American Idol launched its 24th season with a school-themed premiere on Monday, featuring a diverse array of contestants earning Golden Tickets to Hollywood Week. Standout performances included heartfelt originals and covers that moved the judges, culminating in a tearful audition by 15-year-old Khloe Grace. The episode introduced 13 new hopefuls, blending talent with personal stories of resilience.
The season 24 premiere of American Idol aired on Monday, presenting auditions from an eclectic group of aspiring singers. Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood awarded Golden Tickets to 13 contestants, setting the stage for Hollywood Week.
The episode opened with Lucas Leon, a 17-year-old fisherman from Gallatin, Tennessee, who surprised with his original song 'Fall in Love Someday,' showcasing a soulful voice with growls. Carrie Underwood called him 'baby-faced and adorable' yet mature. Keyla Richardson, a 29-year-old single mother and music teacher from Pensacola, Florida, delivered a flawless rendition of Pink's 'Glitter in the Air,' earning a stunned 'dang' from Underwood.
Jayson Arendt, 24, from Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, a member of the Texas Tailgaters in the Banana Ball Championship League, performed Chris Stapleton's 'Fire Away.' Though solid, the judges urged him to take his artistry more seriously. Daniel Stallworth, 27, an elementary music teacher from Moss Point, Mississippi, impressed with a jazzy piano version of Journey's 'Don't Stop Believin',' dedicating it to his students.
Jesse Findling, 19, from Massapequa Park, New York, overcame a lifelong stutter through singing, earning a standing ovation for Benson Boone's 'In the Stars.' A montage featured Ricky Boyce, 29, from Goldsboro, North Carolina, on Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Simple Man'; Brianna Yancey, 18, from Alpharetta, Georgia; and Jacquie Lee, 28, from Colts Neck, New Jersey, belting 'I Put a Spell on You' by Screamin' Jay Hawkins.
Genevieve Heyward, 26, from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, known for her pickle enthusiasm, rocked Heart's 'Magic Man,' with judges punning on her quirk. Brooks Rosser, 22, a medication technician from Bel Air, Maryland, connected through his 'unique' high voice on Joshua Sloane's 'Your Place at My Place,' inspired by his work with dementia patients.
Kyndal Inskeep, 29, advanced with her original 'Prayer of a Trying Daughter,' after 16-year-old Lainey Grace's cover of Inskeep's 'Honest' was rejected. Bryant Thomas, 26, from Mobile, Alabama, revealed himself from behind a pillar during Phil Collins' 'Against All Odds' and proposed to his girlfriend upon receiving his ticket.
The finale belonged to Khloe Grace, 15, whose original song honored 13-year-old cyberbullying victim Aubreigh Paige Wyatt. Aubreigh's mother surprised her onstage, leading to an emotional performance that left Underwood in tears, praising the song's message on grief and growth. The judges were speechless, highlighting Khloe's voice and artistry.
