The auditions on “American Idol” season 24 continue tonight on ABC. We will get a chance to see even more hopeful singers step in front of the “American Idol” 2026 judges — Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan — and hope to start their journey of being named the winner of “American Idol” season 24. Ryan Seacrest is back as host, but who gets a ticket to Hollywood tonight on “American Idol” 2026? Find out with us during our “American Idol” live recap below.
Week 2 of Auditions
The Golden Ticket moments are continuing tonight on “American Idol” season 24. We have a new batch of singers for these “American Idol” judges after the season 24 premiere last week. All of them are trying to get a ticket to Hollywood and remain in this competition.
It’s Monday night, so that means another night of “American Idol” 2026. You aren’t going to want to miss any of these auditions tonight on “American Idol” season 24. Follow along with our Live Recap below!
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD: THIS LIVE RECAP WILL BE UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE EPISODE, SO DO NOT KEEP READING IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO READ SPOILERS.
February 2 Live Recap – Week 2
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Week 2 Begins
We start with a look back at some previous winners and their journey. A nice compilation before getting started on tonight’s auditions!
Makiyah
Luke said she is filling up the room with sunshine. She is an assistant bank manager and sings on the side. Makiyah said she has a lot of fun at work, and wants people to have fun working. She sings at church every Sunday with her family.
For her audition, she sings “I Love You I Do” by Jennifer Hudson. She definitely has a rasp to her voice, and it sounds so good. She is very powerful, and like her family told Ryan, she can sang!
Judges’ Feedback: Luke said his cheeks have been smiling since she walked into the room. Carrie said she didn’t miss a note and such control. The strongest voice they’ve heard so far. Lionel said they pray for the standouts and put the pressure on everyone else. It’s her.
They ask her family to come in, and her little brother can sang too! There’s no doubt about it, but the judges are all a yes, and she is headed to Hollywood.
Ruby Rae
She is 16 years old and comes in to sing “Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo. I think she has a good voice, but she starts very slowly. She is young, and I almost think she needs more time. It definitely got better as the audition went along. After her performance, she talks about doing this for her hometown, the Palisades, and the fires they went through.
Judges’ Feedback: The judges disagree, as they give her a standing ovation. Lionel said that was right on the money. Luke said she checked them all. Carrie said really incredible, and her breath control is quite amazing. No doubt again, as she gets three yes votes, she is headed to Hollywood on “American Idol” 2026.
Kamryn Palmer on ‘American Idol’ 2026
She said Carrie Underwood is her favorite singer ever. She’s been watching her since she was five years old, seeing her on “American Idol.” Kamryn dressed up as Carrie for Halloween after she won Idol. For her audition, she sings “Home Sweet Home” by Motley Crue. She has a good sound to her voice, but it doesn’t seem strong enough.
Judges’ Feedback: Carrie said she is very comfortable singing and emoting. Luke said she has a nice voice, but not ready for the show. Lionel isn’t clear. It’s a no for him, but an optimistic no. Carrie was a yes, but Luke said no, and Kamryn was eliminated. However, she asks to sing with Carrie, and she does it!
Then we see a bunch of no auditions, but the judges are trying to be nice and optimistic for them. Telling them to continue pushing and trying.
Michael Garner
He is 16 years old and a sophomore in high school. Michael said he’s been watching the show for a long time, and said he would be on this show, and here he is.
For his audition, he sings “I’m Still Fine” by The Red Clay Strays. He starts a little weak for me. However, he hits some good notes along the way. He does have a good sound.
Judges’ Feedback: Carrie said he is really good and he is on the right path. Lionel said his opening was nerves. Luke said if we say no to him, what are we doing here. We are all saying he sings great. They are struggling with this one, as they think he is young. Carrie was a no, but Luke and Lionel said yes, and he is going to Hollywood!
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, but now he wants to just be himself and prove that his voice is enough.
For his audition, he sings “Brother” by Matt Corby. I mean, we all knew this one was going to be amazing, right? Such a strong voice and such a good range. I like it when he truly gets into it, as that emotion is real.
Judges’ Feedback: Luke said he is crazy talented and crazy unbelievable. That was impressive. Lionel said he is an artist, and he is authentic. He has stage presence…it’s all there. Carrie said she’s really glad he’s here and she loves his voice. We get three yes votes, and he is headed to Hollywood Week.
Trace Casanova
He is a lounge singer, but grew up with a biker gang. Trace said his motto is that he takes his career seriously, not himself.
For his performance, it’s all performative. He is very entertaining. It’s fun to watch, and would be very entertaining in a lounge. He gets to sing two songs, and it’s entertaining. He is an entertainer.
Judges’ Feedback: Carrie said she likes him. Luke said it’s a stretch for “American Idol,” but he can appreciate his ministry. Lionel said he loves what he did, and it’s entertaining. Carrie said he is a moral booster, and we need him on the show, so it’s a yes for her. Luke is a no, but Lionel is a yes, and Trace is going to Hollywood Week.
Kitti Taye
She comes in with a group of people. They are her college acapella group, which will be her instrument tonight. She sings “Masterpiece” by Jasmine Sullivan. She has a good voice, but seems to be overpowered by her instrument.
Judges’ Feedback: Lionel said he really enjoyed it. Carrie said very sweet, but it needed more staying in character. Luke said she has a nice country tone to it. They all like her and want to see more, so Kitti is headed to Hollywood Week on “American Idol” season 24.
Hannah Harper on ‘American Idol’
She grew up in a musical family. Her family quit their jobs in 2009, and they hit the road performing their banjos. They are a bluegrass band. She is now home with three little boys. Hannah is trying out for the show to give her boys the life she had growing up.
For her audition, she sings an original song called “String Cheese.” After getting emotional when explaining what the song means, Hannah sings. She definitely has an ease to her voice, but the song is nice. She has a strong country/bluegrass sound to it.
Judges’ Feedback: Carrie said that’s the most relatable song she’s ever heard. Luke said great job with that bluegrass sound. Lionel said use Dolly for her storytelling ability, but then she can tell that story and give us the range. Carrie said she might be her favorite person to walk through those doors. It’s three yes votes, so she is headed to Hollywood Week.
Jakob Stobaugh
After some bad auditions, we see Jakob take the stage. Luke has an addiction to TikTok, and he’s been finding these artists to come to the show. Third time was the charm, as Jakob can sing and they give him a Golden Ticket!
Carmen Lorell on ‘American Idol’
This is the niece of Britani Bateman, one of the stars of “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.” Britani comes in with Carmen, and too funny, as she says who she is, and the judges have no clue who she is!
For her audition, Carmen does have a solid voice. I would have preferred she come out on her own, and maybe I wouldn’t have been annoyed right away. Carmen then sings a song with Britani, and I feel it was worse.
Judges’ Feedback: Carrie said she has a pretty voice, and her range is great. Luke said it was very present, and we need her to cut loose more. Lionel said that to get her roughed up, she needs to go into a brawl. That can happen by her moving on. It’s a yes for her, as she is heading to Hollywood.
Quick Look: We have a quick look, as Tinayeshe Manyika, is in front of the judges. They all loved his performance and his command, so he got a Golden Ticket to Hollywood.
Braden Rumfelt
He 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.
For his audition, he sings “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town. When I heard the song choice, I was a little nervous. However, he knocks it out of the park. Braden has such a strong voice, and it works on this song. He hits some big notes along the way, and I like it.
Judges’ Feedback: Carrie said she is happy and surprised. He needs to loosen up a bit. Luke said he is a racehorse. Lionel said he has a top end to his voice, and the texture when he gets up there is so sweet. Luke said he can sing, and he’s going to do well in this competition. He gets three yes votes and is headed to Hollywood Week.
Tianna
After a quick no for Matthew Holiday, we see Tianna head in front of the judges. She had a miscarriage last year, so her motto is now no risk, no story, so she is here to audition. Tianna sings “Pass Me Not, O Savior.” She has a very strong voice, and you can feel the emotion in those vocals.
Judges’ Feedback: Carrie said she has an incredible voice. Lionel said he loves what she does. Luke said great big voice, and she sang within her means. Carrie said she made everything seem effortless. It’s a massive yes from all the judges, so she is headed to Hollywood Week.
Julián Kalel
The final audition of the night goes to Julián Kalel. He auditioned last year, but didn’t know what to expect. Julián 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. He was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, so he stepped back, and now he is back to try again. He wants to show people that we shouldn’t be defined by our weaknesses, but by our strengths.
For his audition, he sings an original song called “Lone Guitar.” He said he wrote this song at his lowest point. The lyrics are very powerful, and you can feel the emotion from him. He’s a great singer and has a very good voice.
Judges’ Feedback: Lionel said welcome back. He said he was born enough. Carrie said everything about him is just honest. Luke said he’s got the magic. He is incredible and has all the skills of a great singer, and just have fun with it. It’s three yes votes, as he is headed to Hollywood Week.
The auditions are done for tonight. Who was your favorite?
