‘American Idol’ Recap: The Judges Are Divided as Auditions Continue

American Idol Season 24 returned on Monday night for the third week of auditions. The judges were blown away by a number of hopeful singers this week, but they were also divided on some performances.

American Idol Judges Divided as Auditions Continue

The American Idol judges disagreed about a few auditions in this week’s show, including one by a Ukrainian singer named Miyoko. She sings in Japanese, which made judge Carrie Underwood wonder how she would fare in the remainder of the competition.

However, both Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie liked Miyoko enough to send her through with a Golden Ticket. Bryan told her she’s a star, pointing out that they let singer Trace Casanova through earlier in the season for his “Baby Got Back” cover, so why shouldn’t they let another unconventional singer through?

Another singer who had the judges divided was Vincent Fondale, who performed an original song called “The Sound of Giving Up” by his band Recess. Underwood was impressed, saying she had “no words.” Bryan disagreed, saying Vincent’s big notes hit, but his more tender moments didn’t connect for him. Ultimately, Vincent earned two “yes” votes from Underwood and Richie.

The panel also disagreed about Julianne Post, who sang an original song called “Long Live the Lost Boys.” Richie said he would “buy the first copy” of her record, calling her a “wonderful misfit.” Underwood called Julianne “super duper unique,” but wondered how she would fit into the competition. She voted no, but her fellow judges voted “yes” to sending Julianne through.

Although Madison Moon earned three “yes” votes from the American Idol judges for her cover of “Creep” by Radiohead, they weren’t all fans of her harsh vocals on “The Kill” by 30 Seconds to Mars. Namely, Bryan expressed his dislike for the style. However, Underwood predicted that Madison will make it to the Top 30.

Other Singers Blew the Judges Away

There were several other singers whose talent blew all three American Idol judges away this week. That includes Jordan McCullough, who performed “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. Underwood said he has “an incredible gift.” Jordan earned three “yes” votes to receive a Golden Ticket to Hollywood Week.

Trew the Star also wowed the panel with his cover of “Nothing Can Change This Love” by Sam Cookie. Richie loved it so much, he gave Trew a hug. Underwood complimented his “commanding voice,” and Bryan said the performance gave him “full-body chills.” Trew earned three “yes” votes and a Golden Ticket.

Kiera Howell also stunned the American Idol judges with her cover of “Don’t Tread On Me” by We the Kingdom, which featured some seriously long notes. As Underwood said, “Who needs oxygen?” Bryan joked that Kiera might have broken Underwood’s note-holding record. She earned three “yes” votes, and a comparison to past Idol finalist Gabby Barrett.

Lanii also impressed the panel with her cover of “Tell Me You Love Me” by Demi Lovato. As Underwood told her, “You have an incredible voice. I don’t even know if you know what you could be capable of. But you completely owned that.” Lanii earned three “yes” votes and a Golden Ticket.

SEE ALSO: ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ TO STREAM LIVE ON DISNEY+ LATER THIS SEASON

Singer Reunites with Her Mom in Touching Moment

The final audition of the night came from 25-year-old Roelle, who recently moved from Puerto Rico to California to pursue her dream of being a singer. Although Roelle shared that she hadn’t seen her mom in months, the judges revealed a sweet note of support they received from her. Little did Roelle know, her mom was actually there in the audition room to surprise her.

First, Roelle performed a cover of “Maybe” by Sienna Spiro, showing off a soulful voice. Underwood said she was “at a loss for words,” praising the emotion in Roelle’s performance. Bryan said she “made that song come alive.” After an emotional reunion with her mom, Roelle earned three “yes” votes from the panel.

What was your favorite audition from Monday night’s new episode of American Idol Season 24? Let us know in the comments below, and tune in next week on ABC to see another episode of auditions, as the judges decide who should move on to Hollywood Week.