American Idol

Honoring his late grandfather, 22-year-old Paul Jolley auditioned for Season 12 of 'American Idol' by singing the Rascal Flatts hit 'I Won't Let Go,' wowing the judges with his polished vocal skills and genuine spirit.

Tonight’s round of ‘American Idol’ auditions took North Carolina by storm, sweeping through the famous Charlotte Motor Speedway. The episode was filled with talent, laughter, tears and, of course, a healthy dose of drama.

Country singer Janelle Arthur earned her way to Hollywood week for the third time on 'American Idol' Wednesday night (Jan. 23), singing 'Where the Blacktop Ends' by none other than 'Idol' judge Keith Urban.

In perhaps one of the more surprising auditions so far in season 12 of 'American Idol,' a young African-American singer named Ashley Smith stunned the panel of judges by singing a note-perfect version of Carrie Underwood's hit 'Cowboy Casanova.'

A young singer named Summer Cunningham won her way to the next round on 'American Idol' Wednesday night (Jan. 23), but inadvertently touched off a fight between the judges over an offhand comment she made.

25-year-old aspiring singer Jimmy Smith used his good looks and vocal ability to win his way to a golden ticket, moving on to the next round in Hollywood on Wednesday night's (Jan. 23) episode of 'American Idol.'

At the Charlotte auditions for 'American Idol,' tragedy turned to triumph for one contestant and his family. 27-year-old Brian Rittenberry wowed the judges with his performance, while his wife got to fulfill her wish to meet her not-so-secret crush, Keith Urban.

Making his triumphant return to the show that made him famous, rising country star Scotty McCreery was on hand on Wednesday night (Jan. 23) to help 'American Idol' kick off its twelfth season audition rounds in Charlotte, NC.

Obviously, Scotty McCreery is no stranger to 'American Idol.' The 19-year-old singer was crowned the winner in the show's tenth season, and has since embarked on a successful recording and touring career as a country artist. This Wednesday (Jan. 23), he will return to the show for an appearance during the audition rounds in Charlotte, in his home state of North Carolina.

Keith Urban is the perfect representative for country music on 'American Idol,' according to Carrie Underwood. Of course Underwood's opinion matters, since she is one of the most successful 'Idol' alums in the show's storied history.

In the second night of 'American Idol' audition episodes, the panel took their talents -- and their talent -- to the Windy City.

Brandy Neelly wowed the judges on 'American Idol' with a very strong version of the Hank Williams classic 'Your Cheatin' Heart' to win her way to Hollywood -- for the second time.

Keith Urban briefly had the tables turned on him on Thursday night (Jan. 17) when a contestant auditioning for 'American Idol' got the country star to duet with her on 'Baby, It's Cold Outside.'

Seventeen-year-old country singer Mackenzie Wasner owned the Chicago auditions on the second night of the 'American Idol' premiere, easily winning her way to Hollywood Week with a stellar rendition of the Vince Gill classic 'Whenever You Come Around.'

The 12th season of 'American Idol' began Wednesday night (Jan. 16), with Keith Urban taking the judge's chair for the first time. He spent most of the show dodging barbs between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey. The two pop stars seem to be stealing most of the day-after press, but at least one country singer received a golden ticket. Can country music dominate 'American Idol' in 2013 like it did in 2

I was expecting so much from the first episode. I really want to see how accurate the new judges would be and see if I agreed with them. I was SHOCKED!! I know it's only my opinion and, we welcome yours, but there were two young ladies that I think really should have been sent home.