American Idol 2026 Recap: Season 24 Top 20 Pt 2 (Video)
As the competition continues at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai?i, Brad Paisley and Keke Palmer mentor the Top 20 hopefuls. Keke also sits on the judges panel.
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
VOTING KICKS OFF. No more American Idol phone app. Fans can vote on social media and by text message. Also, vote at AmericanIdol.com.
The show opens with Skip Marley, from the Marley family, singing Bob Marley’s “One Love.” The 10 contestants performing on Part 2 join him on stage to sing along.
Philmon Lee – Don’t Stop Believing by Journey
Philmon loves to golf! The Georgia native is still really nervous. He becomes emotional sharing about his family. Keke and Brad gives him tips on how to combat his nerves.
It’s a tall order covering Journey songs. There are several big notes to hit. The judges cheer him on. That must be his dad clapping along in the audience. He’s a little tentative at first, but then hits his stride on the chorus. He’s got a solid instrument to work with, but he does lack confidence.
Lionel felt he stepped up. “You leaned into it.” Keke was nervous for a second. But only a second. Carrie loves that he made it his own. She advises him to relax even more. Luke advises him to channel his energy into his performance
Rae – Respect by Aretha Franklin
Rae is a big fan of Keke, who gives her pointers on how to choreograph a song. She is such a big fan, that she begins to cry. The singer has the skills to take on the big singers.
The singer not only has the chops to tackle the big songs, but she makes them her own. She’s so soulful. Nice runs, not over done. She reminds me of Mariah Carey. She even looks like her. Rae has the type of delivery that seems effortless. She falls to her knees at the end. A true diva in the best way.
Keke says, “You just set the whole show on fire. Fabulous from top to bottom.” She compares her to Mary J. Blige. Carrie felt she finally brought the missing ingredient–the ability to entertain. Lionel says, “You pulled it out and gave it to us.” Luke says, “You’re one of our best singers, if not THE best singer.”
Lucas Leon – Just to See You Smile by Tim McGraw
Although he’s a high school student, he plays a lot of gigs around town. He’s a big Brad Paisley fan. Brad might take him to the Opry.
He’s a decent singer for a teenager. His stage presence is pretty good too. He uses facial expressions and eye contact to engage the audience. It’s obvious he’s used to performing. He’s got a slight pleasant rasp in his voice.
“You made that so comfortable,” says Lionel. Keke agrees with Lionel. She loved it. “You are very much you.” Carrie describes his voice as powerful, beautiful and simple. “I loved it,” she says. Luke says, “Keep delivering. Pick songs that pull you out of your comfort zone.”
Jordan McCullough – I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For by U2
Jordan was awarded one of the Platinum Tickets. Picking a big ballad is a risky choice, he feels. “You’ve got to swing for that fence says Brad.
The song intro is slow and beautifully soulful. He’s connecting to the song in a beautiful way. He changes up the melody, but only slightly. Midway, the song kicks in with a more U2 like arrangement. But still, Jordan keeps his own soulful flavor on it. Really nice. At the end, he brings authentic emotion to his performance. Wow! His best yet.
He feels he finally found what he’s looking for. Lionel thinks he could win the competition. Carrie had the most amazing moment listening to him, “Praise the Lord,” she says. Keke begs America to vote Luke compliments his vocal command. “You’re a powerhouse singer.”
Now, a group of kiddos take the stage to sing an Hawaiian song.
Abayomi – Mama Knows Best by Jessie J
She’ll dedicate the song to her Mother. Abayomi is only 16. Brad jokes he was failing his drivers test for a third time at 16. Mom joins Abayomi’s mentoring session. She’s a rapper.
The poise this 16 year old possesses is impressive. She works the stage like an old pro, with a confident and effortless delivery. Not loving the song choice though. Mom in the audience goes nuts.
“That was absolutely in charge,” says Lionel, “You killed it.” Carrie calls her so “relatable.” And feels like she’s a Disney star in the making. Keke says, “You belong on that stage.” Luke notes her star qualities. “That was a great performance from top to bottom.”
Keke Palmer – All They Type
Keke sings her newest song, with Minnie and Mickey. She does all the things, including a podcast.
Madison Moon – Since U Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson
Madison reveals that her dad is a great singer. Pantera asked him to be there lead singer. She’s all about taking risks, Madison. In rehearsal she’s very shouty on the big note, and Madison knew it.
She’s a good singer, but lacks finesse. It’s one thing to let it all hang out. But hit the notes! She struggles not only with the big notes, but staying in tune in general. Poor thing is gonna get nailed for this performance. Lordy, the look on Keke’s face. If ya come for the Kelly, you best not miss!
Carrie feels she pulled it off (hmmm). She blew Lionel’s wig off. He complimented her power. But what good is power if not employed well? Luke thinks she nailed it. Keke felt she hit the note. What? Am I crazy? She would have been better off pulling back and singing well rather than going all out.
Chris Tungseth – Apologize by One Republic
Chris loved this song when he was a kid. Keke suggests he lean into his sex appeal Work everything you’ve got, she says.
His voice is beautiful, but I don’t love these poppy song choices. I expected him to lean into Alt Country like Chris Stapleton. But his tone is raspy and pretty and he knows how to connect to a song.
Lionel felt he concentrated to hard in the beginning, but then let go and delivered the goods. Keke thinks he’s got a “great vibe.” She wants to see him relax more. Carrie loves his voice. Carrie thinks he should bring out his mysterious sexy vibe more. Women would eat it up. (YUP). Luke agrees with Carrie and feels he should let it go. Ryan Tedder calls to congratulate him.
Ruby Rae – Drag Me Down by One Direction
Ruby got bullied in middle school after getting a buzz cut, which is why she chose the One Direction song pick.
Hm. The song and they way she delivers it is kinda boring. Her tone is so pretty. But her song choice here isn’t great. Her phrasing is decent and she hits a couple of big notes. But for the most part–ho hum.
Carrie calls her a ray of sunshine. “Find your sassy side,” she says. Lionel reminds her not to overthink. Keke noted she was a bit in front of the band. Luke felt it was a 16 year old performance. But, he loves her voice.
Julian Kalel – Tourniquet by Zach Bryan
Brad feels the audience is getting a real sense of who he is as an artist. He thinks he’s suited to the song choice.
Julian’s original songs are better than his covers. But still, he’s a heartfelt singer who brings honesty and vulnerability to his performances. The song, for Julian, is about unconditional love.
Keke calls his voice beautiful. Carrie calls him an artist and a poet. She also calls him honest and believable. Lionel is so happy to see him standing in the light of his artistry. Luke calls it “front runner…stuff.”
Keyla Richardson – With a Little Help from my Friends by The Beatles (Joe Cocker)
Her son had to go back to school. He’s not in Hawaii with her. Keke calls Keyla’s voice “truthful.” She even sheds a tear. “That was a lot.” She calls Keyla’s voice “special” and that she is “embodying spirit.”
No wonder Keke was in tears, Keyla is an incredible and spiritual vocalist. She brings church to American Idol, as she lets the higher powers take over as she works the stage. Incredible. She’ll kill it next week for “Jesus songs” or whatever the round is called.
Lionel is beside himself. He’s pacing! “I have never had any contestant walk out on this stage and tear this place up.” He compares her to Tina Turner. Keke compares Keyla to MISS FANTASIA BARRINO (3rd place winner). Carrie says, “It just flows out of you. Luke is embarrassed that he tried to give her vocal tips during her audition.
