“American Idol: Top 11 and Judges’ Song Contest Winner Announced”

The April 6, 2026 American Idol live show featured a ’90s-themed Judges’ Song Contest. Ryan Seacrest opened the episode after a prior vote-counting snafu. Two contestants from the Top 14 were already eliminated before performances began.

Format and stakes

The judges — Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie — each picked three ’90s songs. The Top 12 singers chose which of the three songs to perform. The judge with the most artists choosing their picks earned the power to save one of the bottom two.

Performances and song selections

• Hannah Harper — performed “Heads Carolina, Tails California” (Jo Dee Messina). Carrie Underwood had selected the song.
• Jordan McCullough — performed “Always Be My Baby” (Mariah Carey). Lionel Richie chose that option.
• Daniel Stallworth — performed “It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over” (Lenny Kravitz). Luke Bryan selected the track.
• Lucas Leon — performed “It’s Your Love” (Tim McGraw & Faith Hill). Lionel Richie was the selector.
• Chris Tungseth — performed “I’ll Be” (Edwin McCain). Carrie Underwood had picked the song.
• Philmon Lee — performed “Hard to Handle” (The Black Crowes). Luke Bryan chose the option.
• Kyndal Inskeep — performed “Iris” (Goo Goo Dolls). Lionel Richie selected the song.
• Brooks Rosser — performed “Linger” (The Cranberries). Lionel Richie was the pick.
• Rae — performed “Love Will Lead You Back” (Taylor Dayne). Carrie Underwood had selected it.
• Braden Rumfelt — performed “All By Myself” (Celine Dion). Lionel Richie selected that challenge.
• Jesse Findling — performed “Wonderwall” (Oasis). Lionel Richie had chosen the song.
• Keyla Richardson — performed “Zombie” (The Cranberries). Lionel Richie selected the option.

Notable moments

Hannah Harper performed a song she had used during her audition for producers. Several contestants stepped out of their comfort zones. Judges praised creative arrangements and vocal risk-taking throughout the night.

Judges’ Song Contest result

The judges’ picks were tallied at the end of the show. Lionel Richie won decisively with seven selections. Carrie Underwood finished with three, and Luke Bryan had two.

As winner, Richie earned the authority to save one artist from the bottom two. That saved artist would complete the Top 11.

Top 11 revealed

Ryan Seacrest announced the artists who received enough votes to advance automatically. The ten announced were Chris Tungseth, Kyndal Inskeep, Daniel Stallworth, Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, Braden Rumfelt, Philmon Lee, Keyla Richardson, Brooks Rosser, and Lucas Leon.

Rae and Jesse Findling were left in the bottom two. Lionel Richie chose to save Rae, placing her into the Top 11. Jesse Findling was eliminated.

Episode context and broadcast

The April 6 episode followed a week marked by a vote-counting controversy. Viewers can expect the competition to continue as the season progresses.

American Idol airs Mondays at 8/7c on ABC. Filmogaz.com will provide further recaps and analysis each week.