‘American Idol’ Live Blog: Disney Night and Top 7 Reveal (April 20, 2026)

After all the votes had been counted, Seacrest revealed that the contestants continuing on in the competition are: Daniel Stallworth, Keyla Richardson, Jordan McCullough, Chris Tungseth, Hannah Harper, Brooks, and Braden Rumfelt. That means Kyndal and Lucas Leon and are going home.

After losing her voice last week, Kyndal found herself struggling with emotions as she rehearsed “Butterfly Fly Away” from Hannah Montana: The Movie. She managed to make it through her performance without breaking, and Richie praised her for stepping into her light. Underwood highlighted Kyndal’s redemption moment, Hudson called her time on stage “absolutely beautiful,” and Bryan told her “great job.” You can vote for Kyndal by texting 5 to 21523.

Next week, as the contestants pay tribute to California artists, comedian Nikki Glaser will serve as a guest judge.

After enjoying Disneyland with his mom, Jordan McCullough continued his high by meeting Hudson, one of his favorite singers. When it came time for him to take the stage, McCullough impressed with his rendition of “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas. The judges were on their feet after his time on stage, and the audience was wild. “I’m not saying anything, listen to them,” Bryan said. Richie agreed, stating simply, “Shut your mouth!” As for Hudson, she threw both of her shoes at him in support. You can vote for McCullough by texting 14 to to 21523.

This week’s mentor and guest judge revealed that she’s going on tour soon, hitting the road with Josh Groban.

After Brooks’ performance, Rae, who was recently eliminated from this season of the show, joined him on stage. The singer revealed that she and Brooks are dating, and hard launched their romance live on the show!

As he continues to work on confidence, Brooks decided to sing “The Climb” from Hannah Montana, and impressed Hudson in rehearsals as he did so. The judges were similarly moved when Brooks’ performed live, Richie told the contestant that he has “magic” in his voice and Underwood expressed excitement about his future. You can vote for Brooks by texting 10 to 21523.

The cast of the upcoming Descendants: Wicked Wonderland movie took the stage next, performing “Perfect Princess” from the film.

For her Disney Night performance, Keyla Richardson decided to sing “The Circle of Life” from The Lion King, a song that Hudson took on during her own Idol season. Hudson got emotional recalling that experience, and hoping that Richardson’s own rendition has a similar impact on the contestant’s career. Richardson’s time on stage left Hudson in tears, and she even through a shoe at the contestant. The audience was similarly impressed, and Underwood said simply, “What they said.” You can vote for Richardson by texting 20 to 21523.

During rehearsals, Chris Tungseth blew Hudson away with his country/rock take on Frozen‘s “Let It Go”—at least with his voice. His stage presence was a little lacking, though, and Hudson tried to advise him on improving in that area. According to Richie and Underwood, Tungseth nailed that aspect of his performance. Bryan, meanwhile, complimented Tungseth’s unexpected song choice. You can vote for Tungseth by texting 17 to 21523.

Next week, the Top 7 will perform Taylor Swift’s biggest hits from her many eras.

The Top 9 took a break from competing against each to sing “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” in honor of the upcoming Toy Story movie, which is due out June 19.

After flubbing her choreography a few weeks again, Hannah Harper decided to put a focus on her on-stage movements as she sang “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog. Hudson advised the stay-at-home mom to imagine she was dancing with her kids during her time on stage. Harper heeded the words of wisdom and improved her choreography this time around. Bryan said Harper’s performance was one of his favorites of hers thus far, while Richie advised the singer to practice her movements in her heels. Underwood, meanwhile, said she got similar movement criticism during her Idol tenure and encouraged Harper to keep up the effort. You can vote for Harper by texting 8 to 21523.

In between performances, Seacrest reminded fans that they can get even more American Idol on the show’s official podcast. This week, Lance Bass is stopping by the Danielle Fishel-hosted show.

Alongside his mom, Lucas Leon visited Radiator Springs in Disneyland to prepare to sing “Life Is a Highway” from Cars. During rehearsals, Hudson dubbed Leon “an old soul,” before challenging him to look out at the crowd as he performed. Leon was able to just that during his performance, with Hudson praising him for implementing all of her notes. The other judges agreed. Bryan said Leon was fun to watch, Richie expressed his want for even more attitude, and Underwood complimented the teen’s confidence. You can vote for Leon by texting 13 to 21523.

After enjoying Disneyland with his sister, Braden Rumfelt felt nerves as he started his mentorship with Jennifer Hudson. He pushed through, though, to perform a sweet rendition “Remember Me” from Coco in honor of his family. The judges complimented Rumfelt’s performance, with Underwood praising his ability to tell a story, Hudson calling him “a star,” Bryan looking ahead to his future success, and Richie pointing out his exceptional falsetto. You can vote for Rumfelt by texting 9 to 21523.

For the first performance of Disney Night, Daniel Stallworth performed “A Whole New World” from Aladdin. The judges gave Stallworth a standing ovation after his time on stage. Richie praised him as “natural” and “powerful,” Underwood said he “crushed it,” Hudson noted he “owned” it, and Bryan complimented his “charisma.” You can vote for Stallworth by texting 4 to 21523.

Viewers at home can vote for their favorite contestants on American Idol‘s website, by texting the corresponding number to 21523, or by commenting a singer’s name on Idol‘s pinned post on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

More than two decades after she entered into the spotlight by competing on American Idol, Jennifer Hudson returned to the show. Tonight, she’s taking on two roles—mentor and guest judge.

While Seacrest kept his Yoda costume on for the beginning of the show, the male judges changed out of their Star Wars looks in favor of suits. As for Underwood, she transformed into Princess Belle with the royal’s iconic yellow dress.

Ryan Seacrest, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood began Disney Night by walking through Disneyland dressed as Star Wars characters.