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

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    Melinda Lorge

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

    Marty Brown and Christian Brown; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    Christian Brown Carries On Famous Father’s Country Music Legacy With Emotional ‘American Idol’ Audition

    Posted on February 9, 2026

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    Melinda Lorge

    “I’m going to be singing for my dad. It’s my way of telling him I love him, too. I would not be where I am today without him,” Christian said.

    Lanii; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    Lanii Takes a Leap of Faith For Her Dad In The ICU, Stuns ‘American Idol’ Judges With Demi Lovato Cover

    Posted on February 9, 2026

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    Andrew Wendowski

    “You’re just being authentically you. And I don’t know. There’s just something really, really special about you,” Bryan told Lanii.

    Vincent Fondale; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    Concrete Worker Vincent Fondale Cements His Future On ‘American Idol’ With Original Song, “The Sound of Giving Up”

    Posted on February 9, 2026

    | By

    Melinda Lorge

    “Concrete work may not be where you’re going to end up with this thing,” Richie gushed.

    Texas Roadhouse Server Livy; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    Texas Roadhouse Server Livy Stuns ‘American Idol’ Judges With “Magical” Carrie Underwood Cover

    Posted on February 9, 2026

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    Andrew Wendowski

    “You’ve got something magical,” Livy shared.

    Philmon Lee and Luke Bryan; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    Philmon Lee Makes Luke Bryan “Proud” With Powerful, Life-Changing ‘American Idol’ Audition

    Posted on February 9, 2026

    | By

    Melinda Lorge

    “We’ve had 10 people today that look like they’ve been trained to sing, and you look like you were born to sing,” Bryan gushed of Lee.

    Madison Moon; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    Madison Moon Wows ‘American Idol’ Judges With Hard-Hitting Rock Covers, and Carrie Underwood Can’t Get Enough

    Posted on February 9, 2026

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    Andrew Wendowski

    “You’re one of my absolute favorites, top 30. I’m calling it,” Underwood gushed.

    Noah Orion, Isaiah Moro, And Brett Carlisle; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    Noah Orion, Isaiah Moro, And Brett Carlisle of Great White Set ‘American Idol’ Ablaze With Epic Rock Covers

    Posted on February 9, 2026

    | By

    Melinda Lorge

    “What a lot of you are going to find out,” Bryan added, “is you’re either going to rock or you’re going to roll.”

    Jordan McCullough; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC

    27-Year-Old Worship Director Jordan McCullough Wows Judges With Mesmerizing ‘American Idol’ Audition

    Posted on February 9, 2026

    | By

    Melinda Lorge

    “[Idol] University has been waiting for you. It’s mesmerizing to watch because it’s not just singing. It’s stage presence, which is something we can’t teach,” Lionel Richie said.

    Julian Kalel; Photo Courtesy of American Idol / ABC

    Julián Kalel Makes Triumphant Return To ‘American Idol’ After Mental Health Struggles Forced His Exit In 2025

    Posted on February 2, 2026

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    Andrew Wendowski

    Luke Bryan gushed, “You got the magic. I think that you’re incredible. I think you have all the skills and tools of a great singer.”

    Braden Rumfelt; Photo Courtesy of American Idol / ABC

    Braden Rumfelt Overcomes Career-Ending Injury To Shine on ‘American Idol’ With Goosebumps-Inducing Audition

    Posted on February 2, 2026

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    Andrew Wendowski

    “I think you’re a racehorse, man,” Luke Bryan said, before Lionel Richie gushed, “You have a top end to your voice.”

    Carmen Martin and 'RHOSLC' star Britani Bateman; Photo Courtesy of American Idol / ABC

    Carmen Lorell, Niece of ‘RHOSLC’ Star Britani Bateman, Scores Golden Ticket on ‘American Idol’ With Ty Myers Cover

    Posted on February 2, 2026

    | By

    Melinda Lorge

    “You have a really pretty voice,” Underwood told Martin.

    Jakob Stobaugh; Photo Courtesy of American Idol / ABC

    Jakob Stobaugh Earns ‘American Idol’ Golden Ticket After Luke Bryan Discovers Him on TikTok

    Posted on February 2, 2026

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    Andrew Wendowski

    “Mr. Luke Bryan, thank you so much for getting me here after seeing my TikTok,” Stobaugh shared.

    Carrie Underwood Crying To Hannah Harper; Photo Courtesy of American Idol / ABC

    Hannah Harper Brings Carrie Underwood To Tears On ‘American Idol’ With Original Song Inspired By Her Postpartum Struggles

    Posted on February 2, 2026

    | By

    Andrew Wendowski

    “Well, that’s about the most relatable song I think I’ve ever heard,” Underwood told Harper, who was later compared to Kacey Musgraves, Alison Krauss and Dolly Parton.

    Trace Casanova Dancing With Carrie Underwood; Photo Courtesy of American Idol / ABC

    Trace Casanova Dances With Carrie Underwood During Wild ‘American Idol’ Audition

    Posted on February 2, 2026

    | By

    Andrew Wendowski

    “Hey Carrie, I just wanted to say you are one of the most gorgeous judges I’ve ever seen,” Trace Casanova said.