The American Idol 2026 Top 11 is now set after Monday night’s Judges’ Song Contest episode narrowed the field and sent three contestants home. The latest episode aired on April 6, 2026, and resumed after last week’s vote count was halted, with Ryan Seacrest revealing which singers moved on and which ones were eliminated.
This round leaned into nostalgia, as the Top 12 performed 1990s hits chosen by Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan. The theme, aimed squarely at ABC’s millennial audience, added another layer of pressure during a crucial stage of the competition.
American Idol 2026 Top 11 contestants
The show opened by confirming two eliminations before the final Top 11 reveal. Later in the episode, another contestant left the competition after Lionel Richie used a save, shaping the final group.
The 11 contestants who advanced are: Philmon Lee, Braden Rumfelt, Lucas Leon, Hannah Harper, Chris Tungseth, Rae, Daniel Stallworth, Keyla Richardson, Jordan McCullough, Brooks Rosser, and Kyndal Inskeep.
Who got eliminated on American Idol?
Three contestants exited the competition during the April 6 episode. The singers sent home were Julián Kalel, Jake Thistle, and Jesse Findling.
The episode kept both viewers and contestants on edge, especially after the earlier cliffhanger delayed the final results. With the live shows now set, the competition enters a more intense phase as the remaining singers fight for a place in the finale.
The Judges’ Song Contest played a key role in shaping the next stage of the season. Contestants had to win over both the judges and the audience with familiar ‘90s tracks, while the save added extra drama to an already tense night.
Now, with the Top 11 confirmed, attention will shift to the live shows and the performances that could define the rest of the season
