Season 24 of“American Idol” kicked off its highly anticipated live shows on March 30, 2026, planning on two major cuts during the two-hour show. By the end of the night, the Top 20 was expected to be whittled down to the Top 12 — but in a shocking turn of events, the final votes could not be counted.
Beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern / 5 p.m. Pacific, host Ryan Seacrest started off the night by revealing which of the Top 20 singers made it through to the Top 14, based on viewer votes cast during the last two weeks’ shows. Then, viewers voted again during the two-hour episode to determine two more contestants who would go home before the end of the episode.
Who Didn’t Make the First Round of ‘American Idol’ Cuts on March 30?
DisneyThe Top 20 contestants have been together in Hollywood for the last few days, preparing for tonight’s live show. “American Idol” producers decided to repeat the Songs of Faith theme they introduced last year, so each singer was prepared to sing a tune that inspires them. But first, they had to hear which of them did not receive enough votes to advance.
Right off the bat, Seacrest announced who made it through, which left six going home: Kutter Bradley, Ruby Rae, Madison Moon, Makiyah, Genevieve Heyward, and Abayomi.
As for who got through? The first person who made it through was Jordan. Next up, he said Chris Tungseth is in. Then, he announced Rae, Daniel Stallworth, and Brooks Rosser. Philmon Lee also advances to the Top 14, along with Braden Rumfelt. Keyla Richardson got through, as did Lucas Leon and Jake Thistle. Hannah Harper got in, and so did Kyndal Inskeep. Making it into the final two spots are Julian Kalel and Jesse Findling.
Who Went Home at the End of ‘American Idol’ Top 12 Live Show? Jaw-Dropping Ending
DisneyAll 14 contestants who made it through at the start of the episode performed their Songs of Faith as viewers at home voted for their favorites. After the final break, when voting closed, Seacrest returned with all of the singers behind him and said tens of millions of votes had been cast in just two hours.
In a SHOCKING development, he announced that they had an “unprecedented” number of votes come in and that he’d just learned they could not, with complete certainty, name the Top 12 yet. Underwood’s jaw dropped open and stayed that way, as Seacrest revealed that they will announce who made the Top 12 at the start of next week’s show, on April 6.
