American Idol 2026 ‘Ohana Round Recap: Season 24 (Video)
American Idol season 24 continues (March 9) with the brand new ‘Ohana Round. Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan sit on the judges panel. Ryan Seacrest hosts. Who will make the Top 20?
American Idol 2026 Spoilers: Top 30, Top 20 Season 24 Contestant List
At Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai’i, hopefuls take the stage ito perform for their own families, industry tastemakers, and their fellow hopefuls. In the end, only 20 will move forward.
Jordan McCullough – Grandma’s Hands by Bill Withers
Jordan dedicates the song to his family. Which will definitely be a thing tonight. The crowd watching is intimate. Jordan really kills these retro songs. His voice is very soulful, although he oversings a bit. Lionel says “Let the congregation say Amen! You delivered.”
Chloe Lauren – Hello by Adele
Her kid is back home and she misses him. She dedicates the song to her son. Chloe continues to be a nervous wreck. Oh boy. She stops her song. Honestly don’t understand why they keep advancing her. I guess she’s good television. Chloe has talent, but she is not ready for this jelly. The audience helps her get back on track. But she barely gets through the song. Carrie assures Chloe that she’s in the competition because of her talent. They brush off her mistake.
Lucas Leon – The House Who Built Me by Miranda Lambert
18 year old Lucas accompanies himself on guitar. His raspy voice imbues the performance with emotion. He’s not old enough to really understand what the song is about. He needs a few more years. Carrie is impressed that he’s in control of his instrument.
Keyla Richardson – 1000 Years by Christina Perri
I love this singer’s song choices. She picks pop songs, and then makes them soulful. She’s an interesting vocalist who brings not only soul, but jazz touches to her performances. She is oversinging the end, however. Her son is in tears, which made Carrie cry. “Your talent is limitless,” she says.
Braden Rumfelt – If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys
His entire family sings. Braden’s twin brother accompanies him on guitar. From singing country hymns with his family to covering a massive soul hit. Braden is a talented and versatile singer. He’s killing it here. Carrie had the biggest smile on her face the entire time, she says.
Hannah Harper – Go Rest High on the Mountain by Vince Gill
It’s her late Grandpaw’s favorite song. Her grandma is in the audience to watch her perform. She sings it like the church raised singer she is. The Christians in the crowd are all very excited. Luke compares her to Dolly Parton. “You’ve got the goods.”
Genevieve Heyward – Your Song by Elton John
The singer dedicates the song to her father, who returned from Viet Nam through Hawaii. Sitting at a keyboard, Genevieve brings her own flavor to the oft-cover tune. Nice phrasing. Her raspy rock voice is pretty great. Lionel compliments her vocal control.
Abayomi – Rise Up by Andre Day
The singer is only 16, but possesses the poise of someone much older. She sings the song adding vocal flourishes and bits of growl here and there. She dedicates the song to her mother. Carrie compares her to a Disney star.
Ruby Rae – Til Forever Falls Apart by Ashe & FINNEAS
Ruby sings with a clear tone and adds an almost conversational tone to her performance. She hits a few clunky notes, but a solid performance. Carrie calls her a breath of fresh air.
Bryant Thomas – Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
He recently moved away from his family. His dad confesses that he misses him. Hm. I don’t think this is a great song choice for Bryant. He does bring some tenderness to the chorus. But his voice is to coarse for such a delicate song. Luke felt it got a little screamy. He is correct.
Rae – I’ll Be There by The Jackson 5
She dedicates the song to her sister Jamie. This is the Mariah Carey version of the song. Rae excels at old school diva tunes. She tackles them with ease. She NAILS the big key change. Standing ovation for Rae. “I think America is going to be there,” says Luke, noting her confidence. He calls her voice exceptional and that she’s a serious contender.
Jake Thistle – Sleep on Me (Original)
He started gigging at 9 years old. He dedicates the song to his parents, who could not be with him in Hawaii. This young artist is a serious singer-songwriter. His original song is solid. But he’s also good at interpreting songs by others. Lionel compliments his song and gives him vocal tips. Carrie compares him to Bruce Springsteen.
Brooks – Everywhere, Everything by Noah Kahan
Brooks brings a voice that is both ethereal and utterly unique. He doesn’t sound line anyone else. His rendition of the song is simply lovely, compelling. Carrie wants more and more from him. “Lean into it,” she says.
Madison Moon – Faithfully by Journey
OK. Gotta speed run through some of these performances! Madion induces goosebumps on some of the influencers listening to her bet out the classic Journey song.
Daniel Stallworth – The Climb by Miley Cyrus
Daniel delivers the Miley Cyrus aughts pop classic with a decidedly retro-soul vibe. The audience is digging it.
Chris Tungseth – Iris by Goo Goo Dolls
The soulful Chris sings another pop song, which the judges didn’t seem to dig before. They want Chris Stapleton all day every day. Maybe that’s why we only got only a glimpse of the performance.
Jesse Findling – Photograph by Ed Sheeran
His dad suggested the song. Ed grew up with a stutter. Jesse grew up with a severe stutter. Of course, when he sings, the stutter disappears (because it comes from a different part of the brain.). Jesse makes the song his own, using heartfelt phrasing, beautiful tone and range. Carrie calls the performance honest and real.
Sheldon Riley – To Build a Home by Patrick Watson
Sheldon cries talking about how he doesn’t have family in his corner. He builds his own family and his own home. The singer delivers an emotional performance. So emotional, he can’t get through it. Perfect time for a commercial break! Back from break, he really never gets back on track. Carrie feels like his brain gets in the way of his performance. “The industry has been really nasty to me,” Sheldon confesses.
Julian Kalel – Surrender (Original Song)
It’s the song he performed for his audition last year, before he dropped out due to mental health issues. He dedicates the song to his father. Julian is a talented songwriter and beautiful singer. His sister accompanies him on violin. The crowd gives him a standing ovation. Luke calls him “solid” and “mature.” He adds, “You’ve got star magic.”
Kutter Bradley – Amarillo Sky be Jason Aldean
Kutter is pop country through and through. He’s the type of singer American Idol is eager to sign, because they’ve had luck with country artists who sing about tractors, dirt roads, and the rest. Luke calls it a great song choice. He appreciated where he took it vocally.
Next, we see the “industry experts” clowning on a few of the singers. as if these “influencers” who are basically internet personalities with no talent, have any idea what they are talking about (I don’t mean you Shirley Halperin (RS co-editor, We go way back)! You’re an exception, so is pro dancer Sasha Farber and a few others.)
Michael Garner – Til You Can’t by Cody Johnson
He won a sing-off against another young singer. Neither of them were really ready to compete on American Idol. Michael could have used another few years of experience under his belt. One of the “influencers” calls him “Country Bieber” and a bunch of them cackle over that.
Kyndal Inskeep – Woman Of Me (Original)
Kyndal competed successfully on The Voice and then became successful on social media. Kyndall shares about her rocky relationship with her mother. Her original song is about that relationship and it’s very affecting. Lots of crying in the audience. Carrie wants to hear more of her songs. “This was truly a moment made for you right now,” she says.
Philmon Lee – All I Want by Kodaline
He dedicates the song to his grandmother who recently passed away. His performance is full of emotion. MORE CRYING. Carrie says, “You took us on a journey.” The judges are impressed with his range. Phil is so emotional afterward.
Makiyah – Stand Up by Cynthia Erivo
The singer shares about growing up poor and how her mom protected her from the scarier times when they had no food. Makiyah brings the stank to this song. She reminds me of season 3 winner Fantasia. She leaves it all on the stage. Luke says, “Makiyah came here to kill.”
There are three Platinum tickets to hand out. The Industry Experts, fellow contestants and family members each respectively choose one via vote. The three Platinum Ticket holders go straight to the Top 20. People cannot vote for themselves ore their own family members.
American Idol 2026 Top 20
The Spoilers linked above were 100 percent correct! Good job, guys.
Platinum Tickets go straight to the Top 20
Peers choose Jordan McCullough
Family members choose Brooks
Industry people choose Kyndal
The judges choose the remaining 17 singers to complete the Top 20
Philmon Lee
Madison Moon
Braden Rumfelt
Jake Thistle
Jessie Findling
Ruby Rae
Genevieve Hayward
Lucas Leon
Hannah Harper
Chris Tungseth
Julian Kalel
Rae
Daniel Stallworth
Abiyome
Kutter Bradley
Makiyah
Keyla Richardson
