Lucas Leon, one of the youngest hopefuls competing for the grand prize on Season 24 of American Idol, has officially made it through to the next round of the televised competition series, while 10 other contestants were sent home at the end of the two-hour episode.
That achievement now places him in the coveted Top 20, but that feat didn’t come without some help from Miranda Lambert and his parents. Leon, who performed mid show during the “Ohana Round,” dedicated his moving offering to his family, honoring the ones who shaped him.
At Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, Leon announced he would be performing Lambert’s iconic 2010 hit, “The House That Built Me,” written by Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin.
“My parents are here tonight, and they’re who really built me. This one goes out to my family,” the Gallatin teen told the audience, who hung on to every word.
With a presence similar to Justin Bieber and a talent like Vince Gill, Leon impressed the audience, which included more than just his parents. Seated in the front row, his family watched closely as he aimed to capture the hearts of the Idoljudges and industry tastemakers alike. At just 18 years old, he proved he could hold his own against seasoned artists and fellow competitors.
Strumming an acoustic guitar, Leon offered a delicate, stripped-down version of the song, giving it a fresh, male perspective while emphasizing the heartfelt lyrics. Dressed simply in a white T-shirt, blue jeans, and a music note necklace, he let his voice take center stage rather than wearing flashy attire. His performance drew the audience in, creating an intimate moment that highlighted both his technical skill and emotional depth.
“I thought if I could touch this place or feel it / This brokenness inside me might start healing / Out here, it’s like I’m someone else / I thought that maybe I could find myself,” Leon sang, his gritty growl earning smiles from the crowd and proving a maturity beyond his years. At one point, an industry expert admitted the performance gave them chills and goosebumps.
Carrie Underwood praised Lucas Leon‘s control and artistry, saying, “You’re so in control of your instrument. It’s kind of mind-blowing. And you have a really beautiful, just soft, sweet spot in your voice that I feel like just draws everybody in. So I would love to hear more.”
Meanwhile, Grand Ole Opry host and global music personality Kelly Sutton, moved to tears, said, “That song is just… such a sweet song, and it means so much. And yeah, it was beautiful. Just knowing that his parents are here, hearing it, this is really special.”
Leon’s victory in the Top 30 round secures his spot alongside fellow Top 20 contestants Philmon Lee, Madison Moon, Braden Rumfelt, Jake Thistle, Jesse Findling, Ruby Rae, Genevieve Heyward, Hannah Harper, Chris Tungseth, Julian Kalel, Rae, Daniel Stallworth, Abiyomi, Kutter Bradley, Makiyah, and Keyla Richardson.
“Take a look, America, this is your Top 20 on American Idol,” Ryan Seacrest announced after three additional artists earned Platinum Tickets from peers, family members, and industry tastemakers. They were Jordan McCullough (voted by fellow hopefuls), Brooks Rosser (voted by family members), and Kyndal Inskeep (voted by industry experts).
American Idol airs every Monday night at 8/7c on ABC and is available to stream the next day on Hulu.
