American Idol Season 24 returned on Monday night, as the first half of the Top 20 took the stage at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii for their chance to move on to the live shows. Voting is now open for viewers at home to choose their favorite singers.
American Idol Top 20 Perform in Hawaii
During Monday’s new episode of American Idol, the first half of the Top 20 performed in Hawaii after being mentored by Brad Paisley and Keke Palmer, the latter of whom also served as a guest judge. Voting is now open online, via text, and on social media.
This week’s show featured performances from two singers who earned the Platinum Ticket during last week’s Ohana Round. That includes Kyndal Inskeep, who performed “Call Your Mom” by Noah Kahan. Carrie Underwood said it was “impossible to take your eyes off” Kyndal, while Luke Bryan said she was “intoxicating to listen to.”
The final performance of the night came from fellow Platinum Ticket recipient Brooks, who sang “Dancing on My Own” by Robyn. Afterward, Keke Palmer said that Brooks has “one of the most magical voices I’ve ever heard,” calling it “cinematic.”
Another standout performance from Monday’s show came from Daniel Stallworth, singing “All Night Long” by judge Lionel Richie himself, who said he “took the song and made it yours.” Bryan told Daniel that he “might be the best singer in this competition.”
Jake Thistle gave another impressive performance during the show, singing “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis & the News. Palmer said it seemed like Jake was “so at home on stage.” The judges were also wowed by Genevieve Heyward’s cover of “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan. Richie joked that she “almost blew my wig off.”
This week’s American Idol episode kicked off with a performance from Makiyah, who sang “Bang Bang” by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj. Palmer called it a “crowd pleaser,” noting a minor slip-up in the beginning of the song but praising Makiyah’s recovery.
Kutter Bradley also impressed with his cover of “It’s Not Over” by Daughtry, prompting Bryan to say he’s “getting better and better with every performance.” As for Jesse Findling, his performance of “You Found Me” by The Fray actually had Underwood praising his shaky start, which “reminded us all that you’re human.”
Hannah Harper’s performance of “Ain’t No Grave” by Bethel Music & Molly Skaggs wowed the panel, with Richie saying she “went from singing to preaching” and Underwood saying she “gave me chills.” Braden Rumfelt also earned praise for his rendition of “Love On the Brain” by Rihanna, with Underwood saying he has an “incredible voice.”
What did you think of the first half of the Top 20 performances during this week’s American Idol? Which singers will you be voting for? Will you be trying out the new social media voting method?
Remember that voting for this episode is only open until Tuesday, March 17, at 6 a.m. ET. Tune in next week to see the final 10 singers take the stage in Hawaii.
Words by:
Jill O'Rourke Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit
