‘American Idol’ Recap: Auditions Continue with Some Familiar Faces

American Idol Season 24 returned on Monday night for another round of auditions, as the show’s judges (Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan) handed out Golden Tickets to their favorite singers. The episode featured a few familiar faces.

American Idol Auditions Continue with Familiar Faces

During Monday’s new episode of American Idol Season 24, a singer named Sheldon Riley auditioned. Fans might recognize the 26-year-old Australian singer from his time on America’s Got Talent, where he wore elaborate costumes and hid his face. Sheldon shared that he took time off from performing and came to terms with his identity behind the mask.

For his audition, Riley performed “Brother” by Matt Corby, prompting Luke Bryan to say his talent is “crazy unbelievable.” Lionel Richie called him “an artist,” while Carrie Underwood told him she’s “really glad you’re here.” Sheldon earned three “yes” votes to receive a Golden Ticket.

Another familiar face appeared during Carmen Lorell’s audition. The 20-year-old’s aunt is Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Britani Bateman. After Carmen performed “Thought It Was Love” by Ty Myers on the piano, she joined her aunt for a rendition of “Let Me Be Your Star” from SMASH. Carmen earned three “yes” votes from the judges.

At the end of the show, yet another familiar face auditioned — this time, only familiar to the judges. Nineteen-year-old Julian Kalel auditioned last year, but his appearance didn’t air as he had to drop out of the competition due to mental health struggles. Julian returned for Season 24, performing an original song called “Lone Guitar” that brought tears to Underwood’s eyes. Bryan told him, “You got the magic.” He earned three “yes” votes and Golden Ticket.

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Carrie Underwood Praises Talented Female Singers

Several powerhouse female singers auditioned during Monday’s new episode of American Idol, drawing praise from judge Carrie Underwood. The first was 24-year-old Makiyah, who sang “Love You I Do” from Dreamgirls. Underwood said she had “the strongest voice we’ve heard so far.” Unsurprisingly, Makiyah earned a Golden Ticket from the panel.

Later, 16-year-old Ruby Rae sang “Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo, sharing that she was auditioning for her community in Palisades, California. Underwood was stunned by her talent, praising her breath control. She easily gave Ruby a “yes” vote. Interestingly, she withheld a “yes” vote for a talented 16-year-old boy named Michael Garner later in the episode, saying she didn’t want to “throw him in the middle” of a difficult competition. Garner ended up earning a Golden Ticket with two “yes” votes from the male judges.

Underwood was also impressed by 25-year-old Hannah Harper, who performed an original song called “String Cheese,” inspired by her experience with postpartum depression. Underwood was brought to tears, as she said it was “the most relatable song I think I’ve ever heard.” She praised Hannah’s “beautiful simplicity.” Hannah earned a Golden Ticket for her heartfelt performance.

Also during Monday’s episode, Underwood was the only judge to vote “yes” on sending Kamryn Palmer through. Kamryn shared that she was a big fan of Underwood, and even brought along a postcard she received from the singer when she was little. Her performance of “Home Sweet Home” by Motley Crue unfortunately didn’t earn her a Golden Ticket, but she got to sing a duet with Underwood in the audition room.

American Idol Season 24 will return with another round of auditions next Monday night on ABC. What did you think of this week’s performances? Let us know in the comments below.