After “American Idol” left fans with an unprecedented cliffhanger at the end of the first live episode of season 24, the pressure was on for the next live show, airing one week later on April 6, 2026. With so many votes cast during last week’s two-hour Songs of Faith episode, host Ryan Seacrest announced at the end of the show that producers couldn’t confidently announce the Top 12.
So, after a week of anxiously waiting for results and prepping for tonight’s performances, the Top 14 learned as soon as the April 6 show began which two contestants were going home before the others performed, hoping to make it through to the Top 11. EntertainmentNow reported live throughout the night — here’s what happened!
Who Made the ‘American Idol’ Top 12?
The Top 14 was comprised of four women — Kyndal Inskeep, Keyla Richardson, Hannah Harper, and Rae — and 10 men: Jake Thistle, Daniel Stallworth, Jesse Findling, Braden Rumfelt, Brooks Rosser, Philmon Lee, Lucas Leon, Jordan McCullough, Chris Tungseth, and Julian Kalel.
As soon as the show started, Ryan Seacrest revealed who was being sent home, based on last week’s voting: Julian Kalel and Jake Thistle.
After that news, produced jumped into the night’s theme: the annual Judges’ Song Contest with a 90s focus. Each Top 12 contestant was given three 90s song picks — one from each judge — and had to choose which one they were going to perform. They also had to guess which judge picked it for them, but very few guessed right. The judge with the most contestants singing the song they chose would get bragging rights and the chance to save one contestant from elimination at the end of the night.
Hannah Harper Kicked Off The Night With a Little ‘Yee-Haw!’
Hannah Harper was the first contestant to perform from the Top 12 — which came as a surprise to her. The three song choices from the 90s she was given were: “Heads Carolina, Tails California” by Jo Dee Messina, “Un-Break My Heart” by Toni Braxton (whom she adorably said she didn’t know — she is 26, after all), and Wynonna’s “Only Love.”
Since she already knew Messina’s song, Hannah decided to perform that one. The judges gave the stay-at home mom a standing ovation, and she guessed that Luke Bryan chose the song “’cause he’s yeehaw!'” Though he loved the performance, he said he didn’t choose the tune. Carrie Underwood revealed that she did, exclaiming, “I know I don’t look yee-haw, but I can yee-haw!” She said it showed that “Hannah was coming out of her shell a little bit … we want more of that, please!” That means Underwood scored the first point of the night.
Jordan McCullough Takes On Mariah Carey With Gusto
After the first commercial break, Seacrest came back with “Full House” alum Andrea Barber, as the band played the song’s theme song in honor of the 90s theme. She was one of seven 90s stars who appeared on the episode. They then threw it to contestant Jordan McCullough, who was given the following three songs from the judges: “Always Be My Baby” by Mariah Carey (which he was shocked by!), “I Swear” by John Michael Montgomery, and “Go Rest High On That Mountain” by Vince Gill.
Though he was shocked to have been given a song from former “American Idol” judge Mariah Carey, Jordan decided to go with that one and the judges clearly approved — as did Seacrest, who called it “amazing.” Jordan thought that Underwood chose the song for him, but it was actually Lionel Richie, who was thrilled with his “masterful” performance. Underwood told Jordan he used “all the tools in your toolbox” to make the song his own. And Bryan said it was “totally” the right song choice for him and liked that he went outside his comfort zone.
Daniel Stallworth Uplevels With Lenny Kravitz Tune
After a quick check-in with Danielle Fishel, star of the 90s hit show “Boy Meets World” and host of the new “American Idol” podcast, Seacrest announced that Daniel Stallworth was the third singer to perform. He was given the following 90s songs from the judges: “Can We Talk” by Tevin Campbell, “I Want You Back” by *NSYNC, and ‘It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over” by Lenny Kravitz.
Stallworth said he wanted to challenge himself, so he went with the Kravitz song — one he didn’t know to begin with, but clearly got comfortable with, performing at a grand piano at center stage before getting up and moving around the stage. Stallworth guessed Richie picked the song, but Bryan took a victory lap, exclaiming, “It’s all Uncle Yee-Haw!” He said he loved how Stallworth was willing to get to know the song and make it his own, and Underwood agreed. Richie said, “You can’t teach vibe,” and that Stallworth just has it.
Lucas Leon Takes It Slow With Sweet Ballad
Next up was teen contestant Lucas Leon, who was given another trio of 90s songs: “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” by Toby Keith, and “Ain’t That Lonely Yet” by Dwight Yoakam. Lucas knew all the artists, but not the last song. Though he said he was thinking he might do the upbeat Toby Keith song, he took the stage instead to sing the ballad “It’s Your Love.” He guessed that Richie picked the song, and he was RIGHT!
Lionel said he loved Lucas’ rendition of the tune, on which he played his acoustic guitar. Underwood said she had a hard time picking a tune for him and that the 18-year-old was “surprised” by how much she liked Lucas’ voice on “It’s Your Love,” saying it wound up being a good choice for him. Bryan said Lucas’ inner artist has been emerging and that this song helped them see a little more of who he is as a singer.
Chris Tungseth Goes With an Old Favorite
Following a commercial break, Holly Robinson Peete and Mark Curry appeared onstage with Seacrest — and a basketball hoop — in honor of their 90s show, “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper.” Then Seacrest introduced Chris Tungseth, who didn’t recognize the first two songs the judges picked for him — “She Talks To Angels” by the Black Crowes and “Kiss from a Rose” by Seal — but he said he was a huge fan of the third, “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain.
That’s the song the Minnesotan went with, and he guessed that Underwood chose the tune — and he was correct. She said she thought that “there were some really magical moments in there and some not-so-great moments,” telling the crowd it was okay to boo her. Bryan said Chris did great but that “a little of the backphrasing on your vibrato” had some challenges, and Richie said he wished that Tungseth would no longer make “safe” choices, “if you get past this.”
Philmon Lee Soars With The Black Crowes
Next to sing was Philmon Lee, whose three choices from the judges were “Say It Ain’t So” by Weezer, “I Believe” by Blessid Union of Souls, and “Hard to Handle” by the Black Crowes. Once Seacrest TRIED to sing a line, Lee recognized the Black Crowes tune and decided to go with that, slowing it down a bit for his soulful rendition, which had the judges and crowd up on their feet. He adorably said he was “on Level 10” after his performance and thought Underwood chose it, but it was actually Bryan.
“What was funny, though, with the different arrangement,” Bryan told him, was that he didn’t even realize it was his song choice at first, adding, “Man, you’re a great singer, lean in every time — do just like that.” Underwood said they’d been talking about Philmon earlier in the day, noting that he needed a “breakout, stand-out moment and this was it.” She added that it was “incredible.” Richie agreed he’d never heard an arrangement like that and that Philmon crushed it.
Kyndal Inskeep Goes With Goo Goo Dolls
Kyndal Inskeep knew right away which song she wanted to do from the three suggestions she received from the judges: “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia, “You’re Still The One” by Shania Twain, and “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls. “I love that song,” she said of the last pick and suspected that Underwood chose it. Turns out Underwood chose “Torn,” and it was Richie who picked the Goo Goo Dolls tune.
“I envisioned you coming out with no shoes on, with this other kind of energy,” he told Kyndal, and said that he just knew the tune would be “ideal” for her. Underwood said they’ve heard that song many times on “American Idol,” but that they knew Kyndal would keep it fresh with her arrangement. Bryan said, “You’re so artistic in your approach,” and he loved that she was so “confident” in her choice.
Brooks Rosser Gets Mixed Reviews, But the Judges Still Adore Him
Seacrest caught up with Caroline Rhea from the 90s hit “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” who said she “cannot believe how talented these people are.” For the next contestant, Brooks Rosser, the judges chose two Cranberries songs — “Dreams” and “Linger” — and the R.E.M. tune “Losing My Religion.
The judges have loved Brooks’ voice throughout the competition, but he said their choices were “hard” for him and hoped to show them he could stretch outside of his comfort zone.
The singer chose to sing “Linger,” starting softly before the band joined in. He thought Underwood chose it for him, but it turned out to be Richie AGAIN! “I am actually surprised,” he said, because he wasn’t sure how Brooks’ voice would work with it. Underwood said she “loved” the beginning, but that he seemed “uncomfortable” during the back half of the song, likely because he’s never performed for audiences before. She urged him to “shut down” his head and just sing. Bryan said he’d love to see Brooks looking a “little more confident” and that they’re “really pulling” for him to blossom.
Rae Takes On a Taylor Dayne Classic
Back from a break, Reginal VelJohnson of the 90s hit “Family Matters” joined Seacrest before Rae took the stage. The songs the judges gave her were all new to 24-year-old Rae: “Love Will Lead You Back” by Taylor Dayne, “I’ll Make Love To You” by Boyz II Men, and “Walkaway Joe” by Trisha Yearwood. But she said she was ready for a challenge, eventually choosing the Taylor Dayne classic. Rae said “Carrie Underwood loves a diva ballad,” so she thought she chose it — and she was correct!
Underwood said she “crushed” the tune, and Bryan — who began recognizing he would definitely lose the Judges’ Song Contest — said that it’s “really hard” to take on a song you don’t know. Though it sounded like she was slightly unsure at the beginning, he said Rae ran away with it. Richie, meanwhile, thought it sounded like Rae knew every note of the song.
Braden Rumfelt Braves a Celine Dion Ballad
Danica McKellar of “The Wonder Years” chatted with Seacrest before Braden Rumfelt took the stage. He looked bewildered by his song choices from the judges — “All By Myself” by Celine Dion, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith, and “Freedom! 90” by George Michael. The 23-year-old substitute teacher said he loves Dion, but that she’s at another level vocally. However, he said he was willing to take on the challenge.
Rumfelt guessed that Underwood chose the song, but once again, it turned out Richie picked the tune. He said, “This was a Hail Mary,” admitting he never thought Rumfelt would take it on. He said, “There were some moments you didn’t have a grip on it, but you did it!” Bryan told him he was “brave” and “crushed that thing,” while Underwood said she was singing every note with him, hoping he could hit each note. She said he has an “incredible voice” and that they’ll have to wait and see what America thinks.
Jesse Findling Shocks the Judges
Next up to the plate? Jesse Findling, 20, who was given “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley, “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” by Bryan Adams, and “Wonderwall” by Oasis. Jesse said he had been considering “Hallelujah” for the Songs of Faith theme night, but wasn’t very familiar with the others. In the end, he decided to “learn a whole new song” with Wonderwall.
The judges gave Jesse a standing ovation, and Jesse said he was sure it was Bryan’s pick. He was stunned to learn it was Richie’s pick yet again, giving him six points — far in the lead. Richie said it was another “Hail Mary” that he didn’t think he’d choose, and Underwood agreed, but said she was shocked “you did your thing and it worked!” Bryan told Jesse it was one of his favorite performances by him.
Keyla Richardson Floors the Judges With ‘Zombie’
Last but not least, 29-year-old Keyla Richardson learned the judges’ picks for her: “Zombie” by the Cranberries, “Breathe” by Faith Hill, and “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” by Celine Dion. She admitted she didn’t know any of the songs, but she sometimes likes a challenge to see how she can “shape my voice to a song.” In the end, she chose “Zombie,” sitting on a stool at center stage. His adorable son, Drew, was in the audience again, singing along to the unusual pick for the soul singer.
She guessed that Richie picked the tune and, incredibly, she was right — bringing him to a total of seven points, and he admitted he was feeling a little bad about dominating the song contest. Richie said Keyla’s delivery was so “intense” and that she was incredible. Underwood urged fans to “vote, vote, vote” and Bryan told Keyla he loves her. It looked like Keyla had tears in her eyes as she listened to their feedback.
Who Else Went Home?
After the final commercial break, Seacrest read the names of the contestants who got through, in no particular order, starting with Chris Tungseth. Next, he read Kyndal Inskeep’s name. Daniel Stallworth was named next, followed by Hannah Harper. The next person named was Jordan McCullough, who looked shocked, and then Braden Rumsfelt, who also seemed surprised. After that, it was Philmon Lee and then Keyla Richardson. Next, Brooks Rosser advanced.
That left Lucas Leon, Jesse Findling and Rae — and of them, Lucas went through. Richie then got to choose who would get to go through as the winner of the Judges’ Song Contest.
“Okay, I look to my fellow judges” for help, Richie said, but they hilariously refused to help. “Pound for pound, you both did an amazing job,” but in the end he chose Rae to go through, which meant Jesse headed home along with Julian and Jesse.
The next live episode of “American Idol” will air on April 13 at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
