American Idol 2026: Top 12 Contestants

In-Depth Analysis

Following performances from the Top 20 in Hawaii, the 'American Idol' Season 24 live shows kicked off with a 'Songs of Faith' theme. The Top 14 were revealed, and then narrowed down to the Top 12 based on viewer votes.

**Performances and Judges' Comments:**

Keyla Richardson was the first to perform, singing “Jireh,” receiving praise from Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan for her stage presence and vocal ability. Jesse Findling performed Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the Broken Road,” earning positive feedback from the judges, particularly for making the song his own.

**Top 12 Contestants:**

The following contestants made it to the Top 12:

Jordan McCullough
Chris Tungseth
Rae
Daniel Stallworth
Brooks
Philmon Lee
Braden Rumfelt
Keyla Richardson
Lucas Leon
Jake Thistle
Hannah Harper
Kyndal Inskeep
Julián Kalel
Jesse Findling

**Eliminated Contestants:**

The following contestants were eliminated:

Ruby Rae
Madison Moon
Makiyah
Abayomi
Kutter Bradley
Genevieve Heyward

**How to Watch:**

'American Idol' airs Mondays at 8/7c on ABC and streams live on Disney+. Episodes are available the next day on Hulu and ABC.com.

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FAQ

How can I watch 'American Idol'?

You can watch 'American Idol' live on ABC and Disney+, or stream it the next day on Hulu and ABC.com.

Who are the judges for 'American Idol' Season 24?

The judges are Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood.

What was the theme of the first live episode?

The theme was "Songs of Faith."

Takeaways

The American Idol Top 12 have been selected, marking a significant step in the competition.
Viewer votes play a crucial role in determining who advances.
New episodes air Mondays on ABC and stream on Disney+.

Discussion

Who are you rooting for to win American Idol? Share your thoughts in the comments! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

Sources

What time is 'American Idol' on tonight? How to watch 2026 Top 20 ‘American Idol’ Live Blog: Who Will Make the Top 12? Is ‘American Idol’ on tonight? Here’s when the next new episode of the reality favorite premieres on ABC

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