Austin Singer Bartly Earns 'American Idol' Golden Ticket, Set to Play Rodeo Austin

The 23-year-old singer-songwriter will compete in 'Hollywood Week' after impressing judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Austin-based singer-songwriter Bartly received a 'golden ticket' from the judges on Sunday's episode of 'American Idol' Season 24. The 23-year-old, whose full name is Densmore Bartly, will now move on to the competition's 'Hollywood Week in Music City' rounds. Bartly, who performs 3-5 gigs per week, impressed the judges with his soulful rendition of 'Texas Sun' by Khruangbin and Leon Bridges. Bartly will be playing Rodeo Austin's outdoor stage on March 16 at 4 p.m.

Why it matters

Austin has a rich history of producing talented musicians who have found success on national singing competition shows like 'American Idol' and 'The Voice.' Bartly's golden ticket win continues this tradition and showcases the vibrant local music scene in the city.

The details

During his audition, Bartly told the judges that he is a full-time musician, performing 3-4 gigs per week, sometimes even 5 on a busy week. He started playing guitar in second grade and has been singing since he can remember. Bartly's musical influences include The Temptations, Lionel Richie, and Sammy Davis Jr., the latter of which judge Lionel Richie noted Bartly could 'be the clone' of. The judges praised Bartly's soulful voice and unique artistry, with Richie telling him 'If you can make the bottom end - the verse guy - (into) the top end guy, that's the key. That's a voice up there that is so on the money.'

  • Bartly received a golden ticket on the Sunday, February 16, 2026 episode of 'American Idol' Season 24.
  • Bartly will be performing at Rodeo Austin's outdoor stage on March 16, 2026 at 4 p.m.

The players

Bartly

A 23-year-old singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas who received a golden ticket on 'American Idol' Season 24 after impressing the judges with his soulful performance.

Lionel Richie

A judge on 'American Idol' Season 24 who praised Bartly's voice and potential, noting he could 'be the clone' of Sammy Davis Jr.'s son.

Luke Bryan

A judge on 'American Idol' Season 24 who said Bartly was 'unique to (his) own thing' and not 'cookie cutter.'

Carrie Underwood

A judge on 'American Idol' Season 24 who said she loved Bartly's voice after his audition performance.

Rodeo Austin

An annual rodeo and music festival in Austin, Texas where Bartly is scheduled to perform on the outdoor stage on March 16, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I'm usually not one to be lost for words, but right now I don't even know what to say.”

— Bartly (American Idol)

“You're at the 'University of Idol,' man. This is the best advice we can ever give you.”

— Lionel Richie, Judge (American Idol)

What’s next

Bartly will compete in the 'Hollywood Week in Music City' rounds of *American Idol* Season 24 after receiving his golden ticket.

The takeaway

Bartly's golden ticket win on *American Idol* continues Austin's rich tradition of producing talented musicians who find success on national singing competition shows, showcasing the vibrant local music scene in the city.