Julian Kalel Returns to ‘American Idol’ After Overcoming Mental Health Struggles
Posted on February 2, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“I had so much to smile about with my audition and I just knew I’d really regret it if I didn’t give this another shot,” he shared.
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After Life-Altering Injury, Braden Rumfelt Shines in Powerful ‘American Idol’ Audition
Posted on February 2, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
A congenital leg condition ended Braden’s future in baseball, but with his twin brother Kellen by his side, he found a new path through music.
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Carmen Lorell Auditions for ‘American Idol’ With ‘Housewife’ Aunt Britani Bateman, Performs Ty Myers Hit
Posted on February 2, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“Britani has always been a very big mentor to me to get out there,” said the contestant.
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Hannah Harper’s Heartfelt ‘American Idol’ Audition Draws Dolly Parton Comparisons, Moves Carrie Underwood to Tears
Posted on February 2, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“You’re like my favorite person,” Underwood pointed out.
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16-Year-Old Michael Garner Earns Golden Ticket on ‘American Idol,’ Despite Judges’ Hesitations
Posted on February 2, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“I’m willing to give y’all everything I got.”
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WATCH: Carrie Underwood Left Clueless as Brad Paisley Recruits Luke Bryan for Epic ‘American Idol’ Prank
Posted on January 27, 2026
| By
Lauren Jo Black
The biggest surprise of the ‘Idol’ premiere came from Paisley, who showed up to prank the judges.
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Texas Tailgater Jayson Arendt Hits a Home Run on ‘American Idol’ with Chris Stapleton Cover
Posted on January 27, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
Jayson showed that his talent isn’t just for the baseball field.
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WATCH: 15-Year-Old Khloe Grace Turns Tragedy Into Hope With Emotional ‘American Idol’ Audition
Posted on January 27, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
She blew the judges and viewers away with a tribute song honoring a girl she never got to meet.
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Luke Bryan Calls 17-Year-Old Lucas Leon ‘Idol Gold’ After Star-Making ‘American Idol’ Audition
Posted on January 27, 2026
| By
Lauren Jo Black
Bryan also compared the young man to his son, Bo.
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Luke Bryan Shares Surprising Stories About Fellow ‘Idol’ Judges Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie
Posted on January 5, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
Bryan shares unexpected insights into Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie behind the scenes.
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