Auditions for the 24th season of “American Idol” concluded Monday night, with a final group of contestants vying for a coveted golden ticket to Hollywood, according to show reports.
The final round of auditions, broadcast nationally, featured both fresh faces and a returning hopeful, Mary Jo Young, who previously appeared on Season 19 of the singing competition. Young, now 24 and from Cleveland, Ohio, sought a second chance after a memorable stumble during Hollywood Week in her first run, when she forgot the lyrics during a duet with Benson Boone.
“I feel like a new person,” Young stated during her audition package. “I’ve been touring. I’ve opened for Alex Warren, Jessie Murph. I think my confidence has definitely grown. I wanted to come back to American Idol as I learned the most from being on the show than I have on any tour.” She performed an original song, “Don’t Call Me,” which earned positive feedback from the judges. Carrie Underwood praised her vocal tone and power, while Lionel Richie commented, “It ain’t about singing, it’s about surviving.” Luke Bryan also noted a visible increase in her confidence.
One of the most emotionally resonant performances of the night came from Mor, a 22-year-vintage from Teays Valley, West Virginia. Mor shared a deeply personal story about being raised by his grandmother after losing his biological mother to a homicide committed by his father. He debuted an original song, “Strong,” inspired by a recent photograph of his mother. The performance drew a standing ovation and heartfelt reactions from the judges.
“I feel like you went somewhere else when you were singing—it’s like we weren’t here—in a good way,” Underwood told Mor. Lionel Richie lauded his songwriting, and Luke Bryan praised his overall package, stating, “You got all the tools. You got the look, the style, the hair, the voice.” Mor’s grandmother then surprised him on stage as he received his golden ticket.
Other contestants awarded golden tickets to Hollywood included Abayomi (15, San Francisco, performing “Black Leaves” by Kirby), Bartly (23, Austin, Texas, performing “Texas Sun” by Khruangbin &. Leon Bridges), Brenna Brigman (18, Arlington, Texas, performing “Fallin’” by Alicia Keys and “My Church” by Maren Morris), Bella Emry (22, Bend, Ore., performing “I’m a Little Crazy” by Morgan Wallen), Jason Garner (17, Emory, Texas, performing “On My Knees” by The Red Clay Strays), Landon Hughes (19, Hazard, Ky., performing “Little Maggie” by The Stanley Brothers), Chloe Lauren (25, Warrenville, S.C., performing “Maybe” by Sienna Spiro), Landon McGraw (18, Wheelersburg, Ohio), Rae (24, Frederick, Md., performing “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin), Matty Reynolds (23, Pelham, N.Y., performing “Undressed” by Sombr), Julia Sienna (20, Freehold, N.J., performing “I Would” by Connie Talbot), Jake Thistle (21, Paramus, N.J., performing “Can’t Identify My Way Home” by Blind Faith), Chris Tungseth (27, Fergus Falls, Minn., performing “Lonely Road,” an original song), and Vika (22, Spokane, Wash.).
The competition will now move to Nashville for Hollywood Week, marking the first time the show has held that stage of the competition in Music City. According to show officials, this Hollywood Week will feature the biggest cuts in the show’s history.
Ryan Seacrest, who has hosted “American Idol” since its inception in 2002, guided the audition process, though his continued role with the show remains unconfirmed for future seasons, as reported in August 2025. Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie are confirmed to return as judges for Season 24.
