First Look at New Contestants on ‘American Idol’ 2024
(ABC/Ben HIder) Reading Time: 6 minutes
Another season of American Idol is kicking off on February 18. That only means one thing — a flock of new aspiring artists are now vying to be the nation’s next singing superstar. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the new artists that auditioned for Season 22.
Contestants on American Idol Season 22
Abi Carter
Abigail Carter is singer who pursued a bachelor’s degree in psychology in California State University, San Bernardino. According to her website bio, she’s been playing the piano since she was eight years old. She learned the piano when she was 15 and has been addicted to singing since she’s “able to talk.”
Alyssa Raghu
Hailing from Orlando, Florida, Alyssa Raghu is an American singer-songwriter of Indian and Mexican heritage. She’s definitely a familiar face for American Idol fans, since she’s previously joined the show in Seasons 16 and 17. During Season 17, Alyssa entered the Top 8 and as one of judge Katy Perry’s favorite singers. Raghu has had classical music training when she was young, serving as her advantage from other hopefuls on the competition.
Blake Proehl
After experiencing a devastating injury during his rookie season in the NFL, Blake Proehl had to temporarily step back from his athletic dreams. Interestingly, amid his recovery period, he discovered his passion for music, from singing to writing songs to playing instruments. Now, he’s fully ready to introduce himself as an artist on American Idol season 24.
Dawson Slade Mitchell
Joining American Idol season 22 is country songwriter Dawson Slade Mitchell from Nashville, Tennessee. The crooner is no stranger to the performing stage, as he’s scored various musical gigs in the past. He’s also active on social media, posting short clips of his singing videos.
Ava Nicole Frances
Performing professionally since age 10, Ava Nicole Frances is “truly a child of the world,” according to her website bio. This singer is a two-time Broadway World Cabaret Award winner: 2022 Best Debut Show and 2020 Best Junior Performer. She was also the proud recipient of the 2022 Songbook Spotlight Award.
Hunter Behrman
Hunter Behrman is another musician joining the world-famous competition. Alongside his wife Lindsey, Behrman serves as a youth pastor of New Life Church in Liberty Hill, Texas. As worship pastor, he aims to “lead people deeper into the presence of God.”
Cate Garner
Cate Garner is among the country music singers joining American Idol season 22. According to Top Up & Coming Country Artists on TikTok, they can envision Garner getting inducted to the Opry. She’s no stranger to songwriting, most recently releasing an album, Fairytale Endings.
Jayna Elise Brown
Jayna Elise Brown is not a stranger to singing competition shows. The singer appeared on America’s Got Talent season 11, receiving guest judge Louis Tomlinson’s Golden Buzzer during the Judge Cuts. She was also a contestant on season 21 of American Idol.
Julian Cross
Julian Cross is a gospel singer whose musicality is influenced by his grandmother, STAX recording artist Wendy Rene. As a dynamic artist, Cross combines traditional gospel with contemporary electronic sounds.
KAYKO
Another American Idol contestant who will be gracing the show is KAYKO. On his Instagram, he describes himself as an “alt-pop music boy that makes happy songs out of sad words.”
Victoria Johnson
Victoria Johnson is a teenage rising star, with a “monstrous voice and a wide vocal range.” As her mentors describe her, Johnson is “a colossal voice in a tiny body.”
Ty’Esha Lashay
Ty’Esha Lashay is a singer-songwriter joining American Idol season 22. According to her Instagram bio, she is an aspiring plus size model. Lashay has been showcasing her vocal abilities on TikTok.
Reagan Mills
Reagan Mills is set to spread his love for Jesus in the upcoming season of American Idol. This songwriter is a worship leader, a recording artists, and an apostolic.
Ricky Moyer
Born and raised in Levittown, Pennsylvania, Ricky Moyer began singing and playing instruments when he was in middle school. In 2019, he studied at Baldwin Wallace University to major in Music Theatre. From college to now, Moyer is a certified performer.
Ziggy Krassenberg
After joining The Voice Holland, Ziggy Krassenberg is shooting his shot on American Idol. This proud member of the LGBTQ community is also the winner of Good Luck Guys season one.
McKenna Breinholt
McKenna Breinholt is set to show off her vocal skills on season 22 of American Idol. Aside from singing, Breinholt also plays guitar and piano. Furthermore, she has released several singles, including “Shooting Stars” and “I Wanted You”, which already has well over 1 million streams on Spotify.
Quintavious Johnson
Hailing from Franklin, Tennessee, Quintavious Johnson started singing when he was only 11 months. Johnson tested his musical abilities years back, joining America’s Got Talent season nine, ending the competition in fifth place. This year, he’s set to grace the American Idol stage.
Odell Bunton Jr.
At the early age of seven, Odell Bunton Jr. was already interested in music. Noticing his vocal abilities, his mother decided to mold his vocal cords training to improve his voice. Sincerely committed to his ministry, he continues to develop his musical agility as his way to serve others.
Kenny Holland
Growing up in Michigan, Kennu Holland began writing and recording his music in Los Angeles. As a young artists, he has performed in front of sold-out crowds as opening act to well-known artists like Aaron Carter, The Summer Set, and Ryan Beatty. Now, he’s set to flaunt his vocals on American Idol.
Mackenzie Sol
Hailing from a small town in Northern England, Mackenzie Sol has been making music since he was young. He was introduced in the international stage when he appeared on X-Factor at the age of five. This year, he intends to reconstruct his career by joining American Idol season 22.
Michael Rice
Hailing from the United Kingdom, Michael Rice is a pop artists who had his first taste of fame when a TikTok video of him street performing suddenly went viral. He also represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest, attracting thousands of fans from across the world. He’s already released a single titled “Boy I Used To Know.”
Omg I can’t wait to see Jayna Elise brown she was from last season