Top 10 American Idol contestants of 2024 performing live on stage.

Top 10 American Idol Contestants of 2024

American Idol's 2024 season introduced us to a remarkable array of talent, each contestant bringing their unique flair to the stage. From soulful ballads to electrifying performances, these artists showcased the diversity and depth of musical prowess. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 contestants who left an indelible mark on this iconic singing competition.​


1. Abi Carter

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Hailing from a small town, Abi Carter's journey on American Idol was nothing short of inspirational. Her powerful vocals and emotional depth resonated with audiences nationwide. From her audition to her final performance, Abi consistently showcased her versatility, tackling genres ranging from soulful ballads to upbeat pop tracks. Her rendition of "Rise Up" during the semifinals earned her a standing ovation from the judges, solidifying her place as a frontrunner in the competition.

Image: Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Notable Performances:

  • "Rise Up" by Andra Day​
  • "Someone Like You" by Adele​
  • Original song: "Unbreakable"​

Post-Idol Career:

Since her time on Idol, Abi has signed a recording contract with a major label and is currently working on her debut album, set to release later this year.

2. Will Moseley

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Will Moseley brought a unique blend of country and rock to the Idol stage. His gritty vocals and authentic storytelling captivated both the judges and the audience. Will's performance of "Tennessee Whiskey" became one of the season's highlights, showcasing his ability to connect deeply with the material.

Image: Disney/Frank Micelotta

Notable Performances:

  • "Tennessee Whiskey" by Chris Stapleton​
  • "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd​
  • Original song: "Backroad Dreams"​

Post-Idol Career:

Will has been touring nationally, performing at various music festivals and working on his debut EP.

3. Jack Blocker

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Jack Blocker's soulful voice and charismatic stage presence made him a standout contestant. His ability to infuse emotion into every performance earned him praise from the judges. Jack's interpretation of "A Change is Gonna Come" was particularly memorable, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.

Image: Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Notable Performances:

  • "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke​
  • "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green​
  • Original song: "Midnight Soul"​

Post-Idol Career:

Jack is currently collaborating with renowned producers on his debut album and has performed at several high-profile events.

4. Julia Gagnon

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Julia Gagnon's ethereal voice and artistic interpretations set her apart in the competition. Her rendition of "Creep" showcased her vocal range and emotional depth, making it one of the season's standout moments.

Image: Jordan Strauss / Invision via AP

Notable Performances:

  • "Creep" by Radiohead​
  • "Summertime Sadness" by Lana Del Rey​
  • Original song: "Whispering Winds"​

Post-Idol Career:

Julia has been focusing on writing new music and plans to release her debut single soon.

5. Triston Harper

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Triston Harper's energetic performances and dynamic vocals made him a fan favorite. His ability to engage the audience and bring songs to life set him apart. His performance of "Livin' on a Prayer" had the entire crowd on their feet.

Image: Disney/Eric McCandless

Notable Performances:

  • "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi
  • "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars
  • Original song: "Electric Soul"

Post-Idol Career:

Triston has been performing at major events and is set to release an EP that blends rock and pop influences.

6. Kaibrienne Richins

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Kaibrienne captivated audiences with her piano-driven ballads and raw emotional delivery. Her hauntingly beautiful rendition of "Hallelujah" was a season-defining moment.

Image: Disney

Notable Performances:

  • "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen
  • "Fix You" by Coldplay
  • Original song: "Echoes of You"

Post-Idol Career:

Kaibrienne has signed with a label and is currently working on her first full-length album.

7. Emmy Russell

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With her folk-inspired style and angelic voice, Emmy Russell brought a unique charm to American Idol. Her storytelling ability and original songwriting left a lasting impression.

Image: Disney/Eric McCandless

Notable Performances:

  • "Jolene" by Dolly Parton
  • "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman
  • Original song: "Golden Hours"

Post-Idol Career:

Emmy has continued to write music and recently released her debut single, which gained over a million streams in its first week.

8. McKenna Faith Breinholt

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McKenna's powerhouse vocals and ability to connect emotionally with her audience made her one of the most memorable contestants of the season.

Image: Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Notable Performances:

  • "Piece by Piece" by Kelly Clarkson
  • "Never Enough" from The Greatest Showman
  • Original song: "Into the Fire"

Post-Idol Career:

McKenna has been performing at charity events and is in talks with record labels.

9. Mia Matthews

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Mia’s blend of R&B, jazz, and pop made her performances stand out. She showcased incredible vocal control and a deep, rich tone.

Image: ABC

Notable Performances:

  • "Feeling Good" by Nina Simone
  • "If I Ain’t Got You" by Alicia Keys
  • Original song: "Shadows & Light"

Post-Idol Career:

Mia has been collaborating with well-known producers on her upcoming R&B album.

10. Sam "Kayko" Kelly-Cohen

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Sam, known as "Kayko," brought an electronic-pop vibe to the competition, fusing live performance with digital production. His creative approach to performances made him a fan favorite.

Image: American Idol And Fremantle

Notable Performances:

  • "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd
  • "Take on Me" by A-ha
  • Original song: "Neon Dreams"

Post-Idol Career:

Kayko is currently touring with a major EDM artist and working on a collaborative project with top producers.


Final Thoughts

The top 10 American Idol contestants of 2024 brought unique talent, creativity, and emotion to the competition. From soulful ballads to electrifying pop performances, each contestant left their mark on this iconic show. With their rising careers, these artists are set to shape the future of music in their respective genres.

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