The race for the next music superstar is hitting high gear as “American Idol” enters the final stretch of its 24th season. In a high-energy update from the set with “Good Morning America,” judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood were joined by powerhouse guest judge Jennifer Hudson to discuss the massive talent remaining in the hunt. With the Top 7 officially in place, the seasoned pros are getting real about what it takes to survive the pressure of the live stage.
As the latest power rankings for the Season 24 Top 7 suggest, the competition is tighter than ever. Jennifer Hudson, who famously turned her own “Idol” journey into an EGOT-winning career, offered empowering words to the remaining hopefuls. “Whatever you set your mind to, is what it will be,” Hudson remarked. She encouraged the singers to seize the magnitude of the moment, adding, “It does not end. You still have your talent and you can carry on.”
Jennifer Hudson and Carrie Underwood Celebrate Diverse Vocals
Carrie Underwood, who understands the weight of the “Idol” crown better than anyone, expressed her excitement over the eclectic mix of artists still in the running. Watching the best performances from the Top 7 has become a highlight for both the viewers and the judging panel. “We have so many different voices, styles,” Underwood noted while on set. “It’s really interesting to see who America is loving.”
For Underwood, the 2026 season represents a high-water mark for the franchise, showcasing a variety of genres that keep the panel on their toes. The synergy between the judges and the contestants has created a nurturing environment where singers feel safe to take risks. Underwood’s perspective as a former winner provides a unique layer of empathy for the Top 7 as they navigate the leap from amateur singers to household names.
Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on the Power of Vulnerability
Luke Bryan highlighted the profound personal transformation he witnesses from the judging desk every year. He compared the contestants’ journeys to a metamorphosis, stating that they are all “coming out of their cocoons and turning into beautiful butterflies.” Bryan emphasized that growth is the primary goal for the panel’s mentorship. “Growth is what it’s all about. That’s why we show up every year and watch these kids blossom,” he said, noting the judges’ mission to “prop them up with good, positive, uplifting words.”
Lionel Richie echoed this sentiment, focusing on the human element required for long-term superstardom. He urged the Top 7 to embrace their flaws rather than strive for a manufactured image. “Let them see your vulnerable side,” Richie advised. He pointed to the authenticity of his fellow judges—Hudson, Bryan, and Underwood—as the blueprint for their success. “That’s what they’ve got to now have to get used to is being not so perfect as well as real, and vulnerable.” As the finale nears, this advice may be the deciding factor in who wins the hearts of the American public.
