Who made the Top 20 on 'American Idol'? Season 24 heats up as 3 singers snag Platinum Tickets in Hawaii
The latest episode of ‘American Idol’ Season 24 aired on Monday, March 9, and the competition took a sunny detour to Hawaii. 30 hopeful singers arrived on the islands hoping their voices would carry them further in the contest, as the pressure ramped up with a fresh twist in the format called the ‘Ohana Round.’ Standing by to judge it all were the familiar trio: Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. They watched closely as each singer stepped up to perform not just for them, but for a pretty mixed crowd. This included fellow contestants, friends, and relatives, too. There was also a group described as "industry tastemakers."
After each performance wrapped, the judges offered their thoughts. But the real twist came afterward. This time around, the decision didn’t rest only with the judges. Voting power was shared. Contestants cast votes, though they weren’t allowed to pick themselves. Friends and family also voted, but naturally, they couldn’t select their own loved ones. The industry folks joined the process as well. At the end of the round, three special passes were handed out: platinum tickets that guaranteed a spot in the next phase of the competition. First up was the choice made by the contestants themselves. After tallying their votes, the singer who came out on top was Jordan McCullough.
Next came the vote from the friends and family section. Their favorite? Brooks Rosser. Then it was time for the industry voters to reveal their decision. Their selection landed on Kyndal Inskeep, giving the singer a direct path forward in the competition. Just like that, three artists were safely through. Of course, the show still needed to determine the Top 20, so the judging panel stepped in to decide who would claim the remaining spots. After reviewing the performances and weighing everything they had seen that evening, the trio filled out the list.
The singers moving ahead alongside the platinum winners included Philmon Lee, Madison Moon, Braden Rumfelt, Jake Thistle, Jesse Findling, Lucas Leon, Ruby Rae, Genevieve Heyward, Hannah Harper, Chris Tungseth, Julián Kalel, Rae, Daniel Stallworth, Abayomi, Kutter Bradley, Makiyah, and Keyla Richardson. The Top 20, still in Hawaii, will perform during the episodes airing on March 16 and March 23. Notably, the viewers finally get a say. For the first time this season, audiences across the country will vote for their favorites. That public vote will decide who stays and who goes as the show moves closer to its live broadcasts. Results from that round will be revealed on March 30, when the live shows kick off, and the pressure ramps up even more.
