RYAN SEACREST, CARRIE UNDERWOOD, LIONEL RICHIE, LUKE BRYAN - American Idol 2026Ryan Seacrest, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. (Disney/Brian Bowen Smith)

American Idol 2026 Premiere Recap – We’re Live Blogging the Season 24 kickoff

American Idol season 24 kicks off tonight (Jan 26), earlier than it ever has in the ABC era. Auditions took place at Belmont University. Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, Lionel RIchie and Luke Bryan sit on the judges panel. Ryan Seacrest hosts. Who will make it through to the Hollywood Nashville Round? We’re live blogging here.

 

The show dedicates the entire season 24 of American Idol to Robin Kaye, the executive who was murdered earlier this year.

 

The show opens with a preview of past Idol winners and notables. The theme is “class” as the auditions take place at Belmont University. “First day of school,” Lionel proclaims at auditions start.

Lucas Leon – 17 – Fall in Love Some Day (Original)

Luke Bryan takes one look at Lucas and declares he could be his son. He proves it showing a recent photo of his own son on his phone. They do look alike! Lucas is a songwriter from Gallatin. Lucas strums along to an original song titled “Fall in Love Some Day.” He sings with a raspy, appealing tone, although he’s a tad bit nasally. He has an ear for melody. The song makes an impact.

The judges give him a standing ovation. Carrie believes he could go pretty far. “Pretty, honest, believable,” declares Lionel. 3 enthusiastic yeses

 

Keyla Richardson – 29 – Glitter in the Air by P!nk

Keyla, a teacher from Pensacola, Florida, loves to play basketball. She is also a mother to a young son. She’s 29 and is about to age out of the show. She is a music teacher, and it shows. Keyla has also competed on BET’s Sunday’s Best. She isn’t new to singing competitions. Her runs are expert. A beautiful singer.

Lucas declares her “interesting.” Carrie suggests that she lit it breath a little bit. Lionel is also somewhat critical. It appears they are going to have viewers wondering if Keyla’s last chance will fly. Luke coaches her through a few lines of the song. She was fine to begin with! Dad and her son join Keyla in the audition room as Luke leaks a few tears. The kiddo sings a bit of “God Only Knows” (The Christian song, not the Beach Boys tune). 3 yeses

Jayson Arendt – 24 – Fire Away by Chris Stapleton

Carrie is distracted by a Tailgaters abs. Luke threatens to go shirtless. Lionel believes he’s distinct. Carrie hopes that Jayson takes his performances seriously. Luke says he does not need to sing so loud. Regardless 3 yeses.

 

Daniel Stallworth – 27 – Don’t Stop Believing by Journey

Daniel is a music teacher from Mississippi. He’s auditioning for his students. He sits down at the piano and sings a soulful version of the Journey classic. The judges give him a standing ovation. 3 yeses.

Tate Emmons – 15 – Hard Fought Hallelujah by Brandon Lake

Tate could sing before he could talk. His vocal coach is Breanna Nix’s uncle. The young singer is from a small town Mississippi. Breanna is with him as support. Recently, she heard him sing and arranged an audition for him.

He sings like his voice hasn’t changed yet. Maybe it has not? Or he could have a naturally high register. Still, he sings with a maturity not only vocally, but also the way he phrases a song. He sounds like he understands what he’s singing. Luke praises his acoustic guitar skills. Luke coaches him through re-singing the chorus with more passion. Weirdly, Luke feels his talent is immature. They wonder if they should throw him to the wolves. Breanna tries to convince them. Carrie says yes, Lionel says no, and then Luke says no! He’ll come back next season, and they’ll let him through. It’s a no 2 nos, 1 yes.

Jesse Findling – 19 – In the Stars by Benson Boone

ABC previewed this audition last week. Jesse speaks with a notable stutter. He’s had a stutter most of his life. He’s struggled with. He felt embarrassed. Singing, which comes from a different part of the brain than speaking, was a great outlet for him because it did not affect his stutter. His brother, who also stutters, also sings.

 

He sings his song pick, by former contestant Benson Boone, with his brother. Jesse’s tone is lovely and his phrasing is heartfelt and believable. He’s a real one! The judges give him a standing ovation. Luke calls him a “real singer.” Carrie calls his voice beautiful, and notes that he was in the song emotional. Jesse’s family joins him the audition room as all judges say yes. Carrie believes he can go far in the competition. – 3 yeses

Brad Paisley and Luke Bryan play a prank on Carrie Underwood

Oh look, Belmont Alumni Brad Paisley drops by. The auditions are taking place in the “Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams ballroom.” They play a prank on Carrie. Luke wears an earpiece while Brad tells him ridiculous things to say to get under Carrie’s skin. He tells a singer named Dylan Hollis that he hates Michigan, where he is from. Leave the contestants out of your pranks! Oh wait…Dylan is a FAKE auditioner. Whew. Luke says more crazy stuff and Dylan sings. Finally, Brad enters the room. “We really like Michigan, by the way!”

Ricky Boyce – 29 – Simple Man by Lynyrd Skinner

We join Ricky just after his audition begins. It’s just a montage for Ricky, who will age out of American Idol next year. – 3 yeses

Ryan arrives with a tray of “Hot Chicken” which became a hallmark of the Paisley/Bryan prank.

 

Brianna Yancey – 18

Viewers only get a small taste of Brianna’s big voice. It’s hot chicken for everybody afterward! – 3 yeses.

Jacquie Lee – 28 – I Put a Spell on You

Oh no. This The Voice fan favorite from season 5 (she was only a teen at the time) is montaged here. Interesting to note that alongside releasing music, Jacquie has been doing the Only Fans thing for the last couple of years. The gal, who finished in 2nd place on The Voice, can still belt a song. Lionel feels she has a “bring the house down voice.” Still eating that hot chicken! – 3 yeses

Genevieve Hayward – 26 – Magic Man by Heart

She loves pickles? And apparently brought a ton of friends and family with her. The singer loves pickling things. Genevieve is taking on a big big song. Fans will remember that Carrie nailed the duo’s song “Alone” during her run on American Idol. She sounds a little flat here, but comes across as a credible rock singer. It’s a hard song to sing with only an acoustic guitar.

Carrie is on her feet. “That’s a tall order,” she says. “You made it your own…you have a cool rasp.” Luke advises that she push more. Lionel also says to her allow her voice to do what it wants to do. “She’s the real dill,” quips Carrie. – 3 yeses.

 

Brock Ryne – 28 – Sherry by the Four Seasons

His thing is singing songs from the Four Seasons jukebox musical, Jersey Boys. His falsetto is somewhat nasally and not as pristine as Frankie Vallie’s, but he does a credible tribute of the legendary singer (who is now in his 90’s). The judges sing along.

Lionel is looking for more identity. Not surprisingly, the judges turn him down – 3 nos

Jewels – 25 – Bust your Windows by Jazmine Sullivan

Jewels speaks to the judges like she’s got a spirit inside of her who needs to be exorcised. Apparently that deep gruff voice is her real voice, and the lighter more feminine voice is a fake one created to combat the bullying she endured. Her singing voice is normal sounding enough! – Carrie says yes, Luke says no, and it appears that Lionel also said no? Unclear.

Josiah Dyer – 20 – My Way by Frank Sinatra

Josiah strums an acoustic guitar as he sings the Sinatra classic in a deep Elvis Presley type voice. It’s kind of odd. Luke says he has a great voice, but his style is too Elvisy. Luke works with him a little, but the judges still say no – 3 nos.

 

Brooks Rosser – 22 – Your Place at My Place by Joshua Sloan

Brooks has never performed in front of an audience. He works in a Maryland dementia facility. Idol camera crew filmed him at work. He grew up a shy kid. His grandmother was his biggest fan. He used music to communicate with her while she struggled with dementia. “Music is one thing that can’t forget.”

He plays a long guitar intro before opening his mouth to reveal a sweet, high, unique voice. It’s a beautiful and heartfelt performance. His lack of experience could trip him up in the competition.

Luke wants to hear more. He compares him to Van Morrison. Carrie calls him a unicorn. He sings Knockin on Heavens Door at work for the residents. He sings a little bit of it hear. He totally makes the familiar Bob Dylan song his own. Carrie tears up. “I have not heard another voice like this ever,” Lionel says. Last year’s contestant, Thunderstorm Artis is nearby listening and he calls Brooks performance “great.” – 3 yeses

Kyndal – 29 – Honest (Original Song)

Kyndal is Kyndal Inskeep. Many of you may remember her as a fan favorite The Voice contestant from season 17. She left the competition at the Playoffs round. Since then, she has garnered an impressive following on social media, impressing fans with her original songs. She has been pursuing music her entire life.

 

Kyndal sings her viral song Honest, which contestant Lainey Grace also covers. Kyndal, who is almost aged out of American Idol, gives her performance everything she’s got. Her experience and lived life shows here. Her rendition illustrates why Lainey may not be ready for the competition yet.

Carrie says, “You got stuff!” She loves the song and her voice. “You took us into your world.” Lionel admires that she took the time to learn who she is. Luke compliments her range. – 3 yeses

Lainey Grace – 16 – Honest by Kyndal Inskeep

From Alabama, she has 12 siblings. Her dad and two sisters are with her. Her mom is back at the farm “handling things.” Lainey’s audition is cross edited with Kyndal’s and the reason is that Lainey will sing one of her songs for her audition. Kyndal is nearby looking EXTREMELY shocked and emotional.

Lainey has got the whole Olivia Rodrigo vibe going for her as she accompanies herself on piano. Her performance is quite assured for a 16 year old. However, she has not developed her own style yet. YET is the operative word here. She’s got a ton of potential.

Lionel thinks she has vocal chops. Luke calls her tone and sound undeniable. He worries she’s not ready, but says yes. Carrie says no because she’s not ready. Lionel sees her grown up qualities. Kyndal enters the room. The two sing the song together. Lainy works to project her voice more. Still, Lionel says no. They are being hard on the young ones, which is a good thing, actually! The kids should wait until they are 18 to audition, that’s what I think. – Luke says yes, Carrie and Lionel say no

Bryant Thomas – 26 – Against All Odds by Phil Collins.

This singer has gone viral on social media with a shtick that features his girlfriend Alyona reacting to his singing in the show. He has NEVER appeared himself in his videos, so his follows don’t know what he looks like. She’s come with him to audition for Idol where there will be some kind of face reveal? Maybe? Girlfriend becomes quite emotional speaking about him.

Bryant hides behind a pillar as he shares his story with the judges. From Alabama, he grew up in the church singing. It’s kinda like The Voice now! Bryant has a great voice. If he’s serious, he’s going to have to reveal his face at some point. Of course, that ruins his social media thing. OH HERE HE COMES. Fans, Bryant reveals himself. He looks like a dude from the 80s, mullett and all.

Bryant feels overwhelmed. Carrie calls his voice outrageous “It’s incredible,” she gushes. Lionel believes Bryant has star power vocals “You are all the way there.” Luke compliments his soulful voice. The family joins him as he hears the good news. 3 yeses

The audition ends with Bryant getting down on his knee and proposing. Aw. She says yes, of course.

Khloe Grace – 15 – Forever 13

Khloe is introduced to the judges by the mother of Aubreigh Wyatt who died by suicide at only age 13 in 2023. Heather Wyatt has a large social media platform of her own where she advocates for mental health. The contestant, Khloe, wrote an original song called “Forever 13” which she dedicated to Aubreigh. Heather explains that years of bullying pressured her to take her own life. Khloe never met Aubreigh or her family, but the story, which she related to, moved her to write the song. She’ll be meeting Heather for the first time today. The two embrace.

 

Khloe is a country singer who possesses potential to be a great songwriter, even if she’s not ready vocally for the competition. She sounds nervous. But the song has depth.

Lionel is “so moved.” Carrie notes her maturity and tears up while she explains that something positive will come out of the song. Luke is impressed with Khloe’s empathy. All the judges says yes (Psst. She’s not ready either!). Khloe shares with Carrie that she’s been a fan since 7 years old. “Now who is the inspiration,” Carrie responds.