Marylander eliminated as 'American Idol' field narrows

Rae Boyd of Walkersville High School was voted off the show this week.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:07pm

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A bold, graphic black silhouette of a singer's microphone against a bright red background, conveying the drama and emotion of a singing competition show.The elimination of a local 'American Idol' contestant leaves fans in Maryland disappointed but hopeful for the future.Frederick Today

Rae Boyd, a 2019 graduate of Walkersville High School in Maryland, was eliminated from the 'American Idol' competition on Monday night as the field of finalists narrowed from 11 to 9 contestants. About 25 people gathered at a local restaurant in Frederick, Maryland to watch Boyd's latest performance on the show, where she sang 'MacArthur Park' before the results were announced.

Why it matters

As one of the few remaining contestants from the Washington, D.C. metro area, Boyd's elimination marks the end of a local hopeful's journey on the popular singing competition show. Her supporters in Frederick had rallied around her throughout the season.

The details

Boyd, a 2019 graduate of Walkersville High School, was voted off 'American Idol' after performing a cover of the Donna Summer hit 'MacArthur Park'. A group of around 25 people gathered at JoJo's Restaurant & Tap House in downtown Frederick, Maryland to watch Boyd's performance and the subsequent elimination announcement. Some in the audience booed when it was revealed that Boyd did not advance to the next round.

  • Rae Boyd was eliminated on April 13, 2026.
  • The field of 'American Idol' finalists narrowed from 11 to 9 contestants that week.

The players

Rae Boyd

A 2019 graduate of Walkersville High School in Maryland who was a contestant on the 2026 season of 'American Idol'.

Walkersville High School

The high school that Rae Boyd graduated from in 2019, located in Walkersville, Maryland.

JoJo's Restaurant & Tap House

A restaurant in downtown Frederick, Maryland where a group of Rae Boyd's supporters gathered to watch her 'American Idol' performance.

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The takeaway

Rae Boyd's elimination from 'American Idol' marks the end of a local hopeful's journey on the popular singing competition show, disappointing her supporters in the Frederick, Maryland area who had rallied behind her throughout the season.