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Los Angeles Auditions
Episode number: 1
Overview: The talent contest opens its fifth season with open auditions in Los Angeles.
Dallas Auditions
Episode number: 2
Overview: Open auditions are held in Dallas.
New York Auditions Day 1
Episode number: 3
Overview: Season 5's open auditions continue.
New York Auditions Day 2
Episode number: 4
Overview: Preliminary auditions continue.
Orlando Auditions Day 1
Episode number: 5
Overview: Open auditions continue.
Orlando Auditions Day 2
Episode number: 6
Overview: Open auditions continue.
Portland Auditions Day 1
Episode number: 7
Overview: Disparate acts are featured in continuing preliminary auditions.
Portland Auditions Day 2
Episode number: 8
Overview: Preliminary auditions continue.
Chicago Auditions
Episode number: 9
Overview: Season 5's preliminary auditions continue.
Final Auditions
Episode number: 10
Overview: Auditions continue.
Las Vegas Week - Day 1
Episode number: 11
Overview: Contestants perform for the judges in Las Vegas in hopes of making it into the top 48.
Las Vegas Week - Day 2
Episode number: 12
Overview: The stress spikes when judges Sharon Osbourne, Howie Mandel and Piers Morgan deliberate over which acts to select for a spot in the Top 48.
HOLLYWOOD, Part 1
Episode number: 13
Overview: Performance showcases in Los Angeles kick off with 12 acts from the Top 48 taking the stage.
Result Show #1
Episode number: 14
Overview: Four winning acts are selected for the sought-after Top 24 in a results edition.
HOLLYWOOD, Part 2
Episode number: 15
Overview: Twelve acts from the Top 48 showcase their talents in the second week of performance shows.
Result Show #2
Episode number: 16
Overview: Four acts advance to the Top 24 in a results installment. Cirque du Soleil perform the show "Kà," and the rock band Train sing "Hey, Soul Sister."
HOLLYWOOD, Part 3
Episode number: 17
Overview: Twelve acts perform in the third week of showcases.
Result Show #3
Episode number: 18
Overview: Four acts win a slot in the Top 24 in a results show. Singer-songwriter Mike Posner and hip-hop dance troupe JabbaWockeeZ perform.
HOLLYWOOD, Part 4
Episode number: 19
Overview: Twelve acts from the Top 48 take the stage in the fourth week of performance showcases.
Result Show #4
Episode number: 20
Overview: Four acts advance to the Top 24 in a results edition. Rocker Bret Michaels and British singer-songwriter Taio Cruz perform.
HOLLYWOOD, Part 5
Episode number: 21
Overview: Twelve acts from YouTube perform in Hollywood.
Result Show #5
Episode number: 22
Overview: Four acts from YouTube advance to the semifinal round.
Wild Card Show
Episode number: 23
Overview: Twelve previously eliminated acts return to the contest and perform in a wild-card round.
Wild Card Show - Results
Episode number: 24
Overview: Four wild-card acts advance to the semifinal round. Country songstress LeAnn Rimes and illusionist Criss Angel perform.
Semi-Final #1
Episode number: 25
Overview: The semifinal round begins with 12 acts performing in a bid to break into the Top 10.
Semi-Final #1 - Results
Episode number: 26
Overview: Five semifinal contestants win a position in the Top 10 in a results show. Jimmy Fallon and singer Kylie Minogue perform.
Semi-Final #2
Episode number: 27
Overview: The semifinal round continues with 12 acts performing.
Semi-Final #2 - Results
Episode number: 28
Overview: Five winning acts advance to the Top 10.
Top Ten - Performances
Episode number: 29
Overview: The Top 10 acts perform in Hollywood in their quest to win a sought-after position in the final four. Enrique Iglesias performs "I Like It."
Top Ten - Results
Episode number: 30
Overview: The final four acts are revealed. Sarah McLachlan sings "Forgiveness" and the cast of the stage show "American Idiot" performs.
THE FINAL
Episode number: 31
Overview: In Season 5's penultimate episode, the remaining four acts perform in Hollywood for the final time.
The Winner Is...
Episode number: 32
Overview: The winning act is revealed in the Season 5 finale, which features performances by an array of Las Vegas and Hollywood stars.