The auditions on “American Idol” season 24 are complete. We are now moving on to Hollywood Week, as these hopeful singers on “American Idol” 2026 battle it out for a spot in the Top 30. While we didn’t see full clips of everyone who made it to Hollywood Week this season, we’re going to take a look at these hopefuls and do some power rankings and the top 10 singers heading into Hollywood Week on “American Idol” 2026.
1. Chris Tungseth
Chris was a standout in the final audition of the season. He sang an original song and had such a strong voice. You could feel the emotion of the lyrics, even though he was almost holding back at times. Luke Bryan compared him to Chris Stapleton, so I am intrigued to see what else he can do.
2. Julián Kalel
Julián auditioned last year, but didn’t know what to expect. He sang an original song then. The judges believed he was a star, and he could win it all. However, he couldn’t continue in the competition. There was worry about him continuing on this journey with his mental health. However, he mailed this audition, and I think he can go far this season.
3. Sheldon Riley
He is here from Australia, so the judges ask why he is here. Sheldon auditioned for a big show in Australia, but they said that he wasn’t enough. He then created this character who wore avant-garde looks. He’s been on every show since, but now he wants to just be himself and prove that his voice is enough. From this audition, his voice is enough!
4. Mary Jo Young
She was on season 19 of “American Idol.” Mary Jo had an unaired duet with Benson Boone during Hollywood Week. She made it to the Top 24, but not past that. Mary Jo has been touring since then and feels her confidence has grown. It definitely showed with this very solid audition.
5. Jesse Findling
We all know a story wins over fans and voters on “American Idol.” Jesse Findling has that. The 19-year-old is a college student who grew up singing with his siblings. He has a stutter, but that is what drove him to have a love of music. He said growing up, he would hide his stutter and was embarrassed by it, but when he sang, it just went away. No stutter detected in this performance, and he has a shot of going all the way.
6. Philmon Lee
Philmon comes in comfortably and is very calm. Right now, he does insurance sales. However, he wants to sign every night if he can. He credits it to his dad, who toured around with a gospel quartet. Philmon got into music after college and signed with a major label. Then the pandemic hit, and it never went anywhere. “American Idol” 2026 is another chance for him to do what he loves.
7. Bella Emry
She is from Bend, Oregon. Bella said she works all the time, but wants to sing instead. For her audition, she sings “I’m a Little Crazy” by Morgan Wallen. Yeah, she can definitely sing. She has that indie-sounding voice. This is a very solid performance, even if she was super nervous and said she doesn’t sing for people. The tone of her voice is so good.
8. Rae
She said she’s been dreaming of this since she was little. She is an “American Idol” super fan. For her audition, she sings “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin. To be honest, I was worried about this one, as the “super fan” angle. However, this girl can sing! She is so good. Her range is amazing, and such emotion behind her vocals.
9. Braden Rumfelt
Braden and his twin brother grew up playing baseball. He then found out he had a medical condition where his legs were in the wrong position. This meant it was the end of his baseball dreams. However, this injury made him realize that his true passion was singing and what it meant for him. Now, here he is on “American Idol” 2026 and wowing us after his audition.
10. Mor
Since he was 2 years old, he was raised by his grandma. He said he was a mischievous kid, and he put her through so much. He played sports in high school, but then picked up a guitar, and he was amazing. His dad ended his mom’s life when he was 2 years old, so he wrote this song for his mom, whose life was ended by his dad, after he saw her picture for the first time. I feel Mor has a good voice, but I wonder if it was just the meaning of this song that made it more special? Hollywood Week will be the judge of that.
Who do you think are the best singers heading into Hollywood Week on “American Idol” season 24?
I dont love that they are cutting back episodes. Limiting HW to just 1 episode just makes it hard for contestants and viewers not showing enough.