Philmon Lee; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    Philmon Lee Shocks Judges With Confident Hollywood Week Performance On ‘American Idol’

    Posted on February 23, 2026

    | By

    Andrew Wendowski

    “You walked out here and knocked us right out,” Richie told Lee.

    Hannah Harper; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    Hannah Harper Nails Lee Ann Womack Cover On ‘American Idol,’ Advances To Golden Room

    Posted on February 23, 2026

    | By

    Andrew Wendowski

    “I want to be the next American Idol because I want to be the forerunners for mamas out there who can still raise babies and pursue their dreams,” Harper said.

    Keyla Richardson; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    Keyla Richardson Stuns On ‘American Idol’ With Heartfelt Jason Mraz Cover Dedicated To Her Son

    Posted on February 23, 2026

    | By

    Andrew Wendowski

    “I do want to be somebody for my son. I want him to know you can do anything you put your mind to do.”

    Bryant Thomas; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    Bryant Thomas Proves He’s More Than Just A Viral Sensation With Make-Or-Break Performance On ‘American Idol’

    Posted on February 23, 2026

    | By

    Andrew Wendowski

    “You are a showman. I love your vibe [and] your style,” Underwood gushed of Thomas.

    Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan; Courtesy of Brittany Aldean Instagram

    Jason Aldean Recalls First Meeting Luke Bryan Nearly 20 Years Ago — And Navigating Fame Together

    Posted on February 17, 2026

    | By

    Andrew Wendowski

    “It’s been a really cool friendship over the years,” Aldean said.

    Chris Tungseth; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    Chris Tungseth Draws Comparisons To Chris Stapleton And Brings ‘American Idol’ Judges to Tears With Tribute to Late Father

    Posted on February 16, 2026

    | By

    Andrew Wendowski

    “I did this for you and I did this for Pops. I love you so much mama,” Tungseth concluded.

    Bella Emry; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    Bella Emry Shines With Confident Morgan Wallen Cover on ‘American Idol’

    Posted on February 16, 2026

    | By

    Andrew Wendowski

    “Nobody was breathing when you were singing then just kind of hanging on every word with you. So well done,” Underwood gushed of Bella Emry.

    Brenna Brigman; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    Carrie Underwood Calls Brenna Brigman One of the Best Voices So Far on ‘American Idol’

    Posted on February 16, 2026

    | By

    Melinda Lorge

    “You have a huge range. You can sing softly, you can belt on the higher stuff,” Underwood said of Brigman.

    Landon Hughes; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    19-Year-Old Landon Hughes Proves Small Towns Produce Big Talent With Bluegrass ‘American Idol’ Audition

    Posted on February 16, 2026

    | By

    Melinda Lorge

    “This means the world to me,” he said.

    Julia Sienna; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    Police Officer Julia Sienna “Arrested” Luke Bryan Then Delivered Standout Audition On ‘American Idol’

    Posted on February 16, 2026

    | By

    Melinda Lorge

    “You come in, you’re strong, you’re gorgeous, you have strength in your voice,” Underwood said of Sienna.

    Mor Ilderton; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    Mor Ilderton Overcomes Tragic Past To Earn Golden Ticket With Original Song “Strong” On ‘American Idol’

    Posted on February 16, 2026

    | By

    Melinda Lorge

    “I love the timber of your voice, and more importantly, that writing was very cool,” Richie gushed of Mor.

    Rae; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    Rae Takes On Aretha Franklin and Delivers Show-Stopping ‘American Idol’ Audition

    Posted on February 16, 2026

    | By

    Melinda Lorge

    “You took Aretha, turned it upside down, and made it yours. I think it was just brilliant. Very, very good,” Lionel Richie gushed.

    Roelle; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    Roelle Wows ‘American Idol’ Judges and Shares Tearful Reunion With Mom After Leaving Puerto Rico To Pursue Her Dream

    Posted on February 9, 2026

    | By

    Melinda Lorge

    “Your tone, I mean, your range—you can feel just so much emotion. It’s incredible. It really is,” Underwood gushed.

    Kiera Howell; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    16-Year-Old Kiera Howell Draws Gabby Barrett Comparisons on ‘American Idol’ With We The Kingdom Cover

    Posted on February 9, 2026

    | By

    Andrew Wendowski

    “She’s got a little Gabby Barrett kind of quality in there too,” Underwood said of Howell.

    Trew The Star; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    Trew The Star Moves ‘American Idol’ Judges With Tearful Tribute To Late Mother And Powerful Sam Cooke Cover

    Posted on February 9, 2026

    | By

    Melinda Lorge

    “We’re proud of you, son,” Richie said. “You did well. I love that.”