ABC’s American Idol returned last night (Jan. 26) with the premiere of Season 24, bringing a fresh spin to the iconic singing competition. Auditions took place both remotely and live at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. 

In a departure from tradition, the coveted Hollywood Week has been reimagined as Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover, and a new Ohana Round will give the remaining 30 contestants a chance to perform for a panel of “industry tastemakers.” 

Judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie return alongside longtime host Ryan Seacrest, guiding this season’s hopefuls through the themed "Idol University,"where mentorship and music history collide. 

The premiere gave viewers a taste of what’s to come, featuring jaw-dropping auditions from some of the most talented musicians yet. Keep scrolling to see the top auditions that are already making fans take notice this season.

Season 24 airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT on ABC. 

Teenager Lucas Leon Performs Original Song 

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Seventeen-year-old Lucas Leon from Gallatin, Tennessee, made a striking impression on American Idol with his combination of charm, talent, and originality. From the moment he walked into the audition room, he caught Luke Bryan’s attention, who immediately noted Lucas’s resemblance to his own son, Bo, even showing him a recent photo and joking that they "could be brothers." The young artist performed an original song, "Fall In Love Someday," co-written with Kaleb Thomas Jones and Smith Curry, that truly showcased his skills. Strumming his Martin acoustic guitar, Lucas delivered gritty, soulful vocals that highlighted both his technical ability and emotional maturity. The audition scored him a standing ovation from all three judges. Carrie Underwood marveled at the mix of his youthful appearance and artistic depth, calling him "adorable" yet possessing an "odd, awesome maturity" that could carry him far in the competition, while Lionel Richie praised his honesty and talent. By the end of his audition, it was clear that Lucas Leon wasn’t just a promising young singer-songwriter, he was a performer with star potential.

Jesse Findling Turns a Stutter into a Superpower

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Jesse Findling, a 20-year-old college student with a severe stutter, left the American Idol judges in awe with his emotional performance of Bensen Boone's "In The Stars." Jesse revealed that singing has always been his safe space, a way to express himself freely when his stutter made speaking in class or raising his hand feel impossible. During his audition, Luke Bryan praised him as a “real singer,” Carrie Underwood marveled at his beautiful tone and vibrato, and Lionel Richie told him, "Problem? What problem? You don’t have a problem." Earning his Golden Ticket to Hollywood, Jesse celebrated the journey from a shy, self-conscious kid to a confident performer, proving that a disability is only a label and doesn’t define your potential.

"Walking out with a golden ticket would mean that everything I’ve struggled with in the past, it’s all led me here," he said. "I can do whatever I want if I work hard."

Baseball Player Jayson Arendt Proves He’s Country Music's Next Heartthrob 

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Jayson Arendt, 24, a Banana Ball League player from North Carolina, made one of the most unforgettable entrances of the season on American Idol, blending baseball, dancing, and country music into a full-on show. Leading his team, the Texas Tailgaters, to the rhythm of "Cotton Eye Joe," Jayson  immediately had the judges laughing. Luke Bryan even joined the dance floor mid-audition. But it wasn’t all theatrics…when Jayson launched into Chris Stapleton’s "Fire Away," his soulful voice and rich country twang revealed an arena-ready performer, confident, emotive, and commanding attention beyond the baseball spectacle. The judges praised his charisma and vocal control, ultimately sending him to Hollywood Week with three resounding “yes” votes. 

Viral Secret Shower Singer Reveals His Identity 

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Bryant Thomas, the viral TikTok sensation known as the "Secret Shower Singer," finally revealed his identity on American Idol while delivering a breathtaking cover of Phil Collins’ "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)." Introduced by his girlfriend Alyona, who explained that millions had heard his voice but never seen him, Bryant entered the audition room behind a massive pillar, keeping the suspense alive until midway through his performance. When he finally stepped into view (rocking a mullet, aviator sunglasses, and a Canadian tuxedo) the judges were floored by his emotive, soulful delivery. 

Carrie Underwood called his voice "outrageous." After earning a unanimous golden ticket to Hollywood Week, Bryant surprised everyone by proposing to Alyona on the spot, declaring that their journey had always started with her. Fans are already convinced that Bryant has the potential to go far, possibly even win the competition. With a shiver-inducing vocal range, undeniable stage presence, and a devoted fanbase ready to vote each week, he’s proving that the “Secret Shower Singer” is now a bona fide Idol contender.

Khloe Grace Pays Tribute To Late 13-Year-Old 

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15-year-old Khloe Grace delivered an unforgettable and deeply emotional audition with her original song, "Forever 13," a heartfelt tribute to 13-year-old Aubreigh Wyatt, who tragically died by suicide in 2023. The audition began in an unconventional way, as Aubreigh’s mother, Heather Wyatt, stepped forward to introduce Khloe and share the story behind the song, marking the first time the two had met in person. Heather spoke about the impact Khloe’s music had on her when she first heard it a year ago, saying it captured Aubreigh’s struggles with bullying and social media pressures with heartbreaking clarity. Khloe, visibly moved herself, explained that although she never met Aubreigh, her story compelled her to write “Forever 13” in the hope it might bring comfort to others facing similar challenges. 

Judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan were visibly moved. Richie called the performance "a gift…a very moving moment," while Underwood praised Khloe’s maturity and ability to turn heartbreak into something positive that could inspire others. Bryan highlighted Khloe’s potential as both a singer and songwriter, saying her empathy and insight show she could "do a lot of good in this world." She shared a heartfelt moment with the judges, earning a golden ticket and advancing straight to Hollywood Week. While fans are deeply touched by Khloe’s songwriting, many have expressed skepticism about her vocal strength, questioning whether she has the raw singing ability to make it far in the competition. 

Single Mother Keyla Richardson Brings Luke Bryan To Tears 

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Keyla Richardson, a 29-year-old single mother and music teacher from Pensacola, Florida, delivered a show-stopping audition that left the judges in awe. Motivated by her son Drew, Richardson poured heart and soul into a soaring rendition of P!nk’s "Glitter In The Air," showcasing powerhouse vocals that drew comparisons to Alicia Keys. Her performance earned three enthusiastic "yes" votes and a golden ticket to Hollywood Week. 

Brooks Rosser Shines Without Any Stage Experience

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Brooks Rosser is already making waves, turning heads with his heartfelt story and standout voice. Before stepping on stage, he spent time uplifting residents at a dementia care center, a background that brought extra emotion to his audition. Brooks opened with a moving performance of "Your Place at My Place" and then delivered a soulful, spine-tingling take on "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door," showcasing his impressive upper register and a style that blends folk and adult contemporary. Fans and judges were instantly captivated. Despite limited stage experience, Brooks’ passion and authenticity make him a serious contender, with the potential to grow into one of the season’s most memorable performers.

Pickle Girl Gets "Yes" After Singing "Magic Man"

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The 26-year-old indie rock singer earned a golden ticket with a commanding performance of Heart’s "Magic Man." Genevieve Heyward, known for her love of pickles, a passion she has turned into part of her artist brand with merch and matching shirts for her family and fans, immediately charmed the judges and host Ryan Seacrest. 

Her performance, accompanied by a guitarist, showcased a cool rasp at the top of her voice that impressed the judges, with Underwood praising her ability to make the song her own, Bryan encouraging her to push herself further, and Richie emphasizing her raw talent. When the golden ticket was revealed, the judges erupted with “Pickle Girl” chants and pun-filled celebrations, perfectly highlighting Heyward’s unforgettable persona. Fans are already talking about her, noting that her distinctive voice stands out amid the season’s country-heavy auditions, and her quirky pickle identity gives her a unique edge, making it almost impossible to forget this audition and suggesting she has the potential to go far in the competition.

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Fans are already calling Season 24 the potential rebirth of American Idol, especially after competition shows saw a major ratings boost in 2025 thanks to hits like DWTS. The premiere definitely delivered the drama, the emotion, and the unforgettable auditions that keep viewers coming back, but many fans couldn’t help noticing one thing. This season leans heavily country.

Normally, Idol auditions feature a mix of pop, R&B, rock, and everything in between, but this year, singer-songwriters with boots and guitars seemed to dominate the stage. Some fans chalk it up to strategy. After all, Idol has a long history of producing successful country stars, so it’s a proven launching pad. Others aren’t so subtle about pointing fingers at the judges panel, with Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood naturally drawing more country talent. Either way, fans are excited, intrigued, and already debating whether this focus will pay off. Will you be watching this season? Let us know your fan of view below or by sending us a message on social media @fandomdaily_.