American Idol Season 24 Auditions End: Golden Tickets Revealed

Contestants vie for coveted spots in Hollywood as show heads to Nashville for next round

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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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. The auditions featured both fresh faces and a returning hopeful, Mary Jo Young, who previously appeared on Season 19 of the singing competition. Other standout performers included Mor, a 22-year-old from West Virginia who shared a deeply personal story, and several other contestants who impressed the judges and earned golden tickets to the next round in Nashville.

Why it matters

American Idol remains one of the most popular and influential singing competition shows, launching the careers of many successful artists over its 24-season run. The show's move to hold Hollywood Week in Nashville, the heart of the music industry, signals a shift in the competition's focus and could provide a boost to the careers of the aspiring singers.

The details

The final round of auditions featured a mix of new and returning contestants, including Mary Jo Young, a 24-year-old from Cleveland, Ohio, who previously appeared on Season 19. Young performed an original song, 'Don't Call Me,' which earned positive feedback from the judges. Another standout was Mor, a 22-year-old from West Virginia, who shared a deeply personal story about being raised by his grandmother after losing his biological mother to a homicide committed by his father. Mor's performance of his original song, 'Strong,' drew a standing ovation from the judges.

  • The auditions for American Idol Season 24 concluded on Monday night.
  • 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.

The players

Mary Jo Young

A 24-year-old contestant from Cleveland, Ohio, who previously appeared on Season 19 of American Idol and is seeking a second chance at the competition.

Mor

A 22-year-old contestant from Teays Valley, West Virginia, who shared a deeply personal story about being raised by his grandmother after losing his biological mother to a homicide committed by his father.

Carrie Underwood

A judge on American Idol Season 24.

Lionel Richie

A judge on American Idol Season 24.

Luke Bryan

A judge on American Idol Season 24.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like you went somewhere else when you were singing—it's like we weren't here—in a good way.”

— Carrie Underwood, Judge (world-today-news.com)

“It ain't about singing, it's about surviving.”

— Lionel Richie, Judge (world-today-news.com)

“You got all the tools. You got the look, the style, the hair, the voice.”

— Luke Bryan, Judge (world-today-news.com)

What’s next

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.

The takeaway

American Idol remains a powerhouse in the singing competition genre, continuing to discover and showcase talented performers who are vying for their big break in the music industry. The show's move to Nashville for Hollywood Week could provide a boost to the aspiring singers as they compete for a spot in the live shows.