In 2002, Nikki appeared on American Idol, placing third. With the exception of 1960s week, Nikki was in the bottom three every week, a total of six times (including elimination).
| Round | Song choice | Original artist | Theme | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audition | "I Will Survive" "One Moment in Time" |
Gloria Gaynor Whitney Houston |
N/A | Advanced |
| Pasadena audition | "Unchained Melody" | The Righteous Brothers | N/A | Advanced |
| Semi-final | "Total Eclipse of the Heart" | Bonnie Tyler | N/A | Advanced |
| Top 10 | "Ben" | Michael Jackson | Motown | Bottom 3 |
| Top 8 | "Piece of My Heart" | Janis Joplin | 1960's week | Safe |
| Top 7 | "Heartbreaker" | Pat Benatar | 1970's week | Bottom 3 |
| Top 6 | "Hard Hearted Hannah (The Vamp of Savannah)" | Ella Fitzgerald | Big band week | Bottom 3 |
| Top 5 | "(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me" | Naked Eyes | Burt Bacharach week | Bottom 2 |
| Top 4 | "Mary Jane" "I'm the Only One" |
Alanis Morissette Melissa Etheridge |
1980's week 1990's week |
Bottom 2 |
| Top 3 | "Black Velvet" "Edge of Seventeen" |
Alannah Myles Stevie Nicks |
Judge's Week | Eliminated |
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