American Idol 2026 Top 11 Contestants Revealed After Dramatic April 6 Episode
The live shows on American Idol 2026 just got even more intense! On the April 6 episode, fans finally saw the results of last week’s massive voting delay, followed by an exciting ’90s Judges’ Song Contest.
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Join NowThree talented singers said goodbye, leaving us with a powerful Top 11 heading into the next round.
Host Ryan Seacrest kicked things off by revealing the delayed eliminations, then the Top 12 performed songs hand-picked by judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood. America voted live, and Lionel Richie got the final say with his save.
Eliminations on April 6: Who Went Home?
- From last week’s delayed vote: Julian Kalel and Jake Thistle were eliminated before they could perform.
- Live result: Jesse Findling landed in the bottom two alongside Rae. After praising both performances, Lionel Richie chose to save Rae, sending Jesse home.
It was a heartbreaking moment, but the night was full of strong ’90s covers and emotional judge feedback.
Full List: American Idol 2026 Top 11
Here are the 11 contestants still in the running (listed alphabetically):
| Contestant Name | Hometown / Background | Style / Strength | April 6 Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braden Rumfelt | Murphy, NY | Soulful ballads | Safe with strong emotional delivery |
| Brooks Rosser | Bel Air, MD (Platinum Ticket) | Folk/indie charm | Consistent favorite |
| Chris Tungseth | Fergus Falls, MN | Rock edge | Safe and highly praised |
| Daniel Stallworth | Moss Point, MS | Soul/R&B | Reliable and solid vocals |
| Hannah Harper | Willow Springs, MO | Country/gospel power | Standout ’90s performance |
| Jordan McCullough | Murfreesboro, TN (Platinum Ticket) | Soulful storytelling | Looked shocked but advanced safely |
| Keyla Richardson | — | Powerful vocals | Safe |
| Kyndal Inskeep | Platinum Ticket winner | Emotional depth & originals | Strong safe showing |
| Lucas Leon | Gallatin, TN | Country/pop | Safe |
| Philmon Lee | — | Versatile performer | Safe |
| Rae | — | Soul/R&B powerhouse | Saved by Lionel Richie |
Highlights from the ’90s Judges’ Song Contest
Contestants tackled iconic ’90s hits selected by the judges. Several performances stood out for their energy, emotion, and clever interpretations.
Lionel Richie’s song picks performed particularly well, helping him win the Judges’ Song Contest and earn the save power.
Fans are already buzzing online about Hannah Harper’s fun country take and other memorable moments that showed real growth.
What the Judges Said
- Lionel Richie called the bottom-two decision one of the toughest yet, saying both Rae and Jesse delivered “amazing” performances. He ultimately saved Rae.
- Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood focused on authenticity, vocal control, and making the songs their own.
- The save added real tension and gave Rae a well-deserved second chance.
Who Are the Early Frontrunners in the Top 11?
With the field now smaller, these contestants are generating the biggest buzz:
- Hannah Harper – Rising fast with her country/gospel strength
- Kyndal Inskeep and Brooks Rosser – Platinum Ticket winners bringing consistency
- Rae – Gained huge support after the dramatic save
- Chris Tungseth and Jordan McCullough – Delivering polished, memorable sets
The competition remains wide open — one bad night could change everything.
What’s Coming Next?
Next week brings Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night on April 13. Expect even faster eliminations and higher stakes as we move closer to the finale.
How to Vote: Use the official American Idol website, the ABC app, or social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok). Your votes decide who stays!
The Top 11 is stacked with talent, and the journey to becoming the next American Idol is heating up fast. Who’s your pick to win this season? Share in the comments and don’t forget to vote for your favorites!
