The competition is heating up as the Top 20 of “American Idol” Season 24 prepare to compete in their first live episode!
From here on out, the singers’ fates will be decided, not by the judging panel of Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, but instead by the American audience, who each week will have the opportunity to vote to keep their favorite contestants in the competition.
The live shows kick off on Monday, March 30, as the Top 20 return to Hollywood to perform an array of uplifting tracks for the special “Songs of Faith” themed episode.
Judges to Perform Gospel Song for Easter Sunday Episode
DisneyWhile we still don’t know which faith-based songs the remaining contestants will be singing for their live show debut, longtime “American Idol” judge Luke Bryan did tease that fans can expect a joint performance from the entire judging panel on the upcoming episode.
“We’re going to sing,” Bryan revealed on “Good Morning America” on Tuesday (Mar. 24). “We’re doing a Lionel [Richie] song, ‘Jesus is Love.’”
The judging trio will perform the 1980 R&B hit before the Top 20 begin their personally meaningful melody. Special guest performances from contemporary Christian artists like CeCe Williams and Brandon Luke will round-out the Easter Sunday episode.
“Many of these kids come from gospel backgrounds…we all kind of honed our skills in front of the church,” Bryan added, speaking on the episode’s theme. “So when we give them the opportunity to kind of go to the faith-based night, they really embrace it.”
Carrie Underwood added that she hopes the remaining contestants will use the opportunity to showcase songs that speak to who they are as people and as performers.
“They’re songs of faith. So it could be something inspiring,” said the former “American Idol” champion. “It’s still a mixed bag.”
‘American Idol’ 2026 Top 12 to be Revealed Next Week
DisneyThe first live show of the season will similarly see the competition narrow from the Top 20 to the Top 12 following the input of “American Idol” viewers across the country.
While voting for Monday night’s (Mar. 30) episode has already closed, fans will be able to continue to cast their votes to keep their favorite contestants in the competition immediately following forthcoming episodes. Voting polls are currently available through three main platforms:
- Official Website: idolvote.abc.com
- Text Voting: Text contestant numbers to 21523
- Social Media: Comment on official voting posts on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok
Be sure to tune into the “Songs of Faith” episode – the first live show of the season – when “American Idol” returns to ABC on Monday, March 30 at 8:00pm ET.
