American Idol 2026 Premiere Recap – We’re Live Blogging the Season 24 Auditions 2
American Idol season 24 continues tonight (Feb 2). Auditions took place at Belmont University. Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, Lionel RIchie and Luke Bryan sit on the judges panel. Ryan Seacrest hosts. Who will make it through to the Hollywood Nashville Round? We’re live blogging here.
American Idol 2026: Auditions 2 Preview (Photos)
American Idol 2026: Everything to Know About Season 24
Makiyah Mustiful – Love You I Do by Jennifer Hudson
She’s an R&B singer from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She works for a bank and sings on the side. She loves being a banker. She sings in church with her family. Singing alongside piano accompaniment, Makiyah delivers a sweet and effortless version of the JHud classic. She brings on the big vocal guns on the chorus. That growl! She CAN sang.
Luke says she light up the room with energy. “You didn’t miss a note,” says Carrie. She calls her the strongest voice they’ve heard so far. Lionel states she’ll “lead the American Idol class.” The family joins her in the audition room to hear the good news. The 12 year old brother sings a little Kiesha Cole. Luke greets the boy to tell him how great he is. – 3 yeses
Ruby Rae – 16 – Vampire by Olivia Rodrigo
Sixteen year old is from Pacific Palisades, California. She sings with a pretty tone and fierce indie emotion, but she’s still working on a clear identity. However, the judges are so thrilled they group hug.
Lionel says, “That was right on the money.” Luke calls her a star. Carrie compliments her breath control. Ruby’s neighborhood was affected by the LA wildfires last year. She’s teary talking about beloved landmarks destroyed in the aftermath. – 3 yeses
Kamryn Palmer – 25 – Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue
Kamryn has been a huge Carrie Underwood fans since she was 5 years old when the judge competed on American Idol. She grew up in Florida, but has lived in Nashville for the past 5 years. She dressed up as Carrie for Halloween, mom sent a postcard to Carrie, and she received something back. She doesn’t cover a Carrie song, instead a song Carrie has covered. Kamryn gives it a folky rendition.
Carrie calls her “comfortable.” Luke calls her voice nice, but thinks she’s not all the way there yet. Lionel is also unsure. He says no. Carrie says yes, Luke says no. Aw. Her performance did feel a little underbaked. Before she goes, Carrie joins her for a duet. – 2 nos, 1 yes.
Michael Garner – 16 – I’m Still Fine by the Red Clay Strays
Sixteen year old high school student has watched American Idol with his family for a long time. He does the redneck thing in his Arkansas hometown. His sound is still underbaked. But he has potential. He shone on the chorus when he set his raspy vocals loose.
Carrie wishes he was 20 years old. She is correct. She feels he has control and composure beyond 16. Lionel is also unsure. Luke believes wholeheartedly that Michael should advance. Carrie says no. If her son was 16, she wouldn’t throw him in the middle of it. She is CORRECT. But Lionel says yes in the end. – 2 yeses 1 no
Sheldon Riley – 26 – Brother by Matt Corby
Sheldon has quite the singing show resume. Recently, he competed on AGT Fantasy, but also several iterations of The Voice in Australia and X Factor AU and Eurovision. The singer hails from Melbourne, Australia. He does mention auditioning for a “big tv show” in Australia. His pas appearances were extremely theatrical. He admits to auditioning for a bunch of shows. But now, he’s ready to take off the mask. OK I remember this guy with the fancy masks.
The quality of his voice remains theatrical, but without the massive costume. He’s certainly a gifted performer, but could still stand to dial it back a little. Luke calls him crazy talented who doesn’t need a mask, Lionel calls him an artist with stage presence. Carrie is “glad” he’s here. – 3 yeses
Trace Casanova – Wild One (Real Wild Child) & Baby Got Back by Sir Mix-a-lot
He was raised by bikers, but sings kitschy 50s songs. He’s not great, but not exactly a joke contestant either. He pulls Carrie up on stage to dance with him. Next, he croons a ballady version of Baby Got Back by Sir Mix-a-Lot. The judges are highly amused.
Luke thinks it’s a stretch for American Idol. Lionel agrees with Luke. Carrie says yes. “You’re a morale booster.” Then, Lionel changes his mind – 2 yeses, 1 no
Kitti Taye – 22 – Masterpiece
Kitty brings along her entire college a cappella group to sing backup for her audition. She calls them her “instrument.” It’s different. But the voices distract from her performance. Good thing though, she’s kinda pitchy.
Lionel calls it amazing. Carrie feels like she was too sweet and smiley. Luke likes her country soul. – 3 yeses
Hannah Harper – String Cheese (Original)
Hannah made her dress. Her family, from Willow Green, MO, has a bluegrass gospel band. The family lived on the bus for 7 years. They ang for the lord. She married and had 3 boys in quick succession. The song is about her struggle with postpartum depression. Writing the song was like therapy (hope she actually got some real therapy). The judges give her a moment to compose herself. Then she sings. She’s got a retro country vibe. She tells a pretty good story. Of course, Carrie tears up.
Carrie calls the song relatable. “Great job,” says Luke. He compares her to Kacey Musgraves, Alison Krauss and Dolly Parton. Carrie calls her her favorite person so far, “You’re one I’m gonna think about when I leave here.” – 3 yeses
Jakob Stobaugh – 25
Luke “discovered” Jakob on TIk Tok. He messaged him personally and invited him to audition. After a few bad referrals, Luke finally found a singer who got 3 yeses from the judges – 3 yeses
Carmen Lorell Martin – 20 – Thought It Was Love
Carmen’s aunt is Britani Bateman from Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. YAWN. She was a part of the musical group, The Martins, growing up with her parents, and four siblings. The super annoying Britani accompanies Carmen to her audition. OH MY GOD GET THIS WOMAN OFF MY TV (Britani, I mean). Luke has no idea who she is and Britani seems a little miffed.
Carmen is an OK singer, but probably would not be on the show without the Hulu connection and cross promotion, if you know what I mean. BRITANI FAKE CRIES. Carrie wants a little more oomph. Next, the two sing “Let Me Be Your Star” from Smash. Britani sucks. Luke suggests she cut loose more. – 3 yeses
Tinayeshe Manyika – 27 – Lean on Me by Bill Withers
We join Tinayeshe mid song. Carrie sings along with him. The judges clap afterward. Carrie liked that he did his own thing with it. “Smart song choice.” Lionel calls him magnificent. Luke agrees with Carrie that he did his thing with a familiar song – 3 yeses
Braden Rumfelt – 22 – Girl Crush by Little Big Town
Braden has a twin named Kellen who accompanies him to the audition. The singer is from Murphy, North Carolina. He and his brother played sports constantly. In high school he was diagnosed with a congenital condition that stopped his sports dreams. Then, he turned to music.A man singing this song changes the meaning completely. Still, Braden possesses a beautiful voice. His tone is gorgeous and powerful. VERY GOOD. Great phrasing as well.
Carrie is happy. She calls him surprising. She senses his nerves. Luke calls him a racehorse. Lionel loves his top end. – 3 yeses
Matthew Holiday – 20 – Riders in the Sky by Stan Jones
Yee haw. Matthew sings a cowboy classic reasonably well. YIPPEE EY OHHHHH. Odd song choice, actually. Lionels calls his performance “sing along.” Lionel says no. – 3 nos
Tianna Roberts – 25 – Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior
Last year, Tianna had a miscarriage. It taught her to take risks. The Gospel singer-songwriter and vocal coach is from Sumter, South Carolina. She could step out right now and record a hit gospel tune, Her instrument is incredible. She finishes on a big ole note. Sang it girlfriend.
“We’ve been waiting for you all day,” says Carrie. Lionel warns that the format could be challenging, but feels her voice can tackle anything. Luke also warns her to be ready to branch out. – 3 yeses
Julian Kalel – 19 – Lone Guitar (Original)
He auditioned last year. You don’t remember it, because it remained unaired. He performed an original song called “Surrender” about depression. The judges LOVED him. “You may win this thing,” Luke gushed. But unfortunately, his mental health struggles got in the way. It’s been a lifelong struggle for him. It meant that he had to drop out of the competition.
Now, he returns to try again, once again with his sister on fiddle. Yup. Julian is a talented songwriter, with a beautiful Americana voice. He has the ability to tap into those deep emotions–emotions that can go hand in hand with depression. “You were born enough,” says Lionel. Carrie calls him “honest” and “real.” Luke says, “You got the magic.” His parents join Julian as he receives 3 yeses – 3 yeses
