‘American Idol’ Live Blog: Taylor Swift Night, Top 5 Reveal, and Nikki Glaser Guest Judge (April 27, 2026)

After the performances, Seacrest revealed that Keyla Richardson, Braden Rumfelt, Jordan McCullough, Hannah Harper, and Chris Tungseth are moving on to next week. That means that Brooks and Daniel Stallworth are going home.

The country superstar brought his latest single, “Country and She Knows It,” to the Idol stage.

“I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James was Richardson’s choice for her second song of the night. The judges gave Richardson a standing ovation after her performance, with Glaser calling it “insane” and Bryan noted that “tears just started happening” to him while she was on stage. You can vote for Richardson on American Idol‘s website, by commented “Keyla” on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or by texting 20 to 21523.

In honor of her husband’s support, Harper decided to sing Merle Haggard’s “That’s the Way Love Goes” as her second song of the night. Richie said Harper’s performance was “amazing,” and Underwood called it “perfect.” You can vote for Harper on American Idol‘s website, by commented “Hannah” on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or by texting 8 to 21523.

For his second performance of the night, Tungseth decided to sing one of his favorite tracks, Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” Bryan said Tungseth’s time on stage was “special,” while Richie praised his emotional delivery. You can vote for Tungseth on American Idol‘s website, by commented “Chris” on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or by texting 17 to 21523.

Rumfelt sang “This Love,” the second Maroon 5 song of the night, in order to show how much fun he’s having amid his Idol journey. He accomplished that, with Bryan saying he did “a great job” and Richie praising his performance style. You can vote for Rumfelt on American Idol‘s website, by commented “Braden” on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or by texting 19 to 21523.

Seacrest announced that information is now available about auditioning for next season of American Idol.

With his performance of Daniel Caesar and H.E.R.’s “Best Part,” Stallworth wowed the judges. “You sang all the notes!” Underwood quipped after Stallworth’s time on stage, while Riche praised it as “amazing.” You can vote for Stallworth on American Idol‘s website, by commented “Daniel” on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or by texting 4 to 21523.

Next week, Idol OGs Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul will return to mentor the Top 5. Additionally, the latter performer will join the judges’ panel during next week’s episode.

Though McCullough chose Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” as his second song of the night, he managed to make the judges do just that with his performance. The crowd took a while to quiet after McCullough’s time on stage, and the judges were equally inspired. Richie admitted that he was near tears and Underwood praised his voice as one of the best ever. You can vote for McCullough on American Idol‘s website, by commented “Jordan” on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or by texting 14 21523.

One week after he revealed his new girlfriend—Top 11 finalist Rae—Brooks put his new feelings of love into a performance of Maroon 5’s “She Will Be Loved.” The judges were impressed, with Bryan praising it as “the perfect song choice” and Underwood expressing wonder over his “magical” voice. You can vote for Brooks on American Idol‘s website, by commented “Brooks” on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or by texting 10 to 21523.

For the contestants’ second performance of the night, they we’re tasked with singing songs in honor of the great state of California.

Glaser said Rumfelt “ate” his performance, before the singer revealed that he didn’t know the song before this week. Bryan said it was his favorite performance of Rumfelt’s thus far, Richie said he believed the story of the song, and Underwood praised how comfortable he looked on stage. You can vote for Rumfelt on American Idol‘s website, by commented “Braden” on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or by texting 19 to 21523.

Braden Rumfelt turned to Swift’s Folklore era for his performance, singing “Cardigan.”

“We do not ever have to worry about you,” Underwood told Richardson after her time on stage. The other judges agreed, with Glaser praising her new spin on the song, Bryan championing her growing confidence, and Richie said he was left speechless. You can vote for Richardson on American Idol‘s website, by commented “Keyla” on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or by texting 20 to 21523.

Single mom Keyla Richardson impressed with her unique spin on the title track off of Swift’s 2019 album. 

All four judges were on their feet after Stallworth’s performance, with all of them pointing out how he made the song his own. You can vote for Stallworth on American Idol‘s website, by commented “Daniel” on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or by texting 4 to 21523.

For his performance, Daniel Stallworth added a more upbeat vibe to “Fearless,” the title track off of Swift’s sophomore album.

Bryan said he wanted more energy from Brooks, but complimented his take on the track. Meanwhile, Richie urged Brooks to tap into his storyteller capabilities, Underwood reminded him to breathe, and Glaser called him “a star.” You can vote for Brooks on American Idol‘s website, by commented “Brooks” on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or by texting 10 to 21523.

Brooks added his own unique take to Swift’s mega hit, “Love Story,” which she released in 2008.

“Hannah I’m not going to be mean to you,” Glaser quipped, before all the other judges praised the contestant. Bryan said Harper is continue to “kill it,” Richie noted “this is how you do it,” and Underwood complimented the bluegrass twang she added to the performance. You can vote for Harper on American Idol‘s website, by commented “Hannah” on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or by texting 8 to 21523.

Stay-at-home mom Hannah Harper put her own spin on “Mean,” a sassy track that appeared on Swift’s 2010 album Speak Now.

Underwood complimented Tungseth’s “tender quality” to his voice, Glaser said she got goosebumps, and Bryan noted it was one of his favorite performances from him, a sentiment with which Richie agreed. After the judges spoke, Tungseth revealed that he used to listen to “Blank Space” before football games. You can vote for Tungseth on American Idol‘s website, by commented “Chris” on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or by texting 17 to 21523.

Chris Tungseth went moody for his Swift choice, performing “Exile” from her 2020 album, Folklore.

“That is the way to put barbecue sauce on Taylor Swift!” Lionel Richie complimented, before Carrie Underwood praised McCullough’s smooth voice and Glaser said it was a privilege to hear his performance. Additionally, Luke Bryan complimented his unexpected song choice. You can vote for McCullough on American Idol‘s website, by commented “Jordan” on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or by texting 14 21523.

The first performer of the night was Jordan McCullough, who decided to perform Swift’s first-ever single, “Tim McGraw.”

Dancers who performed on Swift’s Eras Tour are on hand to watch all the action.

With Taylor Swift’s “Opalite” playing in the background, host Ryan Seacrest announced that voting is now open to cut the Top 7 down to the Top 5. Noted Swiftie Nikki Glaser is on hand to serve as a guest judge for the evening.