After the delay last week on “American Idol” season 24, Ryan Seacrest delivered the results last night, and the Top 12 on “American Idol” 2026 were announced. The 12 artists who took to the stage and performed for your votes, once again. The judges each gave them a song to possibly perform this week, all with a 90s focus to them. Who had the best performances of the night on “American Idol” last night? Check out our picks from the Top 12 performances and the videos below in our “American Idol” spoilers.
1. Keyla Richardson
For her song choice, Keyla picks “Zombie” by The Cranberries. This was the perfect song choice for her. The lyrics and more spoken parts were so powerful. Then she belts out some amazing lyrics in the middle to show the power of her voice. A great overall amazing performance.
For the judges, Lionel said she held us all the way to the end; it was amazing. Luke said he loves her, but he’s mad at Lionel right now.
2. Braden Rumfelt on ‘American Idol’ 2026
To be put to the task of singing a Celine Dion song and nailing it, you deserve one of the top spots. Braden sang “All By Myself” by Celine, and this was fantastic. He has such control of his vocals, and he just has a way of taking a female singer and sounding great on it. I loved this performance.
For the judges, Lionel said that’s a tall order, and he did it. Luke said great job with that. Way to be brave on it, and he crushed it. Carrie said he has an incredible voice, but she wanted him to go up higher on the notes.
3. Jordan McCullough
Jordan was shocked when he was given a Mariah Carey song as one of the possible songs to sing. However, he ended up picking that song, “Always Be My Baby,” as his song choice. It was a wise choice, as this allowed Jordan to show off the amazing range of his voice. He hit some big notes along the way, including that big ending. He was having fun on that stage, and it was fun to watch.
For the judges, Lionel said great job turning it into his own song. Loved it. Carrie said it’s such a happy song. He has all the tools in his toolbelt, and he used them well. Luke said this was a very smart song choice, totally the right move for him.
4. Philmon Lee
Philmon picked “Hard To Handle” by The Black Crowes for his song choice. This was a bold choice, as there are some fast lyrics in this one. He kept up, though, and this showed a little different side to Philmon. It was upbeat and fun in parts, but he was still able to show the power in his voice. A great performance from him.
For the judges, Luke said he loved the way he went with that. You are a great singer, lean in every time. Carrie said this was your breakout moment. Lionel said he had never heard an arrangement like that, and he got on top of it. He had it under control, and that says a lot about his vocal ability.
5. Rae on ‘American Idol’
For her song, Rae picked “Love Will Lead You Back” by Taylor Dayne. I mean, her vocals are so strong. Her voice is so powerful. This was a great song choice, and she just hits those HUGE notes and seems to do it with ease.
Carrie picked this song for her. She said she crushed it. Luke said she came to life in the end; it was a great job. Lionel said he is amazed when he hears her say she doesn’t know the song, as she sang it like she knew every inch of it and where she was going with it.
Who had your favorite performances last night on “American Idol” season 24?
