Julián Kalel, a native of El Paso, Texas, has sailed on through to the next phase of the Season 24 American Idol competition. After stepping away from the series in 2025 to focus on his mental health and personal well-being, the 19-year-old singer/songwriter has returned to the Idol stage with a renewed determination.
During Hollywood Week, on Monday, March 2, the young Idol hopeful took a risk. He performed a cover of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt, marking the first time in the competition that he chose a song that wasn’t his own.
Up until now, he had only performed original material in front of Idol judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan. This new switch pushed him outside his comfort zone.
“Up until this point, I’ve only performed my own songs,” he acknowledged during the show. “I’m really pushing myself with this one. It takes a different kind of connection to bring out emotion for a song that you’re covering. It demands more of me, so the pressure’s on. Pretty nerve-wracking just thinking about it, honestly. But I just thought I’d regret it if I showed up to Hollywood Week and I didn’t push myself.”
Despite his nerves, Kalel delivered a standout performance that left all three judges beaming. Dressed in a brown sweater and a cross necklace, he stood center stage with his acoustic guitar in hand.
He offered a tender, emotionally resonant vocal, while singing lyrics like: “‘Cause I can’t make you love me if you don’t / You can’t make your heart feel somethin’ it won’t / Here in the dark, in these final hours / I will lay down my heart and I’ll feel the power / But you won’t, no you won’t / ‘Cause I can’t make you love me, if you don’t.”
Afterward, judge Luke Bryan offered high praise, telling Kalel, “We feel very big things for you in the future. That was the first of many great experiences for you, and we’re just glad we get to watch.”
As previously shared, Julián Kalel stepped away during his stint on Season 23 amid struggles with severe anxiety and depression. He has fully embraced his comeback on the show.
Reflecting on his decision to return, he shared, “I want to be the next American Idol because I want to show that your story, your pain, can be used as your greatest power.”
Following his Hollywood Week performance, he added, “Every time I go on stage, I still struggle with that self-doubt, and I get proven wrong every single time. It’s really starting to feel like a blessing, and I’m not ready to go home. Not at all.”
The 19-year-old auditioned for Season 24 in front of the same judges, earning a second chance with another original song. For his initial Idol audition, he performed “Lone Guitar,” a track he wrote during what he described as “a dark time in my life.”
“When I was at a crossroads, deciding whether to give up or to keep going,” he said. “I realized it’s as simple as just staying one more day. That’s the message.”
Now, Kalel is focused on making the most of his return.
“I feel really, really lucky to be here in Hollywood Week. I’m still processing even being here. Last year, I wasn’t able to experience this round because of my mental health. I feel proud of myself for making it here,” he said. “I’ve done a lot of growing, a lot of learning. And this year, I’m definitely feeling much more well-prepared and confident.”
New episodes of American Idol air every Monday at 8/7c on ABC and are available to stream the next day on Hulu.
