The competition heated up on American Idol Monday night as the show debuted its groundbreaking “Ohana Round” at Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai’i. For the first time this season, the fate of the Top 30 contestants wasn’t solely in the hands of judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood. A new layer of influence was introduced, incorporating feedback from fellow contestants, family members in the audience, and a panel of music industry experts.
This innovative round saw the hopefuls perform before a unique audience comprised of industry insiders – including social media stars, choreographers, and music creators with a combined social media reach of nearly 149 million followers – as well as their loved ones. The result? Three contestants earned coveted Platinum Tickets, guaranteeing their place in America’s vote, whereas the judges completed the roster of the Top 20.
Influencers and the ‘Ohana Vote
The panel of influencers tasked with helping determine the next American Idol included voice coach Cheryl Porter, Dancing With the Stars finalist Sasha Farber, online personality Loren Gray, Kitchen Collab singer Anthony Gargiula, Rolling Stone co-editor-in-chief Shirley Halperin, Grand Ole Opry host Kelly Sutton, and TikTok duo Terry McCaskill and Kaniya Brown. Each group – contestants, ‘Ohana, and industry panel – had the power to award a Platinum Ticket, adding a new dynamic to the competition.
Platinum Ticket Winners
Jordan McCullough received the first Platinum Ticket, as chosen by his fellow contestants. Brooks Rosser earned the second, selected by the contestants’ families in attendance – their ‘Ohana. The final Platinum Ticket, awarded by the industry tastemakers, went to Kyndal Inskeep.
Jordan McCullough receives a Platinum Ticket from his fellow contestants. (Disney/Eric McCandless)
Brooks Rosser is awarded a Platinum Ticket by his ‘Ohana. (Disney/Eric McCandless)
Kyndal Inskeep earns the final Platinum Ticket from the industry panel. (Disney/Eric McCandless)
The ‘American Idol’ Top 20
Following the Platinum Ticket awards, the judges selected the remaining 17 singers to round out the Top 20. Here’s the full list of artists moving forward in the competition:
- Abayomi, 16, San Francisco
- Braden Rumfelt, 22, Murphy, N.C.
- Brooks Rosser, 22, Bel Air, Md.
- Chris Tungseth, 27, Fergus Falls, Minn.
- Daniel Stallworth, 27, Moss Point, Miss.
- Genevieve Heyward, 26, Lake Geneva, Wis.
- Hannah Harper, 25, Wilson Springs, Mo.
- Jake Thistle, 21, Paramus, N.J.
- Jesse Findling, 19, Massapequa Park, N.Y.
- Jordan McCullough, 27, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
- Julian Kalel, 19, El Paso, Texas
- Keyla Richardson, 29, Pensacola, Fla.
- Kutter Bradley, 22, Florence, Ala.
- Kyndal Inskeep, 29, Fishers, Ind.
- Lucas Leon, 18, Gallatin, Tenn.
- Madison Moon, 21, Orlando
- Makiyah, 24, Pine Bluff, Ark.
- Philmon Lee, 25, Lagrange, Ga.
- Rae, 24, Frederick, Md.
- Ruby Rae, 16, Pacific Palisades, Calif.
What’s Next for the Top 20?
The Top 20 will now prepare to perform for America’s vote over the next two weeks, with guidance from mentors Brad Paisley and Keke Palmer. Fans can expect more captivating performances and intense competition as the journey to crown the next American Idol continues.
Stay tuned to ABC and streaming platforms Disney+ and Hulu to follow the journey of these talented hopefuls. The show will also be streaming live on Disney+ beginning March 30, offering viewers even more ways to engage with the competition.
What do you consider of the new ‘Ohana Round format? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
