the-middle-the-goldbergs-arrow-supernatural-adjusted-down/390146/. April 17, 2015. dead.
- Web site: TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'The Big Bang Theory' Tops Adults 18-49; 'ACM Awards' Leads Total Viewers for the Week Ending April 19, 2015 - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150425003313/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/04/21/tv-ratings-broadcast-top-25-the-big-bang-theory-tops-adults-18-49-acm-awards-leads-total-viewers-for-the-week-ending-april-19-2015/392624/. April 25, 2015. dead.
- Web site: American Idol's Top 6 To Tackle Arena Anthems Tonight - Reality TV Magazine . sheknows.com . May 11, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150425214832/http://realitytvmagazine.sheknows.com/2015/04/22/american-idols-top-6-to-tackle-arena-anthems-tonight/ . April 25, 2015 .
- Web site: Wednesday Final Ratings: 'Modern Family', 'Arrow', 'Criminal Minds' & 'Survivor' Adjusted Up - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150703093359/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/04/23/wednesday-final-ratings-modern-family-arrow-criminal-minds-survivor-adjusted-up/393351/. July 3, 2015. dead.
- Web site: TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Bruce Jenner: The Interview' Tops Adults 18-49 & Total Viewers for the Week Ending April 26, 2015 - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150430232212/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/04/28/tv-ratings-broadcast-top-25-bruce-jenner-the-interview-tops-adults-18-49-total-viewers-for-the-week-ending-april-26-2015/395009/. April 30, 2015. dead.
- Web site: American Idol 14 Top 5 Theme Judges Hometowns Soul Songs. mj. santilli. mjsbigblog. April 23, 2015 . May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518071357/http://www.mjsbigblog.com/american-idol-14-top-5-theme-2015-judges-hometowns-soul-songs.htm. May 18, 2015. live.
- Web site: Wednesday Final Ratings: 'Arrow', 'Survivor', 'Criminal Minds' & 'Law & Order: SVU' Adjusted Up. Bibel. Sara. TV by the Numbers. April 30, 2015. April 30, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150504025527/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/04/30/wednesday-final-ratings-arrow-survivor-criminal-minds-law-order-svu-adjusted-up/396962/. May 4, 2015. dead.
- Web site: TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'The Big Bang Theory' Tops Adults 18-49 While 'NCIS' Leads Total Viewers for the Week Ending May 3, 2015 - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com. TVbytheNumbers. May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150507044358/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/05/tv-ratings-broadcast-top-25-the-big-bang-theory-tops-adults-18-49-while-ncis-leads-total-viewers-for-the-week-ending-may-3-2015/399731/. May 7, 2015. dead.
- Web site: American Idol 2015 Spoilers: Idol Top 4 Song List Revealed!. Gossip and Gab. May 6, 2015 . May 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150508194355/http://gossipandgab.com/72295/american-idol-2015-spoilers-idol-top-4-song-list-revealed. May 8, 2015. live.
- Web site: Wednesday Final Ratings: 'Arrow', 'Nashville', & 'The Goldbergs' Adjusted Up; 'American Idol', 'Criminal Minds' 'Supernatural' & 'Blacki-ish' Adjusted Down. Kondolojy. Amanda. TV by the Numbers. May 7, 2015. May 7, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150508192423/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/07/wednesday-final-ratings-arrow-nashville-american-idol-criminal-minds-supernatural-blacki-ish-adjusted-down/400544/. May 8, 2015. dead.
- Web site: TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'The Big Bang Theory' Tops Adults 18-49 & Total Viewers for the Week Ending May 10, 2015. TVbytheNumbers. Bibel. Sara. May 12, 2015. May 12, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150514172039/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/12/tv-ratings-broadcast-top-25-the-big-bang-theory-tops-adults-18-49-total-viewers-for-the-week-ending-may-10-2015/402383/. May 14, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Tuesday Final Ratings: 'The Flash', 'NCIS', & 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; 'iZombie' Adjusted Down. Bibel. Sara. TV by the Numbers. May 13, 2015. May 14, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150516000415/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/13/tuesday-final-ratings-the-flash-ncis-izombie-adjusted-down/403429/. May 16, 2015. dead.
- Web site: TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Billboard Music Awards' Tops Adults 18-49 & 'NCIS' Tops Total Viewers for the Week Ending May 17, 2015. TV By The Numbers by zap2it.com. May 19, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150521014317/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/19/tv-ratings-broadcast-top-25-billboard-music-awards-tops-adults-18-49-ncis-tops-total-viewers-for-the-week-ending-may-17-2015/406069/. May 21, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Wednesday Final Ratings: 'Law & Order: SVU', 'Survivor, 'The Middle' & 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; 'Supernatural', 'black-ish' & 'Nashville' Adjusted Down. Bibel. Sara. TV by the Numbers. May 14, 2015. May 14, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150516011420/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/14/wednesday-final-ratings-law-supernatural-black-ish-nashville-adjusted-down/403989/. May 16, 2015. dead.
- Web site: Angermiller. Michele Amabile. American Idol 2015! Live Tour Dates Announces. Billboard. April 15, 2015. May 14, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180524224951/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6531761/american-idol-2015-live-tour-dates-announced. May 24, 2018. live.
