The first round of eliminations on Season 24 of American Idol took place during Monday night’s episode (Feb. 23), and Luke Bryan predicted who he thinks will win.
For the first time in American Idol history, Hollywood Week took place somewhere other than Hollywood. This season, the more than 100 contestants who earned Golden Tickets during their audition gathered at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.
The hopefuls performed one song for the judges in hopes of earning one of the 30 spots reserved for the Ohana Round. Unlike in seasons past, contestants did not sing with a partner or in a group performance. Instead, they had one song and one chance to prove to the judges that they are ready for stardom.
Braden Rumfelt left no doubt in the judges’ minds that he was ready. The 22-year-old North Carolina native brought Luke, Lionel, and Carrie to their feet with his “I’m Not The Only One” cover.
“We knew you were special in your audition. We knew it. We felt it. We’re here to support you. We’re here to lift you up,” Luke told Braden. “Lean in. Be You. Be yourself and get ready for the ride. It’s gonna be really, really special.”
After Braden left the stage, Luke turned to his fellow judges and predicted that Braden “may win” the season.
Hollywood Week Results
For many of the hopefuls, it was the first time they had ever performed with a band, so the pressure was intense knowing that there would be no second chances.
At various times throughout the round, the judges deliberated to decide which artists would be sent to the Golden Room, meaning they were still in the running for a coveted Top 30 spot, and which artists’ Idol journeys were coming to an end.
The artists still in the running after Night One of Hollywood Week are:
Bryant Thomas
Keylah Richardson
Makiyah Mustiful
Madison Moon
Jordan McCullough
Hannah Harper
Roelle
Trace Casanova
Philmon Lee
Lucas Leon
Kiera Howell
Abayomi
Michael Garner
The episode ended with a cliffhanger, leaving fans wondering about the fate of Jake Thistle, Brianna Yancey, and Braden Rumfelt.
Watch Braden Rumfelt’s memorable Hollywood Week performance of Sam Smith’s “I’m Not The Only One” in the video below.
