The first “American Idol” live show of season 24 is here — and so is our LIVE coverage of what happens during each episode. Ryan Seacrest kicked off the show by revealing which of the Top 20 singers made it through to the Top 14, based on viewer votes cast during the last two weeks’ shows.
By the end of the night, only 12 contestants were supposed to remain, based on additional live voting during the two-hour episode. But in a shocking development, which you’ll see below in our live recap, only the Top 14 were announced!
Songs of Faith Theme on ‘American Idol’ Includes Special Guests
The show began its Songs of Faith theme with judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan singing the Commodores’ “Jesus is Love,” backed by the Top 20. Before the show kicked off, “American Idol” announced that tonight’s show will also include inspiring performances from beloved season 23 contestants Canaan, Kolbi Jordan, and Filo.
Seacrest then introduced Richie and Bryan back to the stage, along with fellow judge Carrie Underwood back. He also said over 17 million votes have been cast over the last two weeks, and immediately revealed the Top 14.
The first person who made it through is Jordan. Next up, he said Chris Tungseth is in. Then, he announced Rae is also in the Top 14. Daniel Stallworth also made it through, as well as Brooks Rosser. Philmon Lee also advances to the Top 14, along with Braden Rumfelt. Keyla Richardson, whom he dubbed as “Drew’s mama,” got through, too. Lucas Leon is in, as is Jake Thistle. Hannah Harper got in, and so did Kyndal Inskeep. Making it into the final two spots are Julian Kalel and Jesse Findling.
That means those going home are Kutter Bradley, Ruby Rae, Madison Moon, Makiyah, Genevieve Heyward, and Abayomi.
Top 14 Performances Kick Off With Keyla Richardson
After a commercial break, single mom Keyla Richardson — in a bright yellow pantsuit — was the first to perform the Song of Faith she chose — “Jireh” by Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music, featuring Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine. Her adorable son Drew was in the audience, singing along and jumping up and down with pride for his mom.
Richie said Keyla has “that star look, that star sound, and that star strut,” cheering on her stage presence. Underwood said she kicked off the show with her “amazing” voice and that she loved her look. Bryan said, “You’ve touched me in a lot of ways since your audition,” so it was awesome to see her owning the stage.
Jesse Findling Takes On Rascal Flatts Hit
Next to take the stage was 20-year-old New Yorker Jesse Findling with Rascal Flatts’ hit country tune “Bless The Broken Road.” Underwood said he did “great” and noted that she sang it on the show 20 years ago, adding that Jesse made it suit his voice and did “fantastic.” Bryan urged him to “dig more” in future episodes, but that he loved his performance. Richie agreed, saying “ditto, ditto, ditto,” and said he adores the “purity” and “sincerity’ of his voice.
Jesse said he felt honored singing the tune that Underwood sang when she was a contestant, and added that the tune is meaningful to him because he feels like “God leads us to the right people in life, whether that’s friends or family.”
Lucas Leon Sings Brandon Lake Tune
After a commercial, 18-year-old high school student Lucas Leon took on Brandon Lake’s Contemporary Christian hit, “Gratitude.” The Gallatin, Tennessee, teen played his acoustic guitar, and Underwood could be seen singing along at the judges’ table.
Bryan told Lucas it was his favorite performance he’s seen him do so far, noting that it felt like “everything came together” and that he’s “ready to be a star.” Richie told him to “grow” what he delivered, and “take us to the next level” from this song. Underwood said she felt his nerves, but also felt “the Holy Spirit in the room,” and to “keep doing what you’re doing.” Lucas admitted to Seacrest that he missed his senior prom to be at “Idol,” so the host put a crown on his head as if he were the prom king.
Daniel Stallworth Hits a High Note With ‘Brighter Days’
Elementary school music teacher Daniel Stallworth took the crowd to church with his rendition of Blessing Offor’s “Brighter Days.” The 27-year-old moved around the stage throughout the upbeat tune, and was the first one to walk out on the platform that encircles the judges, giving Bryan a high-five as he returned to the stage.
Richie told him, “You have the ability to tell a story and move the crowd.” Underwood said she feels like he’s very serious, but that when the music starts, he’s able to let loose and show his playful side. Bryan agreed, telling the teacher to “have fun with all this, and grow, grow, grow.” Daniel said he does have to be serious as a teacher, but that he’s “opening up a lot more” on the show.
Philmon Lee Sings Lynyrd Skynyrd
Right out of the break, 26-year-old insurance agent Philmon Lee broke into Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man,” sitting on a stool at center stage for the first half of the soulful song. The judges were blown away by his delivery.
Underwood told him, “I think this is your moment,” and Bryan and Richie couldn’t have agreed more. Bryan wondered aloud, “Where has this been!?”
Rae Gives Patti Griffin Classic a Soulful Spin
Next up was Rae, singing a slow and soulful version of Patty Griffin’s “Up To the Mountain.” The 24-year-old was accompanied by a piano, dressed white and blue gown as she belted out the tune.
Bryan said, in awe, “That was just totally pro,” and Richie declared it “shut everything down, take the prize home” level, calling it a “perfect performance.” Underwood said “dynamics were just on point,” adding that it was a “perfect song” for Rae.
Jake Thistle is the Piano Man
After a commercial break, “American Idol” returned with 22-year-old Jake Thistle at a grand piano, where he performed John Hiatt’s “Have a Little Faith in Me” with the band backing him up. The New Jersey singer, who’s been performing for audiences since he was a kid, earned a standing ovation from Underwood.
Richie told him he wants Jake to give him more songs like the back half of his performance, which was more energetic than the softer start to his tune. Underwood declared, “I love this Idol season, I feel like we have so many kinds of performers,” noting that Jake seems so professional at 22. Bryan agreed, saying nothing was overdone and that Jake “made it your moment.”
Braden Rumfelt Suits Up for ‘Hard Fought Hallelujah’
Twenty-three-year-old Braden Rumfelt, looking dapper in a tan suit, was the second contestant of the night to take on a Brandon Lake tune, “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” He started out a bit timid, but the song — and his voice — built throughout his performance.
Underwood said, “You are here because you have an incredible voice,” and noted that the song built well and that he deserves to be there. Bryan said that Braden seemed “a little nervous in the moment,” and Richie also told him, “Don’t let it freak you out — you’ve got the tools, all you need to do is step into the light.”
Julian Kalel Croons Coldplay Hit
After a break, Julian Kalel took center stage with his acoustic guitar to perform Coldplay’s “Fix You,” a particularly poignant song given that Kalel had to leave the competition in 2025 due to a mental health crisis. During this performance, the 19-year-old managed to stay on track with his ballad even when something struck the crowd funny and many broke out in laughter.
Bryan told Julian his performance was “really well done” and that he delivered upon a “great song choice.” Richie said that the tune was Julian’s lane, but to “carve out your heart” in a way that’s “memorable for listeners out there.” Underwood said Julian is gifted at taking someone else’s song and putting his own vibe on it.
Kyndal Inskeep Spins Her Way Through Traditional Tune
Kyndal Inskeep took the stage in a stunning brown gown and bare feet to sing the traditional song “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus,” putting her unique spin on it, letting loose in the second half, even jumping and spinning as she felt the music.
That earned a standing ovation from all three judges. Richie said the “most enjoyable part” is watching Kyndal try to keep herself from imploding and urged her to “bring more of that.” Underwood told Kyndal, “You are such an artist,” telling her she has “no idea how you’re not super duper famous,” but then said it must be because her time on “American Idol” is part of God’s plan. Bryan agreed, saying that she has “these artist qualities just pouring out of you!”
Jordan McCullough Moves Judges With MercyMe
After another break, 27-year-old Jordan McCullough took center stage to sing MercyMe’s “I Can Only Imagine.” Underwood sang along from the judges’ table, and Richie could be seen raising his hands in awe as Jordan belted out the second half of the tune and held the final note.
The three judges gave him a standing ovation and Underwood shouted, “Praise God! Praise God!” Bryan said, “Every time we see you, you have the ability to bring it up another notch.” Richie agreed, “Will the congregation please say, ‘Amen!?’ and the crowd did. Jordan is a worship director, so he said, “This feels like church!”
Brooks Rosser Helps the Crowd ‘Imagine’ Better Days
Brooks Rosser, 23, was up next — standing at the microphone with his acoustic guitar to sing John Lennon’s “Imagine.” The judges have adored his unique voice, and once again, they
“I just love your voice, I love the way it sounds,” Bryan told him, adding that he wants Brooks to go write and record “a million songs.” Underwood said they’re always “curious and excited” to see what he’s going to do with each song, marveling at how he makes each tune “authentically Brooks.” Despite his unique voice, Brooks proved that when he’s not singing, he’s a man of few words, which made Seacrest laugh.
Hannah Harper Touches the Judges’ Hearts
Hannah Harper, 26, took the stage after the break to sing Chris Tomlin’s “At The Cross (Love Ran Red).” The mom of three, whose boys were singing along in the audience, stood still at the microphone throughout her stirring performance, and she uttered a private prayer at the end.
Richie told Hannah, “That was with such a purity, it was fantastic,” and urged her to “give it more of everything you have.” Underwood said that “from the beginning, you’ve been one of my absolute favorites” and noted that she could feel Hannah’s heart. Bryan told her that it was “perfection,” saying that he “bought into it heart, mind and soul.”
Chris Tungseth Reminds Judges Why He’s There
Minnesota singer Chris Tungseth, 27, played his acoustic guitar as he belted out Cody Johnson’s “By Your Grace,” which earned him a standing ovation from all three judges.
Underwood told him his performance took her back to why they’ve loved Chris since the beginning. Bryan agreed, telling him, “That song was you, from top to bottom.” Richie said that he cannot fathom how America will decide who moves forward and who goes home, and Underwood tearfully noted how thankful she is that all of the contestants got to sing the songs that mean the most to them.
Who Made the ‘American Idol’ 2026 Top 12?
Just like in the Songs of Faith program in 2025, Underwood delivered a powerful performance of “How Great Thou Art,” but season 23’s Kolbi, Canaan, and Filo joined her. Seacrest then said voting would close during the commercial break, and that he’d deliver the results of tonight’s votes next.
Seacrest returned with the Top 14 behind him, all nervous to hear which two would be going home after the live voting. But in a SHOCKING development, Seacrest announced that they had an “unprecedented” number of votes come in and that he’d just learned they could not with complete certainty name the Top 12. As he said this has never happened in the show’s history, Underwood’s mouth dropped open in shock and remained that way as Seacrest said they will announce the Top 12 at the top of the next live episode on April 6.
