Two more talented contestants are going home at the end of “American Idol” on April 20, 2026, as the class of season 24 gets narrowed down to the Top 7. It’s the series’ annual Disney Night — always a fun theme as the singers visit Disneyland Resort and choose songs from Disney’s epic songbook to perform.
But that’s not all. Adding to the excitement of the night is the return of Jennifer Hudson 22 years after she competed on the show, as not only a guest mentor for the Top 9 but also a guest judge. After two hours of live performances and viewer voting (here’s how to vote!), the Top 7 will be named. We’re here for every second, so keep checking back for all of the updates!
‘American Idol’ Top 9 Met Up With Jennifer Hudson at Disneyland
Shortly after making it into the Top 9 last week, the contestants were whisked off to Disneyland Resort for fun in the parks with their loved ones. They later met up with Hudson — an EGOT winner who’s one of the most successful “American Idol” alums. Judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie had their own fun, dressing up and hanging out in the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge section of the park.
The show kicked off with an epic open featuring the judges (you can see it here!). Let’s get to the performances!
Daniel Stallworth Sings of ‘A Whole New World’
The night started off with Daniel Stallworth, who received some great insights from Hudson during their mentorship session on “A Whole New World” from “Aladdin.” He delivered a very soulful rendition that brought all four stars to their feet.
Richie told him he took Underwood’s mentorship to heart and blew them away, and Underwood agreed. Impressed with how Hudson brought out the best in Daniel, Bryan turned to Hudson and said, “Can you teach me to sing, Jennifer!?”
Braden Rumfelt Asks Viewers to ‘Remember Me’
Braden Rumfelt had Hudson a little worried during his mentorship session with her, since he ironically forgot the lyrics to “Remember Me” from “Coco.” Though he was silly and casual in his session with her, he took the assignment seriously and delivered the emotional tune standing at the mic, remembering all the words.
He didn’t inspire the judges to get out of their seats, but they still loved the performance. Underwood said Braden does a great job of “getting into the character and telling a story,” calling his talent “captivating.” Hudson said she was very “proud” of him because, like Underwood said, he “captivated” the audience, noting that she hoped to see him back. Bryan said it was a “challenging, tricky song” with a lot of tender moments and chords, and that he could see Braden’s “future” in his performance. Richie agreed that it was a tricky song and complimented him on a job well done. (His cute Yoda impression afterwards, however, needs a little work!)
Lucas Leon Paves His Path With ‘Life Is A Highway’
Lucas Leon was thrilled to hang out with his mom in the Radiator Springs area of Disneyland, since he loves “Cars” and decided to sing the movie’s theme, “Life Is A Highway.” During his mentorship session, Hudson told him that he’s “an old soul” but that she really wanted him to look out at the crowd and “own the stage.”
Wearing a red leather jacket and playing an electric guitar, Lucas definitely got the crowd going, and he got the judges back on their feet. Hudson was impressed, telling him that she felt like she was at his own concert and to keep listening to his instincts. Bryan said he loves “that at such a young age, you’re so comfortable” on stage, and that despite him being just 18, they have no worries about how he’ll do. Richie encouraged Lucas to give the crowd even more attitude, and Underwood agreed but said that it was “joyful” and “entertaining.”
Hannah Harper Was ‘Almost There’ on Her Stage Movement
Hannah Harper was “super” uncomfortable as she rehearsed her song, “Almost There” from “Princess on the Frog,” nervous about how she moved around the stage. Hudson suggested she pretend she was dancing with her three kids, and then Hannah followed her around on stage as Hudson pretended to be the character. Harper was dressed in a glamorous light pink 40s-era gown and moved a little, with Hudson looking hopeful she’d move even more.
The judges gave her a standing ovation as streamers flew through the air. Bryan was the first to get up from his chair and he said he loved it, noting that she didn’t “overdo it” and that it was one of his favorite performances of hers. Richie said “ditto, ditto,” but that it looked like she was scared to move in her very high heels. Underwood said that she got “dragged” when she was a contestant for not moving, but that she has learned to move and can’t help but move on stage anymore, urging her to feel proud of how far she’s come. Hudson said, “I love how you were natural and true to yourself,” noting that she’s making her way to “right where you want to be.”
Chris Tungseth Tries to ‘Let It Go’ on Stage
After a commercial break, the Top 9 sang “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from “Toy Story” as an ensemble as clips from the movie played in the background. It was the perfect lead-in for Seacrest to remind the audience that the new “Toy Story” movie will be out in June. Then, coming back from the break, Seacrest announced that the Top 7 will sing from Taylor Swift’s song catalog next week — a first for the show!
Next up was Chris Hungseth, who enjoyed time with his sister at Disneyland before his mentorship session with Hudson, as he sang “Let It Go” from “Frozen.” Hudson said she was blown away by him bringing his style to the song. The biggest issue, she said, was that he looked uncomfortable on the stage. She worked with him on his stage presence and performance, saying he had “a lot of work to do.”
Underwood gave him a standing ovation, and Richie told him had did “fantastic.” Underwood said that was “the most we’ve seen you emote” and that she’d love to see more of that. Hudson said Chris is such a “teddy bear” and that he’s a “joy” to watch, but to never forget that it’s also a singing competition, so not to forget that part. Bryan said that when Chris auditioned, he never would have imagined him singing “Let It Go,” but told him, “Great job in playing along with the moment.”
Keyla Richardson Emulates Jennifer Hudson in Her ‘American Idol’ Song Choice
After Keyla Richardson got to hang out with her son Drew at Disneyland, she got to rehearse with one of her actual idols. Back when Hudson competed on “American Idol,” she gave a powerful performance of “Circle of Life” from “The Lion King.” They watched the video of her, which made Hudson cry because it reminded her how far she’s come. So it was a pretty daring move for Keyla Richardson to take on the same tune and rehearse it with Hudson herself, who said she hopes it’s a life-changing for Keyla as it was for her.
Dressed in a gorgeous gold, sequined gown, Keyla’s had Hudson singing along and crying at the judges’ table. Keyla received the greatest honor from Hudson, who threw her shoe at the stage to symbolize Keyla blew her away.
“This song is a testimony and you just performed it like a testimony,” Hudson said, and watching Drew in the audience was very powerful for her. Bryan said they forgot to warn Hudson not to watch Drew because it’s impossible not to cry. Underwood said that the roaring audience said it all and Richie added, “Let the congregation say amen!”
Brooks Rosser Comes Out of His Shell on ‘The Climb’
Brooks Rosser got to hang out at Disneyland with his sister and was amazed by all the people who came up to him, recognizing and supporting him. He decided to sing “The Climb” from “Hannah Montana: The Movie” and admitted to Jennifer Hudson that he had little confidence, especially since he’d never performed before “American Idol,” but her coaching helped him come out of his shell and add some notes to his repertoire.
Hudson told Brooks that he deserves to be on the show and has such a unique voice. Bryan told him that it felt the song “ran away from him” a bit, but to keep doing what he’s doing. Richie told Brooks that his voice is magical, and Underwood said how proud she is of him. Seacrest then said that Brooks had a special visitor — prior contestant Rae, who came out to hard launch their relationship, which social media has been speculating about! It’s official — they’re together!
Jordan McCullough Sings Alllll the ‘Colors of the Wind’
After spending a meaningful day at Disneyland with his mom, Jordan McCullough was overwhelmed to meet Hudson as he sang “Colors of the Wind” from “Pocahontas.” She said his voice was “anointed” but did have one critique about where his “big” moment should be in the song — and he nailed it with her.
Jordan did not disappoint in his performance, earning another thrown shoe from Hudson as the audience went wild for him. She joked that she asked Underwood if she could borrow her shoes since she’s running out. Underwood, meanwhile, called his performance “perfect!”
