American Idol Top 7 Swift Night: 2 Eliminated

On Sunday night, April 27, seven contestants in the top seven of American Idol Season 24 performed songs from Taylor Swift's catalog during a themed episode, with two singers eliminated as viewer votes advanced Jordan McCullough, Chris Tungseth, Hannah Harper, Keyla Richardson and Braden Rumfelt to the top five.

The episode featured guest judge Nikki Glaser alongside regulars Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood. Each contestant selected a track spanning Swift's career, from her early country hits to later introspective pieces. Jordan McCullough opened with "Tim McGraw," her debut single from 2006. Chris Tungseth delivered "Exile," a collaboration with Bon Iver. Hannah Harper brought a banjo to "Mean." Brooks Rosser performed the romantic "Love Story" from the Fearless era. Daniel Stallworth reinterpreted "Fearless" with a gospel flair. Keyla Richardson offered a fresh take on "Lover," prompting Glaser to remark, "I don't even recognize that song!" Braden Rumfelt closed the round with "Cardigan" from Folklore.

Judges praised the contestants' efforts to balance familiarity with originality in tackling Swift's distinctive style. Bryan called Tungseth's "Exile" one of his...