Two contestants were eliminated from American Idol Season 24 following Disney Night performances on April 20. Lucas Leon and Kyndal Inskeep left the competition, leaving Daniel Stallworth, Braden Rumfelt, Hannah Harper, Chris Tungseth, Keyla Richardson, Brooks, and Jordan McCullough to advance to the Top 7. Jennifer Hudson mentored the singers and served as a guest judge.
The Top 9 contestants performed Disney classics during the episode, with Hudson providing guidance alongside judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood. Standout moments included Keyla Richardson's powerful rendition of 'The Circle of Life' from The Lion King, which moved Hudson to tears, and Jordan McCullough's dynamic take on 'Colors of the Wind' from Pocahontas, earning shoe throws from the mentor. Hudson praised Daniel Stallworth's 'A Whole New World' from Aladdin, noting he sang 'from your shindo,' a term Stallworth explained as 'the holy ghost on the inside.' Braden Rumfelt delivered an intimate 'Remember Me' from Coco, while Brooks performed 'The Climb' from Hannah Montana: The Movie. The show also revealed that Brooks is now dating former contestant Rae, prompting an onstage appearance by her. Lucas Leon sang 'Life is a Highway' from Cars, and Kyndal Inskeep closed with 'Butterfly Fly Away' from Hannah Montana: The Movie. Underwood called Inskeep's performance her 'redemption' moment. Hudson appeared shocked by the eliminations, as noted by observers.
