My grandma was diagnosed with dementia in 2019. I watched her mind slowly slip away, piece by piece, until one day she didn’t know me anymore. Still, she’d look at me and say, “I don’t know her name, but I know she’s my beautiful granddaughter, and I love her.”
Even as her memory faded, she never forgot how to love — and she never forgot her Savior. She talked about Him constantly, always longing to see His face.
She was the very picture of a good and faithful servant. No matter what season she was in, she shared Jesus with everyone she met.
It’s a painful thing — watching someone you love fade while their heart keeps beating. You start losing them long before you actually lose them, and it hurts in a way words can’t hold.
This Saturday, she finally went to be with Him — reunited with her husband and her son. I can only imagine how excited she must’ve been, skipping, hopping, and kicking high all over heaven — her mind made new and her joy complete.
I wrote this song in memory of her.
I can’t wait to see her again. – Hannah Harper shared
The search for the next American Idol continued Monday night as Season 24 rolled into its second episode, with auditions heating up and a fresh wave of hopefuls stepping into the spotlight.
Once again, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood took their seats at the judges’ table, ready to discover standout voices — and decide who had what it takes to earn a coveted Golden Ticket to Hollywood.
From nerves and raw emotion to powerhouse vocals and surprise moments, the night delivered another mix of unforgettable performances as contestants chased their dreams on one of television’s biggest stages. With the pressure mounting, the competition quickly proved that Idol University is anything but an easy pass.
Below, see the most memorable auditions from Episode 2 — along with the singers who officially punched their tickets to the next round.
Makiyah
The episode kicked off with a bang when Pine Bluff, Ark., native Makiyah stepped into the audition room and instantly lit it up, earning smiles from the judges before she even began to sing.
A 24-year-old assistant branch manager at a local bank, Makiyah explained that music has always been part of her life. “I sing around town, and I also grew up singing in church,” she shared. “I sing in church every Sunday with my family.”
For her audition, Makiyah delivered a soaring rendition of Jennifer Hudson’s “Love You I Do” — and by the time she reached the powerful bridge, the room erupted. Carrie couldn’t contain herself, letting out a scream as Makiyah hit the song’s emotional climax.
“You didn’t miss a note,” Carrie told her. “So good, so strong, and in control of everything. Easily the strongest we’ve heard so far. You are meant to be here right now.”
Luke was equally impressed, noting the energy she brought from the moment she walked in. “Since you walked in, my cheeks have been smiling the whole time,” he said. “You light up the room.”
Lionel summed it up with high praise, adding, “We pray for the standout. We pray for the one who’s going to put the pressure on everybody else — who’s going to lead the class. It’s you.”
Overwhelmed with emotion, Makiyah fought back tears as she responded. “Singing is what brings me peace, what brings me joy. It would be wonderful to take this journey with y’all.”
With that, the judges unanimously handed Makiyah her Golden Ticket to Hollywood — officially launching what could be one of Season 24’s earliest breakout stories.
Golden Tickets to Hollywood
These following hopefuls also won over the judges this week and took home golden tickets to Hollywood:
Trace Casanova
Age: 23
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
Audition: “Wild One (Real Wild Child)” by Jerry Lee Lewis/”Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-a-Lot
Michael Garner
Age: 16
Hometown: Forrest City, Ark.
Audition: “I’m Still Fine” by The Red Clay Strays
Hannah Harper
Age: 25
Hometown: Wilson Springs, Mo.
Audition: “String Cheese” (original)
Julian Kalel
Age: 19
Hometown: El Paso, Tex.
Audition: “Lone Guitar” (original)
Carmen Lorell Martin
Age: 20
Hometown: El Dorado Hills, Calif.
Audition: “Thought it Was Love” by Ty Myers
Ruby Rae
Age: 16
Hometown: Pacific Palisades, Calif.
Audition: “Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo
Sheldon Riley
Age: 26
Hometown: Melbourne, Australia
Audition: “Brother” by Matt Corby
Braden Rumfelt
Age: 22
Hometown: Murphy, N.C.
Audition: “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town
Jakob Stobaugh
Age: 25
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Audition: N/A
Kitti Taye
Age: 22
Hometown: Laveen, Ariz.
Audition: “Masterpiece (Mona Lisa)” by Jazmine Sullivan
Tianna
Age: 25
Hometown: Sumter, S.C.
Audition: “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior” (traditional)
Tinayeshe
Age: 27
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
Audition: “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
The Season 24 auditions of American Idol continue Monday, Feb. 9 on ABC.
