{"id":569490,"date":"2026-04-07T09:14:18","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T09:14:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/569490\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T09:14:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T09:14:18","slug":"top-11-revealed-3-cut-during-judges-song-contest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/569490\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 11 revealed, 3 cut during Judges Song Contest"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dim the lights! American Idol<\/a> is finally ready to deliver last week\u2019s results.<\/p>\n

After an \u201cunprecedented\u201d voting surge<\/a> forced the show to delay its final eliminations, the \u201cSongs of Faith\u201d<\/a> results will kick off tonight\u2019s episode \u2014 meaning two contestants will be sent home before anyone even takes the stage.<\/p>\n

From there, the competition resets with the newly revealed Top 12 taking on the annual \u201cJudges\u2019 Song Contest,\u201d performing hits from the \u201990s secretly chosen by Carrie Underwood<\/a>, Lionel Richie<\/a>, and Luke Bryan<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The episode begins at 8 p.m. ET\/PT on ABC<\/a> and Disney+.<\/p>\n

But the nostalgia doesn\u2019t stop with the song choices. Stars from ABC\u2019s iconic TGIF \u201990s lineup will be hanging with the contestants in the lounge as America votes live coast-to-coast.<\/p>\n

\"Darlene<\/a> \"NEXT<\/a> <\/p>\n

And yes \u2014 the cuts keep coming. After the Top 12 perform, one more contestant will be eliminated based on the real-time nationwide vote, leaving us with a Top 11 by the end of the night. Follow along with our live blog below, watch all the performances, and once they\u2019re in, vote for your favorite in our poll.<\/p>\n

American Idol 24 Predictions: Top 14<\/p>\n

Who will win ‘American Idol’? Will Braden Rumfelt advance to the next round? Will Brooks Rosser advance to the next round? Will Chris Tungseth advance to the next round? Will Daniel Stallworth advance to the next round? Will Hannah Harper advance to the next round? Will Jake Thistle advance to the next round? Will Jesse Findling advance to the next round? Will Jordan McCullough advance to the next round? Will Julian Kalel advance to the next round? Will Keyla Richardson advance to the next round? Will Kyndal Inskeep advance to the next round? Will Lucas Leon advance to the next round? Will Philmon Lee advance to the next round? Will Rae advance to the next round? <\/p>\n

1.<\/p>\n

\"American <\/p>\n

2.<\/p>\n

\"American <\/p>\n

3.<\/p>\n

\"American <\/p>\n

4.<\/p>\n

\"American <\/p>\n

5.<\/p>\n

\"American <\/p>\n

6.<\/p>\n

\"American <\/p>\n

7.<\/p>\n

\"American <\/p>\n

8.<\/p>\n

\"American <\/p>\n

9.<\/p>\n

\"American <\/p>\n

10.<\/p>\n

\"American <\/p>\n

11.<\/p>\n

\"American <\/p>\n

12.<\/p>\n

\"American <\/p>\n

13.<\/p>\n

\"American <\/p>\n

14.<\/p>\n

\"American <\/p>\n

Previously on American Idol<\/p>\n

Last week marked the first live episode of the season, as Ryan Seacrest<\/a> revealed the Top 14, who performed songs of faith for America\u2019s vote after their trip to Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii. Six contestants were eliminated based on those Hawaii performances: Makiyah, Genevieve Heyward, and Kutter Bradley from Night 1<\/a>, along with Abayomi, Madison Moon, and Ruby Rae from Night 2<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But just as host Ryan prepared to reveal the final two eliminations, the show ran out of time. Citing an \u201cunprecedented volume of votes across multiple platforms,\u201d the results were delayed \u2014 leaving two contestants in limbo for an entire week.<\/p>\n

Now, those results will finally be revealed at the top of tonight\u2019s episode.<\/p>\n

2 eliminated<\/p>\n

\"AmericanAmerican Idol: Julian Kalel \/ Jake ThistleDisney\/Eric McCandless<\/p>\n

The two artists eliminated based on last week\u2019s votes are Julian Kalel and Jake Thistle, who will not perform tonight as their time on American Idol comes to an abrupt end.<\/p>\n

Top 12 Live performances (updating live beginning at 5 p.m. PT)<\/p>\n

Hannah Harper
Age: 25
Hometown: Willow Springs, Mo.
Performance: “Heads Carolina, Tails California” by Jo Dee Messina \u2014 chosen by Carrie
Carrie’s comments: “That’s what happens when you get the perfect voice with the perfect song.”
Luke’s comments: “Great song choice.”
Lionel’s comments: “You did great.” <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Jordan McCullough
Age: 27
Hometown: Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Performance: “Always Be My Baby” by Mariah Carey \u2014 chosen by Lionel
Carrie’s comments: “You have all the tools in your tool box and you use them so well. You can’t copy Mariah, but you did your thing.”
Luke’s comments: “Very smart song choice. Step outside your comfort zone”
Lionel’s comments: “I felt it in my bones. Masterful job of taking it and turning it into your song.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Daniel Stallworth
Age: 27
Hometown: Moss Point, Miss.
Performance: “It Ain\u2019t Over \u2019til It\u2019s Over” by Lenny Kravitz \u2014 chosen by Luke
Carrie’s comments: “I love that you stepped outside of what the norm might be for you. You really did your own thing with it \u2014 I respect that so much.”
Luke’s comments: “The fact that you didn’t know that song and delivered it that way… I learned so much about you.”
Lionel’s comments: “You can’t teach vibe \u2014 you got a vibe.” <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Lucas Leon
Age: 18
Hometown: Gallatin, Tenn.
Performance: “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw & Faith Hill \u2014 chosen by Lionel
Carrie’s comments: “You surprised me on that song. It felt believable, it felt genuine.”
Luke’s comments: “You’ve grown into a more artistic mindset. Great song choice, I’m glad you picked it.”
Lionel’s comments: “You voice resonated \u2014 believability.” <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Chris Tungseth
Age: 27
Hometown: Fergus Falls, Minn.
Performance: “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain \u2014 chosen by Carrie
Carrie’s comments: “There were some really magical moments in there \u2014 and a few not-so-great moments.”
Luke’s comments: “The soul in your voice is so good.”
Lionel’s comments: “You have an identifiable voice. Now you have to experiment with it more \u2014 don’t be safe.” <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Philmon Lee
Age: 25
Hometown: Lagrange, Ga.
Performance: “Hard to Handle” by The Black Crowes \u2014 chosen by Luke
Carrie’s comments: “This was your breakout, standout moment. Hats off to you!”
Luke’s comments: “You’re a great singer. Lean in every time.”
Lionel’s comments: “I have never heard an arrangement like that. You had that under control.” <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Kyndal
Age: 29
Hometown: Fishers, Ind.
Performance: “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls \u2014 chosen by Lionel
Carrie’s comments: “That song has stood the test of time. We know you’re going to make it fresh and rearrange it and that’s what you did.”
Luke’s comments: “You’re so artistic in your approach.”
Lionel’s comments: “It fits you perfectly.” <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Brooks
Age: 22
Hometown: Bel Air, Md.
Performance: “Linger” by The Cranberries \u2014 chosen by Lionel
Carrie’s comments: “I loved the beginning. The back half felt uncomfortable. Shut your brain down because you’ve got it, your voice is so incredible.”
Luke’s comments: “Find just a little more confidence.”
Lionel’s comments: “Your voice is one of those unique voices \u2014 I’m so happy I won.” <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Rae
Age: 24
Hometown: Frederick, Md.
Performance: “Love Will Lead You Back” by Taylor Dayne \u2014 chosen by Carrie
Carrie’s comments: “You crushed it!”
Luke’s comments: “At the end you really came to life. Great job.”
Lionel’s comments: “I’m absolutely amazed. You took it to that other place \u2014 so well done.” <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Braden Rumfelt
Age: 22
Hometown: Murphy, N.C.
Performance: “All By Myself” by Celine Dion \u2014 chosen by Lionel
Carrie’s comments: “You have an incredible voice \u2014 we’ll see what America does with it.”
Luke’s comments: “Way to be brave. You crushed it.”
Lionel’s comments: “That’s a tall order. There were moments where you didn’t have a grip on it, but you did it!” <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Jesse Findling
Age: 19
Hometown: Massapequa Park, N.Y.
Performance: “Wonderwall” by Oasis \u2014 chosen by Lionel
Carrie’s comments: “You did your thing, and it worked!”
Luke’s comments: “All hail you and King Lionel. That was one of my favorite things I’ve seen you do.”
Lionel’s comments: “I didn’t think it was going to match \u2014 it did. Congratulations!” <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Keyla Richardson
Age: 29
Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
Performance: “Zombie” by The Cranberries \u2014 chosen by Lionel
Carrie’s comments: “American, vote! Vote, vote, vote!”
Luke’s comments: “I love you. Great job.”
Lionel’s comments: “You held us. To keep it that intense all the way to the end \u2014 amazing!” <\/p>\n

Judges’ Song Contest winner<\/p>\n

Lionel wins this season\u2019s Judges\u2019 Song Contest, with seven of the Top 12 choosing his songs. Three picked Carrie\u2019s, and only two selected Luke\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Elimination<\/p>\n

Rae and Jesse land in the bottom two. As the winner of the Judges\u2019 Song Contest, Lionel makes the call \u2014 saving Rae and sending Jesse home in 12th place.<\/p>\n

Next week<\/p>\n

The Top 11 perform iconic hits from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees as America votes live for the Top 9. Inductees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2026 ceremony are revealed. 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo will mentor and perform.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Dim the lights! American Idol is finally ready to deliver last week\u2019s results. After an \u201cunprecedented\u201d voting surge…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":569491,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[1855,12287,157636,88,68552,215193,604,98170],"class_list":{"0":"post-569490","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-entertainment","8":"tag-abc","9":"tag-american-idol","10":"tag-carrie-underwood","11":"tag-entertainment","12":"tag-lionel-richie","13":"tag-luke-bryan","14":"tag-reality-tv","15":"tag-ryan-seacrest"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/569490","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=569490"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/569490\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/569491"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=569490"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=569490"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=569490"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}