Hopefuls perform for the judges.

Hopefuls perform for the judges.

Hopefuls perform for the judges.

Hopefuls audition in Salt Lake City.

Hopefuls audition in Omaha, Neb.

Upon their arrival in Hollywood, the contestants must perform for the judges; contestants who don't make the cut are sent back home.

Solo and group performances in Los Angeles.

Group and solo performances in Los Angeles.

Following more performances, the top semifinalists are announced.

Fifteen female singers perform.

The male singers perform.

The top 13 finalists are revealed.

The 13 finalists perform.

The singers face elimination.

The dozen remaining finalists perform.

The contestants face elimination.

Eleven finalists perform.

The contestants face elimination.

The top 10 finalists perform.

Contestants face elimination.

The finalists perform.

Contestants face elimination.

The top finalists perform for the judges.

One contestant is voted off.

The top finalists perform for the judges.

(30 minutes)

The finalists perform for the judges.

(30 minutes)

Six finalists perform for the judges.

(30 minutes)

The top five finalists perform for the judges.

(30 minutes)

The four remaining finalists perform.

(30 minutes)

In the 500th episode, the top three finalists perform.

(30 minutes)

The top two finalists perform.

The top finalists reunite; the winner is revealed.