“Disney Night” is back on American Idol.
The Top 9 take on iconic Disney songs Monday as America votes live, with only seven singers advancing in the race to the Season 24 finale.
After last week’s “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night,” Hannah Harper remains the one to beat, earning the top spot in our latest poll after her standout performance on “Landslide.”
American Idol 24 Predictions: Top 9
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Guiding the contestants this week is EGOT winner and American Idol Season 3 alum Jennifer Hudson, who mentors the artists on Disney songs. Hudson famously delivered one of the most memorable performances of her season with “Circle of Life” from The Lion King. At the time, Elton John called it his “favorite performance out of the whole lot” and said Hudson “sent chills up my spine.” More than 20 years later, Hudson returns to pay it forward.
Read on for our live recap of “Disney Night” as the Top 9 perform and America decides who moves on — and who is eliminated.
Previously on American Idol
Last week’s “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night” turned up the volume as the Top 11 took on iconic hits from legendary inductees, with mentors Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo guiding the singers through the live show.
At the end of the night, America’s vote narrowed the field once again. Rae and Philmon Lee received the fewest votes and were eliminated from the competition, officially setting tonight’s Top 9.
Top 9 live performances (updating live beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT)
Daniel Stallworth
Age: 27
Hometown: Moss Point, Miss.
Performance: “A Whole New World” from Aladdin
Carrie’s comments: “I knew you would crush it and I was right. It feels like it was made for you and your voice.”
Luke’s comments: “Everything you do is so well done. You’ve got it all.”
Lionel’s comments: “Your sermon was amazing. It was so natural — you were giving God’s gift to us.”
Jennifer’s comments: “The doors of the church are now open. You ministered, you owned it, and I felt it.”
Braden Rumfelt
Age: 22
Hometown: Murphy, N.C.
Performance: “Remember Me” from Coco
Carrie’s comments: “You have such a great presence when you sing — it’s really refreshing to watch.”
Luke’s comments: “That was a challenging, tricky song. That was tender. You did a great job creating the mood.”
Lionel’s comments: “You did so well on that. Thank God you remembered the lyrics.”
Jennifer’s comments: “I am so proud of you. You’re a star.”
Lucas Leon
Age: 18
Hometown: Gallatin, Tenn.
Performance: “Life is a Highway” from Cars
Carrie’s comments: “That was joyful. It was just entertaining — fun to watch.”
Luke’s comments: “You’re so watchable. Keep that confidence — you’re tearin’ it up.”
Lionel’s comments: “Give them everything you know how to do. Give me more attitude and you’ll be there.”
Jennifer’s comments: “You owned the stage. I felt like I was at your concert.”
Hannah Harper
Age: 25
Hometown: Willow Springs, Mo.
Performance: “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog
Carrie’s comments: “You remind me of myself. I got dragged when I was on this show for not moving enough. You are on your way — just keep taking steps.”
Luke’s comments: “It made my heart smile. You did it perfectly.”
Lionel’s comments: “Whatever shoes you’re going to wear on stage, make sure you wear them in rehearsal. Otherwise, your performance was amazing.”
Jennifer’s comments: “You look absolutely beautiful. You were true to yourself in that moment.”
Chris Tungseth
Age: 27
Hometown: Fergus Falls, Minn.
Performance: “Let It Go” by Frozen
Carrie’s comments: “That’s the most we have seen you emote. You let go, and I want to see more of that!”
Luke’s comments: “I never in a million years would have thought we’d hear you sing ‘Let it Go,’ but great job playing along with the moment.”
Lionel’s comments: “Stage presence was fantastic!”
Jennifer’s comments: “You’re such a Teddy bear. You’re a joy to watch, you have an amazing voice, but don’t lose the song. This is a singing competition first.”
Keyla Richardson
Age: 29
Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
Performance: “Circle of Life” from The Lion King
Carrie’s comments: “What they said.” (Points to screaming audience.)
Luke’s comments: “Great job. Great performance.”
Lionel’s comments: “Let the congregation say Amen!”
Jennifer’s comments: “You performed it like it was your testimony. I hope it does the same for you as it did for me.”
Brooks
Age: 22
Hometown: Bel Air, Md.
Performance: “The Climb” from Hannah Montana: The Movie
Carrie’s comments: “I’m so proud. Each week you get more comfortable in the gift that you have.”
Luke’s comments: “Keep digging. The song ran away from you a little bit, but keep chasing this.”
Lionel’s comments: “Your magic is in your voice. Just keep doing that and you’re going places.”
Jennifer’s comments: “You have such a special sound. You’re in the right place and you deserve to be here.”
Jordan McCullough
Age: 27
Hometown: Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Performance: “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas
Carrie’s comments: “That was perfect.”
Luke’s comments: “I’m not saying anything — listen to them.” (points to crowd)
Lionel’s comments: “Shut yo’ mouth!”
Jennifer’s comments: “I threw the shoes. Nothing left to be said.”
Kyndal
Age: 29
Hometown: Fishers, Ind.
Performance: “Butterfly Fly Away” from Hannah Montana: The Movie
Carrie’s comments: “Feeling like you felt last week is necessary. When we don’t have moments like that we can’t have beautiful moments of redemption like you just had.”
Luke’s comments: “Way to come back and get through a rough week. Great job.”
Lionel’s comments: “That was the way to step into your light. You were born enough.”
Jennifer’s comments: “That was absolutely beautiful.”
Elimination
“Dim the lights!”
Ryan revealed the Top 7 based on America’s vote. The two contestants who received the fewest votes and were eliminated from the competition were Kyndal and Lucas.
Next Week
The Top 7 will take on chart-topping hits from Taylor Swift as America votes live to reveal the Top 5. The episode will also include a special salute to California’s biggest artists. Comedian, Golden Globes host, and self-proclaimed “Swiftie,” Nikki Glaser, will join as a guest judge.
American Idol airs Monday, April 27 from 8–10 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available to stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
