The countdown is on as the Top 7 of “American Idol” season 24 compete to make it into the 2026 Top 5. During the two-hour live episode on April 27, the remaining contestants are singing their hearts out, selecting hits from Taylor Swift’s iconic song catalog and tunes from iconic California artists.
Judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie will give their feedback on each performance, with help from guest judge Nikki Glaser (a huge Swiftie), but in the end, it’s still up to the viewers to decide who stays and who goes home (if you need a refresher on how to vote, our guide is here).
By the end of evening, host Ryan Seacrest will reveal which two contestants are heading home and who made the Top 5. We’re with you every step of the way, reporting live on every little detail you need to know, so keep checking back throughout the night!
Top 7 Contestants Give ‘American Idol’ a Swift Kick-Off on April 27
Ready to rumble? So are we! At the top of the show, Seacrest invited Nikki Glaser to the judges’ table, and she revealed she went to a whopping 22 Eras Tour concerts — that’s how big of a Swiftie she is! Seacrest also revealed that Swift’s Eras backup dancers were in the house. Glaser said she hoped to hear the Top 7 put their own twists on Swift’s iconic hits.
The contestants will also be singing songs from California artists, so we’ll be providing details on their Taylor Swift songs and second songs beneath their names below. Let’s get started!
Jordan McCullough Tries Something New & Gets Vulnerable
SONG 1: TAYLOR SWIFT’s “TIM MCGRAW” — Jordan McCullough kicked off the night with Swift’s early country hit “Tim McGraw,” a departure for the soul singer — but he’s said he grew up listening to country music with his dad.
All four judges gave him a standing ovation, and Richie jumped in saying that he “put the BBQ sauce on Taylor Swift!” Underwood said he has the “smoothest, most incredible voice” and that it’s impressive how he manages to bring it no matter the theme. Glaser told him “I’m such a fan” and that it “feels like a privilege” to hear him perform live. Bryan asked whether McCullough knew the song ahead of time, and he admitted he didn’t but wanted to “try something new.”
SONG 2: “I CAN’T MAKE YOU LOVE ME” BY BONNIE RAITT — Dressed to the nines in a pinstripe suit, Jordan delivered an emotional and nuanced performance of Raitt’s classic ballad. He ended with a huge note that had everyone on their feet.
Richie told him that though he’s heard that song so many times, “you got me crying on that song … your delivery was right on point.” Underwood gushed that it “doesn’t matter what you sing, I hear the Holy Spirit — you have one of the best voices I’ve ever heard in my entire life.” Glaser, too, said she felt like the music washed over her and that it felt like something special had happened. Jordan later said that it was his most vulnerable song choice and that he wanted everyone to “hear my heart.”
Chris Tungseth Shows His Tender Side
SONG 1: “exile” BY TAYLOR SWIFT, FEATURING BON IVER — Underwood told Chris that he picked a great song to show his “tender” nature, and Glaser agreed that the “softness of it” was wonderful, giving her goosebumps. Bryan said that he “loved that you were really locked in for some reason,” and that he seemed to embody a character that brought one of his favorite performances of Chris. Richie also said it was one of his “favorites” of Chris’s and that his “delivery was spot on.”
After the song, Seacrest reminded the story he’d heard that when Chris used to play football, he would listen to Swift’s “Blank Space” to get pumped up. He also noted that he’s felt lifted up by family and friends throughout the process, grateful to still be there.
SONG 2: “WHAT WAS I MADE FOR?” BY BILLIE EILISH — Chris sang another ballad, looking like he was getting emotional as he sat on a stool with smoke billowing around him, as he looked up at the sky with his long locks flowing.
Bryan said it was a “really special” moment — his second of the night — and Richie said he could tell Chris felt the lyrics and that they felt it, too. Underwood said that she felt like she was at an awards show and is worried about how America’s going to decide. Glaser followed that up by saying, “Chris, what were you made for? THAT.”
Hannah Harper Gives a ‘Mean’ Rendition of Hit Tune
SONG 1: “MEAN” BY TAYLOR SWIFT — After a commercial break, Hannah Harper was up, at center stage, playing her banjo with a farm scene behind her — likely feeling right at home with her bluegrass roots.
Glaser started the feedback, saying that she loved the song choice to clap back at any online haters. Bryan agreed, telling her that no matter what critics might say, she’s “killing it every week” and he loved seeing her with a banjo. Richie said, “This is how you do it” and noted that he’s fascinated watching Glaser sing every word. Underwood agreed, telling Hannah it was a great song choice. And she and Glaser reminded her again to ignore the haters.
SONG 2: “THAT’S THE WAY LOVE GOES” BY MERLE HAGGARD — Hannah said she chose this song to dedicate to her husband, who’s “holding down the fort” in LA with their boys while she competes on “American Idol.” Bryan could be seen adorably Underwodsinging along with her at the judges’ table.
Richie said she sounded and looked like a star. Underwood said that she needs Hannah to “promise you’re gonna make a proper version of that song,” and Underwood called it a “lullabye, like a warm blanket.” Bryan said, “If you want to, you’re going to get to do this for a very long time, this singing thing — you’re a star.” Hannah told Seacrest she’d love to keep doing it “till I’m old and gray!”
Brooks Rosser Gives Love a Chance
SING 1: “LOVE STORY” BY TAYLOR SWIFT — Brooks Rosser quickly took the stage after Hannah, in jeans and a colorful silk shirt, to sing “Love Story” with his distinct vocals, even going almost a capella at one point. It was a sweet song choice, given the fact that he and Top 11 contestant Rae confirmed their own budding romance last week!
Bryan said he loved his “interpretation” of the song and said he’d love to hear more of the energy he injected into it toward the end of the song. Richie said he can tell Brooks is starting to have fun, but would have loved to see him take the mic out of the stand and move around the stage. Underwood wanted Brooks to know how much people love him, and she wants him to remember to “breathe” and trust his gift because it sounded like he was a half-second behind the music. Glaser told Brooks that he is “such a star” and that it’s so cool to get to see him blossom on stage, and that she can’t wait to see him fully “unleash” his gift.
SONG 2: “SHE WILL BE LOVED” BY MAROON 5 — Brooks said this song means more to him now that he has a girlfriend, and said he and Rae have said the “L word” to each other. He performed the tune sitting on a stool and seemed even more comfortable than on his Taylor Swift tune, with soaring vocals.
Bryan told him it was “the perfect song choice to fit your voice” and acknowledged there were no timing issues like with the first song. Richie wholeheartedly agreed that it was the “perfect song,” and Underwood said once again, “your voice is so magical” and that she realizes they’re just “throwing compliments” at him now. Glaser said “you can tell you’re in love by the way you sang that song!”
Daniel Stallworth is Fearless
SONG 1: “FEARLESS” BY TAYLOR SWIFT — Daniel Stallworth, dressed head-to-toe in a chic purple suit, brought the energy right away, turning “Fearless” into a soulful romp as he moved all around the stage and out into the crowd. The judges loved it and even Swift’s dancers were on their feet.
Richie said that Daniel truly is fearless when he walks out, telling him, “You not only sing, but you perform!” Underwood said this was another example of how a singer can put their own stamp on someone else’s song, and that he “made it a Daniel song.” Glaser said she had the “best time watching you” and just felt like she was “fangirling” when he came near them. Bryan said that “the entertainment quality of what you just did was at an extremely high level,” even admitting he was super excited when Daniel “touched me,” relating to Glaser’s fangirling. Daniel also later revealed that his “brother” Jordan helped him pick out the song and was so grateful for his suggestion.
SONG 2: “BEST PART” BY DANIEL CAESAR FEATURING H.E.R. — Daniel pulled a new trick out of his bag, playing the keyboard for the first part of his jazzy R&B ballad, in smart white pants and a pink suede jacket, and hit probably the highest notes we’ve heard on the show this year.
“You sang all the notes,” Underwood laughed, calling his voice “like butter on hot toast.” Glaser said it was “such a versatile performance” and that there are “so many facets” to his talent that she can’t wait to see his future shows. Bryan said the “growth from this group is hard for me to wrap my brain around,” noting that he’d never heard Daniel hit the notes he did — which Richie dubbed “Z flat!”
Keyla Richardson Has the Judges Falling Further in Love
SONG 1: “LOVER” BY TAYLOR SWIFT — Keyla Richardson gave Taylor’s “Lover” a new, soulful spin, looking gorgeous in a silver tank and flowing pants with jewels to match.
“We do not ever have to worry about you,” Underwood declared, saying that her “melodic choices … impress me every single week.” Glaser was practically speechless, noting that she didn’t even recognize the song and that she loved how she made it her own, and that “it’s so easy to watch you and listen to you.” Bryan said that people can feel her “confidence” building week after week, and that everything is “channeling perfectly for you.” Richie said he, too, was nearly speechless, telling her, “Stop it, you’re beaing us up out here … your talent, your stage presence, amazing.”
SONG 2: “I’D RATHER GO BLIND” BY ETTA JAMES — Keyla was thrilled to be able to sing a classic by soul legend Etta James, and she slayed it in a gorgeous purple gown. The crowd did not stop clapping, and even the contestants were running around, floored.
Glaser said she wishes she could throw a shoe like Jennifer Hudson, but that it was “insane” and an “iconic Idol moment.” Bryan said tears started to fall for him, and that watching her growth has been “so inspirational.” Richie, too, was clearly moved by the performance and Keyla looked so relieved and happy.
Braden Rumfelt Gets Cozy in His Cardigan
SONG 1: “CARDIGAN” BY TAYLOR SWIFT — To sing the final Swift song of the night, Braden Rumfelt took the stage wearing, of course, a cozy cardigan. With smoke cascading around him, he belted out the hit tune with confidence.
Three of the four judges (minus Richie) gave him a standing ovation, and Glaser dove in, telling him he was “in the pocket.” She was shocked to learn he didn’t know the song at first, and she said he took her “on a journey” without even needing to walk around the stage. Bryan said it was his favorite Braden performance because he took him “on the emotional journey of that song.” Despite not standing, Richie told him, like Glaser, “This guy is in the pocket” and that he believed his “conviction.” Underwood said she was going to “ditto” everything they said and that he looked “so comfortable” up there. Seacrest then adorably came out in a giant Swiftie cardigan to congratulate Braden on a job well done.
SONG 2: THIS LOVE” BY MAROON 5 — Braden was the second contestant of the night to sing a Maroon 5 song. He moved around the stage, jamming along with the band’s guitarists, and said before the tune he wanted to showcase how much fun he’s having.
The judges loved it, Glaser said he “owned that” and looked great. Bryan nearly rolled right off the stage in his chair, Richie said he loved the “ugly face” that showed he was singing with feeling, and Underwood said, “Seriously, you looked like a rock star” and that he looked more comfortable than she’s ever seen him.
