American Idol 2026: Top 5 Revealed After Taylor Swift Tribute Performances
American Idol 2026: Top 5 Revealed After Taylor Swift Tribute Performances
Paulette CohnTue, April 28, 2026 at 2:01 AM UTC
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The Top 7 celebrated Taylor Swift’s chart-topping hits tonight on American Idolas America voted live to reveal which five artists move one step closer to their dream of becoming the next American Idol.
Then, in a second round, the artists performed songs that capture the spirit of California.
Also, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood were on hand to lend their voices to critique the Top 7 following their performances, and they were joined by guest judge Nikki Glaser.
Plus, Luke Bryan took the stage with his latest single “Country and She Knows It.”
As previously announced, The American Idol app for voting has been replaced by social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) voting. Text voting and online voting are still in place.
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Here's our spoiler-filled recap of who went home on American Idol tonight, and who made it through to the Top 5.
Who was eliminated on American Idol tonight?
Brooks, 23Bel Air, MDDementia Care Medication Tech
Daniel Stallworth, 27Moss Point, MSElementary Music Teacher
Related: How to Vote on American Idol 2026: Online, Text and Social Media Voting Guide
Who Made It Through to the American Idol Top 5?
Braden Rumfelt, 22Murphy, NYSubstitute Teacher
Chris Tungseth, 27Fergus Falls, MNConstruction Tradesman
Hannah Harper, 26Willow Springs, MOStay-at-Home Mom
Jordan McCullough, 27Murfreesboro, TNWorship Director
Keyla Richardson, 29Pensacola, FLMusic Teacher
Related: American Idol 2026 Results Last Night: Who Went Home and Who Made the Top 7
Here is how the night played out for the American Idol Top 7:
ROUND 1: TAYLOR SWIFT SONGSJORDAN McCULLOUGH
Song: “Tim McGraw”
Lionel said: “That is the way to put barbecue sauce on Taylor Swift. That was so well done. You put the curls in. I just love that. I can’t even hit that note. I love everything you did.”
Song: “exile”
Carrie said: “You have this tender quality to your voice that really lends itself to storytelling. I think you picked a really good song to showcase that.”
Song: “Mean”
Nikki said: “I am not going to be mean to you. I love that you chose this song. Because watching last week with you talking about some of the commentary online of your performance the previous week, I was thinking I really want her to address that because this song was based on a critic of Taylor’s. She was, ‘I’m going to write a song about it,’ and that came through for you tonight. I loved what you did with the banjo. That song was gorgeous.”
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Song: “Love Story”
Luke said: “I just love hearing your interpretation of that. Force yourself to always give more energy, more energy. I wanted a little more. A crazy week. Your girl (Rae) announced your relationship last week and you’re wearing silk shirts.”
Song: “Fearless”
Lionel said: “What I love about you is you walk out on this stage and, honestly, you picked the right song, you are fearless. I like that you not only sing, you perform, so the crowd is right with you.”
Song: “Lover”
Carrie said: “We don’t ever have to worry about you. There are some that we’re ‘what are they going to sing, what are they going to do with the song?’ I feel like we never have to worry about you. We just have to sit back and watch you perform. Your melodic choices, you just impress me every week.”
Song: “cardigan”
Nikki said: “You were in the pocket. Do you love that song, because I can tell you love that song. [He just learned it.] You ate that song. It is one of my favorites and you took me on a journey. It was really, really beautiful.”
ROUND 2: SONGS THAT CAPTURE THE SPIRIT OF CALIFORNIABROOKS
Song: “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5
Luke said: “That was the perfect song choice to fit your voice and whatever we told you the last round, there were none of those timing rounds. It was so perfect. It was what I hoped it would be.”
JORDAN McCULLOUGH
Song: “I Can Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt
Lionel said: “I want you to understand something. I have heard that song a long time. You got me crying on that song that I have heard a long time. I want you to know your delivery was right on point. Let the congregation say, ‘Amen.’”
Song: “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar feat. H.E.R.
Carrie said: “You sang all the notes. Every one. Your voice is like butter on hot toast. That’s all. It was great.”
Song: “This Love” by Maroon 5
Nikki said: “You owned that. You made that so cool. That was so much fun. You looked cool. It’s the silver buckle, the silk shirt, things coming off.”
Song: “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish
Luke said: “Man, really special. Beautiful. That’s twice tonight that you slayed us with those moments. Whatever you ate for breakfast, keep eating it.”
Song: “That’s The Way Love Goes” by Merle Haggard
Lionel said: “That was absolutely amazing. You are looking like a star, you are sounding like a star, I guess you’re getting closer to the big star.”
Song: “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James
Nikki said: “I know Jennifer Hudson throws a shoe, but I don’t have one. That was insane. An iconic Idol moment."
Then host Ryan Seacrest announced the Top 5: Keyla, Braeden, Jordan, Hannah, and Chris.
American Idol airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Streams next day on Hulu.
Next,'American Idol' Returns in 2026 with Three Game-Changing Shake-Ups
This story was originally published by Parade on Apr 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the TV section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
