More than a dozen “American Idol” fan-favorites from season 24 reunited in Nashville on June 3, 2026, for an epic show to kick off CMA Fest. The “Nashville Takeover” concert, held outside at 6th & Peabody, was hosted by 19 Recordings, the record label partner of “American Idol,” so it’s a big deal for contestants to get invited to perform each year.
Several “Idol” alums from past seasons who have deals with 19 Recordings were also there to perform, like season 22 runner-up Will Moseley and third-place finisher Colin Stough. The label has also begun backing teen singer Maddie Pruitt from season 23, so she was also there to perform. And several “Idols” from decades ago even showed up!
Which ‘American Idol’ Alums Performed During the Nashville Takeover?
In addition to 2026 winner Hannah Harper, runner-up Jordan McCullough, and third-place finisher Keyla Richardson, the Nashville Takeover lineup featured 10 Top 20 contestants from season 24: Kutter Bradley, Genevieve Heyward, Julian Kalel, Jake Thistle, Philmon Lee, Rae, Lucas Leon, Brooks, Braeden Rumfelt, and Chris Tungseth.
The concert drew a huge crowd and was livestreamed, as were interviews conducted by Grand Ole Opry announcer Kelly Sutton, who was part of the industry advisors who assessed the talent during the Ohana Round in Hawaii. However, the full concert is no longer available to see in its entirety.
Harper, fresh off her Grand Ole Opry debut with “Idol” judge Carrie Underwood by her side, wore the patchwork quilt dress she donned for her “Idol” audition, filmed in 2025. She told Country Now behind the scenes that her Opry debut, and standing in its iconic circle on stage, was a pinch-me moment.
“I wish that I had those glasses that record to walk in on that moment again and relive that moment,” she said. “It’s a dream come true. I’ve told others that one of my friends was holding my hand prior to me walking out and was like, ‘(If) something comes through the floor, just calm your nerves because so many legends have stood on that stage and you get to be one of them.”
“She was right,” Harper continued. “As soon as I stepped on the floor, something came through my boots and helped me get through it, calmed my body. It was just an absolute dream to be there. It was amazing.”
Billy Ray Cyrus Was a Special Guest at ‘American Idol’ Concert
Richardson’s adorable 10-year-old son Drew was a crowd favorite, just as he was throughout her run on season 24. During the Nashville Takeover, he was seen dancing on the sidelines during the livestream and even headed up on the stage to sing and chat in between performers.
Country icon Billy Ray Cyrus was a surprise guest, performing with Tungseth and “Idol” season 5 alum Bucky Covington, and posing for pics — including with Drew.
Season 6 finalist Melinda Doolittle, who also appeared on season 24 during the auditions, attended the Nashville Takeover, too, though she didn’t perform. Doolittle chatted with Sutton on the livestream and told her that coming back to the show was fascinating this year.
“When you get to see behind the scenes and see the judges making these hard decisions right on the spot,” she said, “I was like, ‘Oooh, that’s a hard job!'”
Auditions are underway for season 30, even though it hasn’t been “officially” renewed by ABC. In-person auditions with producers are taking place at CMA Fest on June 5, while online auditions are open to singers who will be at least 15 by February 15, 2027.
