When it comes to Braden Rumfelt, it doesn’t seem to matter what song is put in front of him. The 22-year-old Idol hopeful from Murphy, North Carolina, could probably sing words from a newspaper and still make it sound like a real song and make jaws drop with his impressive vocal talent.
He first proved that during his Idol audition on American Idol with “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town. Then, during Hollywood Week at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, he revealed a different side of his artistry with “I’m Not The Only One” by Sam Smith.
This time was no different. Rumfelt once again demonstrated his versatility by crossing genres, delivering a soulful rendition of “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys.
Braden Rumfelt’s performance aired as part of the Top 30 “Ohana Round” episode of Season 24’s American Idol on Monday night (March 9). Ahead of the performance, Rumfelt already had momentum on his side. Judge Luke Bryan had previously described him as a “race horse,” though he also noted that the singer needed to loosen up a bit onstage.
Taking the stage in a loose-fitting shirt that matched the relaxed outdoor setting of palm trees and the tropical Hawaii backdrop, Braden Rumfelt quickly drew the audience in. His performance began with a controlled, understated delivery before building into powerful, emotionally driven moments. As he leaned into the soaring chorus, his smooth tone and soulful phrasing filled the space, blending vulnerability with strength and showing off the vocal control that has made him a standout contestant thus far this season.
Rumfelt, whose twin brother accompanied him on guitar, performed in front of a crowd that included contestants and their families, the Idol judges, and several industry experts and tastemakers. The groups were tasked with selecting the winner of one Platinum Ticket each at the end of the two-hour episode.
Several industry insiders appeared visibly moved during the performance, with one person smiling and saying, “Okay, okay,” as Rumfelt hit some of the song’s most emotional moments. Still, not every reaction was entirely glowing.
“I thought he had really great control and power to his voice, but he hit a couple of rough notes,” Shirley Halperin, the editor of Rolling Stone, said.
Regardless, fellow judge Carrie Underwood had plenty of praise for the young singer.
“I feel like I just had the biggest smile on my face the whole time. Your voice is just velvety and big. You’ve got a lot of power in there and in all the right places,” she told him afterward.
Rumfelt’s journey to this stage hasn’t been without obstacles. The singer has dealt with knee issues throughout much of his life and has undergone surgery, but he continues to push forward. With each performance, he is quietly emerging as one of the contestants to beat.
Music has always been a central part of his upbringing. In a pre-recorded clip before his performance, he reflected on the role his family played in shaping his path.
“When I was a baby, my dad would sit musical instruments at the bottom of our cribs, and he felt like that was going to give us these abilities, right? Who knows? Growing up in a family where it’s cool to sing, that’s got me to this point,” he said. “If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be here, much less going to Hawaii.”
Rumfelt ultimately advanced into the Top 20, moving him one step closer to the grand prize. Contestants eliminated from the competition included Chloe Lauren, Sheldon Riley, Bryant Thomas, Michael Garner, Bella Emry, Brenna Brigman, Kiera Howell, Brianna Yancey, Jacquie Lee, and Tianna.
Over the next two weeks, the remaining Idol hopefuls will perform for America’s votes at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Oahu, guided by superstar mentors Brad Paisley and KeKe Palmer as they compete for a spot in the next round.
Follow Braden Rumfelt’s journey on American Idol by tuning in Mondays at 8/7c on ABC, or stream the episode the next day on Hulu.
