Jordan McCullough has quietly become one of the biggest breakout stars on “American Idol” season 24. Week after week, the Tennessee singer has impressed viewers with his smooth vocals, emotional performances, and strong faith-centered background. From leading worship in Nashville to surviving reality competition setbacks before finally reaching the finale, McCullough’s journey has turned him into one of the season’s most relatable and inspiring contestants.
1. He Serves as a Worship Director
Before taking over “American Idol” season 24 with his amazing vocals, Jordan worked as a worship leader and director at Zeal Church in the Nashville, Tennessee area. In 2022, he told Nashville Voyager that he worked at “one of the most influential churches in the Nashville area.”
The church has been a huge part of Jordan’s life. He started singing in church choirs when he was just 4 years old. He often views his music as a ministry.
2. He is the Only Platinum Ticket Holder Remaining In the Competition
If you remember, during the Ohana Round, the Top 30 singers performed in front of their friends, family, and industry experts. After the judges gave their feedback, the contestants, friends/family, and industry experts voted on their favorites.
Then one singer would win the platinum ticket from each group of voters and get an automatic spot in the Top 20. Jordan won the platinum ticket thanks to the votes of his peers. Brooks won the platinum ticket from family/friends, and Kyndal Inskeep won it from the industry experts.
Now, Jordan is the only platinum ticket holder remaining in the competition.
3. Jordan Previously Auditioned on ‘The Voice’
This isn’t Jordan’s first rodeo in a singing competition. He previously auditioned for Season 17 of “The Voice” back in 2019.
For his blind audition, he sang “Let Me Love You” by Mario. For that season, the coaches were Kelly Clarkson, Gwen Stefani, John Legend, and Blake Shelton. None of them hit their button for Jordan, so he did not advance in the competition.
On a side note, fellow Season 24 contestant Kyndal Inskeep was also a contestant on Season 17 of “The Voice.” She actually made it to the Live Playoffs (Top 20) for the season before being eliminated. On “American Idol,” she made it into the Top 9 before being eliminated.
4. A Double Shoe Throw From Jennifer Hudson
During Disney Night on “American Idol” season 24, Jordan performed “Colors of the Wind” from “Pocahontas.” Jennifer Hudson served as a guest mentor and judge during that week.
Hudson was so blown away by his performance that she not only threw one of her shoes onto the stage, but she threw both of them. If you don’t know, when she approves of a song and loves it so much, she starts throwing her shoes at contestants. It’s definitely a mark of approval.
5. He’s a Fan of ‘American Idol’
It’s always so much more fun to watch when one of the contestants on these shows is actually a fan of the show when they choose to audition. That’s how it was for Jordan and “American Idol.”
American Songwriter wrote that McCullough admitted before his audition, “I love ‘American Idol,’ I’ve watched it since I was a kid.”
Jordan even talked about meeting season 23 winner Jamal Roberts and seeing him perform live.
McCullough said, “Last season, I actually got to meet Jamal Roberts, and he was amazing. Phenomenal singer; got to see him in concert; incredible vocalist. Great stage presence. I love him so much.”
Do you think Jordan can win “American Idol” season 24?
