Not all “American Idol” hopefuls leave with a golden ticket to Hollywood. Kase Tippens, 14, from Oklahoma, performed “Wondering Why” by The Red Clay Strays, which aired Sunday night. “That was beautifully 14,” judge Luke Bryan said after the performance.

The latest season of American Idol is here, bringing fresh excitement, a major shakeup on the judging panel, and, of course, some hefty paychecks for the stars who help shape the competition.This seas

"American Idol" is airing the second episode of its 23rd season, which will be the first with Carrie Underwood, on Sunday, March 16 at 8 p.m.

An “American Idol” hopeful’s mom pushed him to take his singing seriously after signing him up for the show. Brajawn Upshaw, a mail handler from Georgia, said he sings while doing the night shift at the post office. But it wasn’t his passion that brought him in front of the three judges — it was his mom.

From contestants who nearly botched their auditions, to folks who floored the judges, these tryouts from past "Idol" winners are some of the most memorable in the show's history.