It’s the final night of auditions on “American Idol” season 24 tonight on ABC. It’s the last chance for these hopeful singers to step in front of the “American Idol” 2026 judges — Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan — and start their journey of being named the winner of “American Idol” season 24. We have Ryan Seacrest in place 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.
Final Night of ‘American Idol’ Auditions
We have seen some amazing auditions this season of “American Idol,” and it all wraps up tonight on ABC. We have the last batch of hopeful singers stepping in front of the judges after week 3 of auditions last week. They are all trying to get a ticket to Hollywood and remain in the competition.
Monday night means Idol Night, and 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 16 Live Recap – Week 4
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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. 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.
Judges’ Feedback: Luke said he can’t believe we haven’t seen her here until now. Carrie said she has some pipes, for sure. Lionel said he loved her choices. She took Aretha and turned it upside down and made it her own. No doubt about it, as she gets three yes votes and is headed to Hollywood Week!
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 and saw her picture for the first time. His grandma is backstage to surprise him.
For his audition, he sings this original song, “Strong.” His emotions are so high that he can barely start the song. The lyrics are powerful, but he has a good tone to his voice. You can feel the emotion of the song. I would like to see more from him, but this was worthy of a ticket to Hollywood.
Judges’ Feedback: Carrie said he went somewhere else when he was singing. Lionel said he loved his delivery and timber of his voice. Luke said he’s got all the tools, he’s got the look and the hair. Grandma comes out to surprise him as he gets his ticket to Hollywood!
We get a montage of seeing Luke being a little harder on the contestants this season. He isn’t letting everyone come through. Carrie said he’s grumpy! Lots of nos from Luke!
Julia Sienna on ‘American Idol’
We see a cop come in and put Luke under arrest for all the nos he’s been handing out. Turns out it’s the next contestant, so Luke better give a yes on this one! For her audition, she definitely did not disappoint. She may be going to become a cop, but singing might be in her future!
Judges’ Feedback: Luke said he loved it. Really, really great, can I see the key? Carrie said she is a fantastic representation of every woman. Lionel said he loves her voice, and she has some natural abilities. It’s three yes votes, so she is going to Hollywood, and Luke is out of the cuffs!
A quick look, as we see Jake Thistle. The judges liked him, as he is headed to Hollywood Week on “American Idol” 2026.
Landon Hughes
He’s a small-town Kentucky boy. He wants to show us what bluegrass is all about. For his audition, he sings “Little Maggie” by The Stanley Brothers. He can hold those notes forever.
Judges’ Feedback: Carrie said he made her happy. Can he be him in other genres? Lionel said he likes his vibe. He has to take us on that journey with his voice. Luke said vocally that he is a little skeptical. The judges want to see more, so he is heading to Hollywood Week.
Brenna Brigman
Some more quick looks, as we have some iffy singers. They have potential, and the judges give some feedback. I guess they want to see more of them all, as we see tickets to Hollywood for Landon McGraw and Vika.
Breanna Brigman comes out and sings on the piano, but she is overdoing it. They let her sing again, and she does better with the second coach. They think she has all the tools vocally, so they give her three yes votes, and she is headed to Hollywood, also!
Quick singing, but then we see golfing with Matty Reynolds, as he’s a caddy. It works and gets him a ticket to Hollywood.
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.
Judges’ Feedback: Carrie said that it was great and is surprised to hear that she doesn’t perform. Luke said she is so raw and unpolished. She didn’t hit a bad note and delivered that song in her own way. Lionel said very cool vibe. They’ve been waiting for her. Three yes votes, as she is headed to Hollywood Week.
Bartly
He is a positive vibe, for sure. Bartly started singing when he was 2 years old. I am loving his vieb though. Music is his life, as he performs five days a week.
For his audition, he sings “Texas Sun” by Khruangbin and Leon Bridges. He does have a good voice. This one started a little slow for me, but he has a good style. I think he can be good.
Judges’ Feedback: Carrie said she loves her voice, and the song choice is going to be paramount. Luke said he is unique in his own thing. Lionel said soulful on the top end. He gets three yes votes, so he is going to Hollywood Week!
Chloe Lauren
Chloe is from a small town in South Carolina. She is a stay-at-home mom and gets emotional when she comes in. She said she never thought she’d be here. Chloe always dreamed of being a singer, but then got married and had a kid. Singing went on the back burner, but her husband pushed her to sing again.
For her audition, she sings “Maybe.” by Sienna Spiro. She has this rasp to her voice, which works very well. She struggles in parts, it seems, but I like her voice. Chloe seems to capture the emotion of the song.
Judges’ Feedback: Lionel said it’s hard to find people with unique sounds and qualities. The possibilities of her going forward in life are amazing. Carrie said she has something special. Luke said that when we give you confidence, he thinks she can hit notes bigger. They are all yeses, so she is headed to Hollywood!
No backstory here, as Jayson Garner performs. He puts that guitar behind his head as he performs. It worked, as he got a standing ovation from the judges. It’s enough, as he gets three yes votes from the judges.
Abayomi
She is 15 years old and is Haitian. Her grandma has been dreaming of this moment for her for all her life. She is an award-winning poet, and those poems often turn into lyrics for songs.
For her audition, she sings “Black Leaves” by Kirby. She has good control of her voice and is performing with this one. She definitely is a good singer.
Judges’ Feedback: Lionel said 15 going on 72. She has some abilities far beyond her age. Carrie said she has the ability to captivate. A ton of potential here. Luke said he sees a universe of potential for her. It’s three yes votes!
Quick Looks: “American Idol” season 24 gives everyday people a chance to make their dreams come true. That is when we see auditions from Mia Soleil Sanchez, Clare Mairead, and Jackson Inman. They all have potential, but it’s a no for now for them all.
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. Mary Jo has been touring and feels her confidence has grown since then.
For her audition, she sings an original song called “Don’t Call Me.” She has that indie-style voice, also, which has been popular tonight. She definitely has a strong voice.
Judges’ Feedback: Carrie said she liked it a lot and liked the song a lot. Lionel said it ain’t about singing, it’s about surviving. She has done quite well surviving. Luke said there is a different air of confidence about her. It’s three yes votes for Mary Jo!
Chris Tungseth on ‘American Idol’
This is the final audition of the season. He does construction in Minnesota. Chris said he’s been given the greatest family in the world. His dad was an opera singer and became a pastor. His mom was a pianist. At 10, his mom was diagnosed with MS, and it took a toll on the family. Twelve years later, his dad was diagnosed with leukemia. His dad is no longer here, so he is doing this for his dad.
For his audition, he is singing an original song called “Lonely Road.” He has a very strong voice. You can feel the emotion of the song and the lyrics getting to him. It was a strong performance.
Judges’ Feedback: Carrie said she loves everything about him. He has an incredible voice. It’s powerful and beautiful. Lionel said he has a ministry and a really strong connection to people. Luke said the timing of all this is the timing. It’s perfect for him what he’s doing, and he has Chris Stapleton vibes. It’s three yes votes for him!
The auditions are done. What did you think of tonight’s auditions?
