MAJOR SPOILERS: American Idol Season 24 Top 20 Leaked Ahead of ‘Ohana Round’ Episode – Surprise Names Emerge as Dark Horses
The American Idol rumor mill is churning once again. Just days before the highly anticipated “Ohana Round” airs on March 9, 2026, a purported list of the Season 24 Top 20 contestants has leaked online, igniting fierce debate and excitement among viewers. The leak, first reported by trusted spoiler sources like MJ’s Big Blog and quickly amplified across social media and entertainment sites, arrives before the episode even broadcasts—meaning fans are already reacting to names that haven’t officially been revealed on air.
Season 24 introduced a brand-new phase called the “Ohana Round,” filmed at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. After Hollywood Week in Nashville trimmed 127 hopefuls down to the Top 30, the remaining contestants traveled to paradise for a make-or-break round. Unlike previous seasons, the Top 30 perform for a panel of “industry tastemakers”—including social media personalities Kaniyia Brown and Terry McCaskill, choreographer Sasha Farber, artist Anthony Gargiula, singer Loren Gray, Rolling Stone co-editor Shirley Halperin, vocal coach Cheryl Porter, and country personality Kelly Sutton—alongside their peers, family, and friends. The tastemakers and fellow contestants vote, deciding who advances to the Top 20. The judges (Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan) then finalize the list before live voting begins.
The leaked Top 20 list, widely circulated and considered highly credible (though unconfirmed by ABC), includes:
- Abayomi (15, San Francisco, CA)
- Braden Rumfelt (22, Murphy, NC)
- Brooks Rosser (22, Bel Air, MD)
- Chris Tungseth (27, Fergus Falls, MN)
- Daniel Stallworth (27, Moss Point, MS)
- Genevieve Heyward (26, Lake Geneva, WI)
- Hannah Harper
- Jake Thistle
- Jesse Findling
- Jordan McCullough
- Julián Kalel
- Keyla Richardson
- Kutter Bradley
- Kyndal Inskeep
- Lucas Leon
- Madison Moon
- Makiyah (Makiyah Mustiful)
- Philmon Lee
- Rae
- Ruby Rae
These 20 singers reportedly survived the Ohana Round’s elimination round, sending 10 others home. Among the rumored eliminations from the Top 30 are Bella Emry, Brenna Brigman, Brianna Yancey, Bryant Thomas, Chloe Lauren, Jacquie Lee, Kiera Howell, Michael Garner, Sheldon Riley, and Tianna Roberts.
The list has triggered massive reactions online. Several names are being hailed as unexpected standouts and potential dark horses. Abayomi, the 15-year-old high school student from San Francisco who auditioned with “Make It Rain” by Foy Vance, has drawn early praise for his soulful tone and maturity. Braden Rumfelt, a 22-year-old from North Carolina, impressed judges during Hollywood Week with powerful vocals and stage presence, earning comparisons to past winners. Brooks Rosser’s emotional delivery of “Dancing On My Own” (Calum Scott version) reportedly wowed the tastemakers, positioning him as a strong contender.
Other notable mentions include Hannah Harper, whose consistent performances throughout auditions and Hollywood Week made her a fan favorite, and Makiyah Mustiful, who brought high-energy flair with “Bang Bang” by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj. Kyndal Inskeep and Julián Kalel also appear on many fan wish lists, with their unique styles and vocal range generating buzz as possible surprises.
The leak has divided the fandom. Some viewers are thrilled to see fresh faces and underdogs rise, while others express disappointment over eliminated favorites like Sheldon Riley (already a reality TV veteran from shows like The Voice and America’s Got Talent) and Jacquie Lee. The early reveal has also sparked frustration among purists who prefer to experience eliminations organically on air. With the Ohana Round episodes airing March 9 (Top 30 performances), March 16, and March 23 (Top 20 showcases), fans face the challenge of avoiding spoilers while the show catches up.
The Ohana Round represents a significant format tweak for Season 24. Moving the competition to Hawaii adds a tropical, communal vibe, with contestants performing in a resort setting for industry experts and each other. The peer and family voting element introduces a new layer of pressure—contestants must impress not only judges but also their fellow competitors, creating alliances and rivalries off-stage. This twist aims to test adaptability, charisma, and resilience in a more collaborative environment before live voting kicks in.
Judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan, along with host Ryan Seacrest, have teased the round as a “game-changer,” emphasizing its role in separating true contenders from the pack. Underwood, in her first season as a judge, has brought fresh energy, while Richie and Bryan continue to offer mentorship and tough love.
As the leaked Top 20 circulates, anticipation builds for the March 9 episode. Will the rumored names hold up, or will last-minute changes surprise everyone? Regardless, Season 24’s Ohana Round promises drama, heartbreak, and breakout stars—whether fans watch spoiled or spoiler-free.
