American Idol is shaking things up in a big way for Season 24, and longtime fans are already feeling the changes. This year, all auditions were relocated to Belmont University in Franklin, Tennessee, while the show’s iconic Hollywood Week was replaced by a brand-new “Nashville Week.” After that round wrapped, 30 contestants advanced to the newly introduced Ohana Round.
The Top 20 were filmed last week on Thursday and Friday, January 29 and 30, at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii. Contestants performed in front of judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood, with Ryan Seacrest once again returning as host.
Adding a fresh twist to the judging process, a group of “Industry Tastemakers” joined the panel to help evaluate performances. Platinum Tickets are still in play this season, with three awarded by a focus group of these tastemakers after watching the Top 30 perform in Hawaii.
The Ohana Round Explained
The Ohana Round will unfold over three weeks and includes mentorship from country superstar Brad Paisley. Photos from ABC’s media site also confirm that Dancing With the Stars pro Sasha Farber was present in Hawaii.
Week one, titled Ohana Round, features the Top 30 performing for the Industry Tastemakers, fellow contestants, and a small audience of family and friends. The judges then narrow the field to the Top 20, who perform across two additional nights—presumably for America’s vote.
According to The Futon Critic, the episodes will air as follows:
-
Monday, March 9 – Ohana Round (Top 30)
-
Monday, March 16 – Top 20, Part 1
-
Monday, March 23 – Top 20, Part 2
As usual, spoilers have surfaced from trusted sources. While not officially confirmed, the majority of names are believed to be accurate.
Season 24 Top 30 Contestants
Abayomi
Bella Emry
Braden Rumfelt
Brenna Brigman
Brianna Yancey
Brooks Rosser
Bryant Thomas
Chloe Lauren
Chris Tungseth
Daniel Stallworth
Genevieve Heyward
Hannah Harper
Jacquie Lee
Jake Thistle
Jesse Findling
Jordan McCullough
Julian Kalel
Keyla Richardson
Kiera Howell
Kyndal
Kutter Bradley
Lucas Leon
Madison Moon
Makiyah Mustiful
Michael Garner
Philmon Lee
Rae Boyd
Ruby Rae
Sheldon Riley
Tianna Roberts
Season 24 Top 20 Contestants (Spoilers)
Abayomi
Braden Rumfelt
Brooks Rosser
Chris Tungseth
Daniel Stallworth
Genevieve Heyward
Hannah Harper
Jake Thistle
Jesse Findling
Jordan McCullough
Julian Kalel
Keyla Richardson
Kutter Bradley
Kyndal Inskeep
Lucas Leon
Madison Moon
Makiyah Mustiful
Philmon Lee
Rae Boyd
Ruby Rae
Top 20 Song Choices (Partial List)
-
“The Power of Love” – Huey Lewis and The News (Jake Thistle)
-
“Dancing On My Own” – Robyn / Calum Scott version (Brooks Rosser)
-
“Love on the Brain” – Rihanna (Braden Rumfelt)
-
“Bang Bang” – Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj (Makiyah Mustiful)
-
“Pink Pony Club” – Chappell Roan (Genevieve Heyward)
-
“Ain’t No Grave” – Bethel Music & Molly Skaggs (Hannah Harper)
-
“Call Your Mom” – Noah Kahan (Kyndal Inskeep)
-
“You Found Me” – The Fray (Jesse Findling)
-
“It’s Not Over” – Daughtry (Kutter Bradley)
Ohana Night 2 Song Choices
-
“Since U Been Gone” – Kelly Clarkson (Madison Moon)
-
“Just to See You Smile” – Tim McGraw (Lucas Leon)
-
“Drag Me Down” – One Direction (Ruby Rae)
-
“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” – U2 (Jordan McCullough)