American Idol: Who Survived Elimination To Make The Top 9?
on Apr 13, 2026
The field of American Idol hopefuls was narrowed from 11 to 9 on Monday night.
American Idol‘s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night brought some memorable performances and a heartbreaking double elimination.
The Top 11 contestants were tasked with performing a song made popular by a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee. The audience heard covers of songs from Bon Jovi, Foreigner, Donna Summer, and many other rock legends. Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo were this week’s mentors and helped the contestants perfect their performances before singing live for America’s votes.
Live voting took place throughout the two-hour episode, and the two hopefuls who received the least number of votes saw their Idol dreams come to an end.
The Top 11 were:
Chris Tungseth – “Cold As Ice” by Foreigner
Rae Boyd – “MacArthur Park” by Donna Summer
Braden Rumfelt – “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder
Brooks Rosser – “These Days” by Jackson Brown
Daniel Stallworth – “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi
Keyla Richardson – “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder
Lucas Leon – “Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John
Kyndal Inskeep – “Piece Of My Heart” by Janis Joplin
Philmon Lee – “Hot Blooded” by Foreigner
Hannah Harper – “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
Jordan McCollough – “Somebody To Love” by Queen
At the end of the episode, host Ryan Seacrest revealed which two hopefuls were being sent home. Those who were eliminated were …Rae and Philmon Lee.
What’s next for the Top 9?
The Top 9 will return to perform live on Monday, April 20, for Disney Night. Idol alum Jennifer Hudson will be making a highly anticipated return to the show that made her a star as a mentor and judge.
Only four more episodes remain until a new American Idol is crowned on May 11. Who do you think will take home this season’s title?
