Hollywood Week has always been a high-pressure, high-stakes round on “American Idol,” but in 2026, it’s tougher than ever, with only one chance for the contestants to prove themselves. Rather than teaming up with other hopefuls as in previous years, each singer gets to perform just one song with the backup band in hopes of impressing judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie.
As the round kicked off on the February 23 episode, host Ryan Seacrest revealed that 127 hopefuls made it through the auditions to advance to Hollywood Week — held for the first time in Nashville rather than Hollywood — and that only 30 would get through to the next round.
While it won’t be clear which 30 contestants will advance until the second Hollywood Week episode airs on March 2, we do know some of the fan-favorites who were sent home. Here are some of the most shocking eliminations from Hollywood Week so far…
Khloe Grace, Who Wrote Song About 13-Year-Old Who Died by Suicide
DisneyFifteen-year-old Khloe Grace’s memorable audition, which left judge Carrie Underwood in tears, began with an introduction by Heather Wyatt, the mother of Aubreigh Paige Wyatt, who died by suicide at age 13 in September 2023. After Khloe heard Aubreigh’s story of enduring extensive bullying in middle school, she was inspired to write and release a song called “Forever 13” in November 2024, per WJXT.
Khloe amazed the judges with her maturity and sensitivity during her audition, and before her Hollywood Week performance, she declared that her goal was to “be the youngest competitor to ever win the show.” But after singing Sugarland’s “Stay,” they were not impressed enough to advance Khloe to the next round.
Bryan tried to let her down easy by telling the Florida high school student, “What a tough song to sing. It’s just, you being a 15-year-old, that’s the way it’s gonna sound. In the front part, it seemed like you were pretty nervous , but toward the end you really started locking in and hitting your stride. I mean, you should be so proud of yourself. Good job.”
Carmen Lorell Didn’t Have Her ‘Real Housewives’ Aunt to Cheer Her On During Hollywood Week
Carmen Lorell, 20, made headlines during the season 24 auditions because she was accompanied by her aunt, “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” cast member Britani Bateman. The reality star made a grand entrance, clinking a knife against a water glass to announce her niece’s audition and asking the judges if they knew who she was (they didn’t).
Lorell played the piano, impressing the judges and bringing her aunt to tears, with her rendition of “Thought It Was Love” by Ty Myers. After receiving a golden ticket to Hollywood Week, she shared how grateful she was for Bateman always cheering her on.
Her reality TV star aunt was not there for her during Hollywood Week, however, when things took a turn. Lorell was seen stressing out during rehearsals and crying offstage before performing Pat Benetar’s “Heartbreaker.” The judges looked concerned, with Underwood whispering to Bryan that it looked like Martin was about to pass out. Though more antics with her aunt would have been entertaining, she did not advance. Afterwards, Lorell quipped, “At least I look hot when I cry.”
Carrie Underwood Lost 2 of Her Rockers, Brett Carlisle & Noah Orion
DisneyDuring auditions, Underwood was eager to advance tried-and-true rockers, given her surprising love of heavy metal and 80s rock bands like her favorite, Guns n Roses. Unfortunately two contenders — 28-year-old Great White lead singer Brett Carlisle and 24-year-old content creator Noah Orion didn’t deliver enough to advance past Hollywood Week.
On the February 23 episode, Carlisle rocked out to Whitesnake’s “Still of the Night,” but forgot some of the words, prompting Underwood to tell him afterwards, “You know I’m in your corner; I feel like we had a few hiccups there.” Bryan agreed, whispering to her that his timing was off and “he shouldn’t miss anything on that song.”
Orion, meanwhile, had a memorable audition atop a school bus with his hard rock band, Wall of Sound. Flying solo during Hollywood Week, he sang ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man” as Underwood sang along, clearly tickled by his rendition. She told him, “I don’t come down to the Broadway bars, but I would come down if you were playing.” The judges clearly didn’t think Orion’s voice was strong enough to advance, but Underwood quipped, “I think I’m gonna follow him on Instagram after this.”
Livy Spino Nearly Sent Luke Bryan Tumbling Off Hollywood Week Stage
DisneyIt would have been fun to watch 22-year-old Livy Spino’s big personality on future episodes of “American Idol,” but the waitress from Shinnston, West Virgina, didn’t quite make the cut. Nevertheless, she sure made an impression on the judges.
Spino commanded the stage as she performed Bruno Mars’ “Versace on the Floor,” possibly a bit winded from all of her sexy moves — one which made Bryan push back his chair and nearly fall backwards off the judges’ platform!
“When you cause a judge so much excitement that he almost rolls his ass off the back of this damn thing right here, it is clear that you are doing something entertaining,” Richie told Spino afterwards. “I will tell you, song choice is going to be the master. We know that you have a voice in there and if there’s a next time, I want you to come out and show it off. But overall you did a great job.”
The second episode of Hollywood Week, when the top 30 will be revealed, airs on March 2 starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
