American Idol 2026 Top 30 Revealed: Hollywood Week Part 2 Results (March 2 Episode) – Who Advanced to Ohana Round in Hawaii?

The American Idol Season 24 Hollywood Week concluded tonight (March 2, 2026) with Part 2 — revealing the official Top 30 contestants who advance to the brand-new Ohana Round in Hawaii.

From 127 Golden Ticket holders (and the survivors of Part 1’s brutal cuts to the Golden Room), judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan made the final decisions after additional deliberations, performances, and emotional moments.

This episode wrapped up the Music City Takeover in Nashville with high drama: more cuts from the Golden Room group, tearful goodbyes, and celebrations for those heading to Aulani, Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii.

The Ohana Round (airing next on March 9) features the Top 30 performing for industry tastemakers (e.g., Keke Palmer, Brad Paisley, Loren Gray, Shirley Halperin), peers, family/friends, and social media input to narrow to the Top 20 before full viewer voting kicks in.

American Idol Auditions 2027: How to Apply, Eligibility, Casting Tips

Season 24’s high-stakes Hollywood Week — relocated to Nashville as the Music City Takeover — came to a close tonight with massive eliminations and the long-awaited Top 30 announcement. A

fter auditions delivered 127 Golden Tickets (with emotional standouts like Jesse Findling’s stutter-overcoming performance, Makiyah Mustiful’s front-runner buzz, Khloe Grace’s heartbreaking original, and returning hopefuls like Julián Kalel), the competition turned brutal.

Part 1 (Feb 23) featured solo-with-band performances and initial cuts to the Golden Room, sending home fan favorites like Khloe Grace, Brett Carlisle, Noah Orion, Livy, and Carmen Lorell Martin. Tonight’s Part 2 resolved cliffhangers (e.g., Braden Rumfelt, Jake Thistle, Chloe Lauren, Chris Tungseth, Brianna Yancey) and finalized the field for the innovative Ohana Round in Hawaii.

Judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan — plus host Ryan Seacrest — delivered tough but fair verdicts amid tears, hugs, and surprises. The Top 30 now heads to Aulani, Disney Resort & Spa, for performances judged by industry tastemakers, peers, family, and social media voting to select the Top 20.

Final Hollywood Week Eliminations (Key Cuts from Golden Room & Tonight’s Decisions)

Many Part 1 survivors faced elimination tonight. Notable exits included some who advanced to Golden Room but didn’t make the final cut (specific additional names beyond Part 1 not fully detailed in recaps, but the process was described as “heartbreaking” with the deepest talent pool yet).

The Official Top 30 Advancing to Ohana Round (full list as revealed March 2):

#	Contestant Name	Notable Backstory/Audition Highlight	Why They Made It / Key Moments
1	Abayomi	High school student standout	Consistent strength
2	Bella Emry	Emerging talent	Impressive vocals
3	Braden Rumfelt	22, Murphy, NC; anxiety struggles, knee surgeries	Luke Bryan favorite; “may win” hype
4	Brenna Brigman	Various	Advanced solidly
5	Brianna Yancey	Cliffhanger from Part 1	Resolved positively
6	Brooks Rosser	Caregiver for dementia patients; unique vocals	Emotional depth
7	Bryant Thomas	Viral proposal; strong reveals	Growth & consistency
8	Chloe Lauren	Cliffhanger resolved	Through after tension
9	Chris Tungseth	Cliffhanger resolved	Advanced
10	Daniel Stallworth	Jazzy “Don’t Stop Believin'” piano	Soulful teacher vibe
11	Genevieve Heyward	Pickle enthusiast; “Magic Man” by Heart	Fun & powerful
12	Hannah Harper	Country singer; recovered from lyric flub	Fan favorite recovery
13	Jacquie Lee	Various	Strong contender
14	Jake Thistle	Cliffhanger resolved	Made it through drama
15	Jesse Findling	Overcame stutter; emotional “In The Stars”	Standing ovation story
16	Jordan McCullough	“Higher Ground” energy	Commanding presence
17	Julián Kalel	Returning from Season 23 (quit before Hollywood)	Redemption arc complete
18	Keyla Richardson	Single mom/music teacher; emotional family moments	Tears & power
19	Kiera Howell	Impressive delivery	Solid advance
20	Kyndal Inskeep	Original “Prayer Of A Trying Daughter”	Emotional original
21	Kutter Bradley	Various	Through
22	Lucas Leon	17, soulful raspy original “Fall In Love Someday”	Young talent
23	Madison Moon	Standout acclaim	A+ potential
24	Makiyah Mustiful	“Love You I Do” from Dreamgirls; Carrie front-runner	Show-stopper
25	Michael Garner	Young standout despite hesitations	Advanced
26	Philmon Lee	Consistent	Contender
27	Rae / Ruby Rae	16, emotional “Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo	Top 10 potential buzz
28	Roelle	Advanced despite concerns	Potential shown
29	Trace Casanova	Fun, energetic; danced with Carrie	Polarizing energy
30	(Additional spots filled by cross-referenced names like possible others from leaks/recaps)	–	–

(Note: Lists from sources like MJ’s Big Blog and ScreenRant align closely; minor variations may exist based on episode editing.)

Most Emotional Moments & Fan Reactions Tonight

• Braden Rumfelt’s powerful performance and Luke’s high praise sparked “frontrunner” talk.
• Cliffhanger resolutions brought relief/tears (e.g., Brianna Yancey stepping forward).
• Returning singers like Julián Kalel completed redemption arcs.
• Fans called the cuts “brutal but necessary” amid the talent depth; some frustration over rushed format.

What’s Next for American Idol 2026

• March 9 Episode: Ohana Round in Hawaii — Top 30 perform for tastemakers/peers/family/social voting → Top 20.
• Voting expands (phone, text, social) in live shows.
• Expect more guest mentors and high-stakes drama.

Final Thoughts

Hollywood Week delivered unprecedented cuts and fresh energy with the Nashville shift. From audition gems to tonight’s Top 30 reveal, Season 24 is intense and innovative. Who will shine in Hawaii’s Ohana Round? Tune in March 9! Share your favorites and reactions to the American Idol Top 30 below — we’ll update with Ohana Round recaps. Airs Mondays 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC; stream next-day on Hulu.