The contestant Derek Braxton claimed to be the cousin of singer Toni Braxton.
This season had guest judges in the audition rounds for the first time. This episode Mark McGrath from the band Sugar Ray was the guest judge.
Originally there was suppose to be an audition in Anchorage Alaska but was cancelled due to scheduling conflicts since hurricanes affected when they had to do the Orlando Auditions
At the end of the episode there was a screen that said: American Idol Season 4 is dedicated to the loving memory of Wil Garrity (1965-2004). Wil Garrity was a production assistant on the show.
The audition age was raised from 24 to 28, however the youngest is still 16.
Starting with this episode, the opening theme for all "Idol" episodes, including Canadian Idol, will have the "computerised" opening theme. For American Idol, it features Kelly, Ruben, and Fantasia. Carrie Underwood will be added at the end (where we see the audience) next season.
A record of 33.5 MILLION people watched.
First episode of Idol to be presented in HDTV.
airs for 2 hours
At the end of the show, season 1's Kelly Clarkson's newest song Breakaway was played.
42 people made it to the HollyWood round from Washington D.C.
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