American Idol 2026 Premiere Recap – We’re Live Blogging the Season 24 Auditions 3
American Idol season 24 continues tonight (Feb 9). 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 3 Preview (Photos)
American Idol 2026: Everything to Know About Season 24
American Idol 2026 Spoilers: Top 30, Top 20 Season 24 Contestant List
Jordan McCullough – 27 – Goodness Oh God
Jordan is a gospel singer who recently met Idol winner, Jamal Roberts, who recently was nominated for a Grammy in the Gospel category. Jordan, who has been singing in church all his life, sings about his love of God earnestly and passionately.
Afterward, the judges are on their feet. “You have been given an incredible gift,” says Carrie. Luke calls his voice big enough to fill up any room. Lionel calls him mesmerizing to watch–with stage presence. – 3 yeses
Noah Orion -24 – Ace of Spades
Auditions with his rock band outside of the audition space on top of a school bus tricked out with huge speakers. Carrie, a lover of heavy metal hair bands, is way into it. 3 yeses
Isaiah Moro – 20 – Hemorrhage (In My Hands) by Fuel
Isaiah sings this 90s hit with a gravelly and pleasing voice. CARRIE IS IN HEAVEN. The judges say yes.
Brett Carlisle – 28 – House of Broken Love by Great White.
Brett is the current lead singer of the band Great White. Ask any New Englander about that. Or, on second thought, do not. Brett’s voice is solid heavy metal goodness. Great rasp and range. The judges send him through
Madison Moon – 21 – Creep by Radiohead
Madison is a full time musician from Orlando. She considers herself a pop rock singer. Underneath the rasp, Madison has a pretty tone. Lionel and Luke looks perplexed, however. Eventually, she gets to the big notes and is impressive.
Carrie “wants more” and asks for another song. She sings “The Kill” by Thirty Seconds to Mars. Not sure this is a better performance, but she does demonstrate her ability to perform the Rock Scream. She reminds me of Carly Smithson from season 6. Luke calls her one of the best voices they’ve heard so far. Carrie calls her Top 30. – 3 yeses
Philmon Lee – 25 – When a Man Loves a Woman
According to our research, Philmon is somewhat of a ringer, previously signed a record deal with Epic and had collaborations with Lindsey Stirling and Young Thug. But then Phil describes himself as an insurance salesman! OK then. He just wants to sing! His dad is also a musician who toured. OK. He mentions the major label. Covid ruined his momentum, he claims. Phimon sings with a soulful and heartfelt voice. His voice isn’t the best. But he puts his whole body in the performance. He sings like he means it.
Lionel loved the interpretation. Carrie calls him “surprising.” Lionel adds, “You can’t learn what you just did.” They advise him to take his hands out of his pocket. Luke says he looks like he was born to sing – 3 yeses
Livy – 22 – Love Wins by Carrie Underwood
She’s a server at a Texas Roadhouse in West Virginia. She brings food for everyone. She sings happy birthday at her job, which made it to TikTok. Her mom thinks Luke is the sexiest man alive. She’s a solid singer, but comes to life on the chorus. She has a big voice, actually.
Carrie advises her not to push so hard. Luke wants her to sing a softer chorus. Carrie calls the new version “more emotional.” Lionel calls her voice “magical.” – 3 yeses
Miyoko – 24 – Unravel by Tokyo Goul
She describes herself as Japanese, but actually she’s from Ukraine, but works on Anime projects. This particular son is in Japanese, and is very shouty.
Luke loves her energy, and calls her a star. Carrie mentions there is no Anime Night on Idol. Lionel is also not sure. Luke wants to advance her. “This is my baby got back dude!” Lionel changes his vote to yes, so they do not need Carrie to say yes. – 2 yeses, 1 no
Vincent Fondale – The Sound of Giving Up (Original)
Vincent brings his band Recess along to accompany him. He’s from Cleveland, Ohio. The band wrote the song after they almost broke up in 2019. The song has a pop/rock/AC sound. He doesn’t exactly have an American Idol type voice, but he’s got the indie thing going on. Eventually, he shows off some big vocals. He may be really nervous. The song ends better than it began.
Carrie is really excited about him. “I have no words.” Luke is on the other side of the fence. He’s not connecting with him all the way. Lionel feels he sounds old and seasoned. Carrie calls Luke “dead inside!” – 2 yeses, 1 no.
Lanii – 19 – Tell Me You Love Me by Demi Lovato
Lanii is from Arizona, and is currently in high school. Her dad is in ICU right now. He wants it more than anything for her. He struggled with addiction, but could not quit. Recently, he stopped. But is awaiting a liver transplant. Lanii sings with a striking tone. It’s very beautiful and full of emotion. She could be on the radio. If she’s nervous, she’s not coming across that way.
Carrie calls her voice “incredible.” Luke notes her hard journey he calls her real and open. “There’s something really special about you.” Lionel is very emotional. “You gave us an artist.” The judges gave her a group hug. – 3 yeses
OH HI MELINDA DOOLITTLE. She finished in third place on Season 6 in 2007. She attended Belmont University. She is not only a great singer, but cool as hell. There’s a Melinda Doolittle Way! She and Ryan go out in Belmont, looking for talent.
Jackie Bluebird – 19 – You Know I’m No Good by Amy Winehouse
So, Ryan and Melinda “find” Jackie wandering around campus. Sure! This very good singer had no intention of auditioning for American Idol while they were on campus! She’s got the Winehouse soul vibe down pat. Very jazzy.
Carrie feels she can get more air underneath her higher notes. Luke also worried about the “bigness” of her voice – 3 yeses
Nyla Martin – 17 – Ain’t No Way by Aretha Franklin
She’s a junior in high school. Her entire life has revolved around singing. The singer always dreamed of auditioning for American Idol. For a teen singer, her composure and control are impressive. She attends a performing arts high school. But she sings as if she’s been doing it forever. She’s an impressive belter.
Carrie calls her voice “incredible.” Luke liked the moments she dialed it back. He looks forward to Nyla growing in the competition. Lionel advises her to dial it back. “Learn to edit” he suggests. – 3 yeses
Christian Brown – 22 – Wildest Dreams by Marty Brown.
He’s a delivery jobber. His dad is Marty Brown who is well known for songs he released in the 90s. He wrote a bunch of songs. Dad joins him in the room to sing “We’re from the Country and We Like it That Way.” Christian sang another of his dad’s songs “Wildest Dreams.” His dad, standing beside him, becomes weepy. Christian sings with a familiar sounding country twang.
Lionel wants to hear more of his vocals. Carrie is impressed with his range. Luke believes he’s got the tools he needs. He wants to see Christian grow. 3 yeses
Julianne Post – 21 – Long Live the Lost Boys (Original)
She has been writing songs since she was 5 years old. Julianne sings with a quirky indie style voice. She’s got a country twang, but still maintains a pop sound.
Lionel is impressed. “It fits you,” he says. Carrie calls her super duper unique, but she wonders where she fits. Luke also does not know what to do with her, but says yes. 2 yeses 1 no. Carrie is dumb about this one.
Trew The Star – 24 – Nothing Can Change This Love by Sam Cooke
Trew and his family share about watching American Idol as they grew up. He’s from Alabama. He has an early memory of watching Idol with his mom. The family is so emotional. His mom was on drugs while he grew up. It was tough. Sadly, mom died in 2022. He tears up talking about her. And Trew sings as if he’s been through it and back. So much feeling in that voice. Beautiful. Lionel is losing it.
Lionel is OUT OF HIS SEAT to give Trew a hug. Carrie calls his voice commanding. She loves his intentional delivery. Luke got full body chills. The entire family joins him in the audition room to hear 3 yeses.
Kutter Bradley – 22 -3 Doors Down – Here Without You
The southern rock singer is surprisingly excited to meet Lionel Richie the most. They are both from Alabama. Kutter has an appealing soulful sound as he tears through the 90s classic. (3 Doors Down lead singer, Brad Arnold, died over the weekend of cancer at only 47). Lionel appreciates his little growl – 3 yeses.
Kayla Finch – 25 – One Night Only by Jennifer Hudson
She’s another soulful Alabama singer, but we only get a glimpse of her. Carrie wants her to “squeeze her tushi.” – 3 yeses
Kiera Howell – 16 – Don’t Tread on Me by We the Kingdom
She sings at festivals. She’s pulled toward Christian rock, and she picks a song from that genre to perform. It’s not a great song, but Kiera has a strong voice. But she’s young! Carrie has been shutting down the young singers this season (AND RIGHTLY SO). She is TOO LOUD on her big notes. She needs more time.
Carrie sees versatility, and feels she could branch out into other genres. Luke felt she broke Carrie Underwood note holding record. “Sing smart,” Luke advises. Carrie isn’t sure it was a great song choice. Carrie lets her pass! She compares Kiera to Gabby Barrett. – 3 yeses
Roelle – Maybe by Sianna Spiro
Roelle moved to Death Valley from Puerto Rico to pursue her music dreams. She currently works in the park. She feels she doesn’t quite fit into the industry. She’s trying to save money to move to Los Angeles. She hasn’t seen her mom in 6 months. Carrie reads a sweet note from mom. Unbeknownst to Roelle, mom is outside ready to surprise her. Woah. Roelle is another world class singer. The talent has been incredible so far this season. Roelle’s soulful voice rings out with emotion. She performs like a pro. Mom is watching from the side, crying.
Carrie is at a loss for words. She loves her tone and range. Lionel calls her a songbird. “I really love the way you navigated a difficult song.” Luke says, “You made that song come alive to me. The reunion with mom is pretty epic! – 3 yeses
Next week is the last audition episode before Hollywood Week in Nashville.
