'American Idol' cuts a third of its contestants, reveals the Top 20
KiMi Robinson"American Idol" has undergone another brutal round of cuts in an emotional episode.
In the March 9 "Ohana round" episode, judges CarrieUnderwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan were challenged with cutting a third of the Top 30 contestants — a daunting task, given the tearful performances the young singers dedicated to various family members.
But also, the cream rose to the top of the 20 finalists with an audience vote by the contestants, their family members and a "highly esteemed panel of industry experts." (Read: influencers such as Loren Gray; "Dancing with the Stars" pro Sasha Farber, an established member of the Disney family; and Rolling Stone co-Editor-in-Chief Shirley Halperin).
These stakeholders determined who would receive a platinum ticket for the first time this season.
After 30 performances in Kapolei, Hawaii, here's who made it into the Top 30 — and who was singled out for their star potential.
Who received platinum tickets?
In a popular vote by the "tastemakers," singers and their families, platinum tickets were doled out to Kyndal Inskeep, Brooks Rosser, and Jordan McCullough.
The trio skates straight through to "America's vote" without performing in the next two weeks of Top 20 performances in Hawaii. Season 22's Abi Carter was the first platinum ticket recipient to win the show in 2024.
Who's in the 'American Idol' Top 20 in 2026?
These contestants have advanced to the "America's vote" round, which will keep the group at Disney's Aulani Resort and Spa.
- Philmon Lee
- Madison Moon
- Braden Rumfelt
- Jake Thistle
- Jesse Findling
- Ruby Rae
- Genevieve Heyward
- Lucas Leon
- Hannah Harper
- Chris Tungseth
- Julián Kalel
- Rae
- Daniel Stallworth
- Abayomi
- Kutter Bradley
- Makiyah
- Keyla Richardson
Who was cut from the Top 20?
- Bella Emry
- Tianna Roberts
- Bryant Thomas
- Sheldon Riley
- Brianna Yancey
- Kiera Howell
- Jacquie Lee
- Brenna Brigman
- Michael Garner
- Chloe Lauren
What is the 'American Idol' 2026 schedule?
"American Idol" airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
Episodes are available to stream the next day on Hulu and Disney+.