free hit counter Two Leading Contenders Go Head-to-Head in Poll Results as a Narrow Edge Sparks Intense Fan Reactions - FRESH

Two Leading Contenders Go Head-to-Head in Poll Results as a Narrow Edge Sparks Intense Fan Reactions

The power shifts are starting to come into focus on American Idol.

American Idol' 2026 Week 8 Preview: Top 20 at Disney's Aulani Resort - Part  1

After the Top 20 performances in Hawaii, Gold Derby readers have made their voices heard — and two contestants have clearly separated themselves from the pack. Hannah Harper, who performed “Ain’t No Grave,” topped the Night 1 poll with 29.41% of the vote, while Keyla Richardson led Night 2 with 29.73% for her rendition of “With a Little Help from My Friends.”

American Idol' 2026 Week 9 Preview: Top 20 at Disney's Aulani Resort - Part  2

Both singers are considered early favorites heading into the live shows.

Here are the full poll results for Night 1 in Hawaii:

What Happened to Hannah Harper on American Idol And How to Vote Before 6  A.M. Today

  1. Hannah Harper — 29.41%
  2. Braden Rumfelt — 23.01%
  3. Brooks — 15.03%
  4. Kyndal — 12.34%
  5. Daniel Stallworth — 5.38%
  6. Genevieve Heyward — 3.80%
  7. Jake Thistle — 3.53%
  8. Jesse Findling — 3.15%
  9. Makiyah — 2.88%
  10. Kutter Bradley — 1.48%

Here are the full poll results for Night 2 in Hawaii:

  1. Keyla Richardson — 29.73%
  2. Julian Kalel — 15.15%
  3. Rae — 14.20%
  4. Jordan McCullough — 14.02%
  5. Chris Tungseth — 10.42%
  6. Madison Moon — 4.36%
  7. Philmon Lee — 3.98%
  8. Lucas Leon — 3.41%
  9. Ruby Rae — 2.84%
  10. Abayomi — 1.89%

Based on these results, six contestants appear most at risk of elimination heading into the next round: Kutter Bradley, Makiyah, and Jesse Findling from Night 1, along with Abayomi, Ruby Rae, and Lucas Leon from Night 2.

The competition officially goes live Monday night, when the Top 14 will be announced. Those contestants will perform “Songs of Faith,” and two more will be eliminated as fans vote in real time.

American Idol 2026: Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie Return

The episode will also feature special performances from judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, with Bryan and Richie opening the show alongside the Top 20 and Underwood taking the stage with returning standout contestants.

Do you agree that Hannah and Keyla are the two to beat? Sound off in the comments and predict the Season 24 winner — and weekly eliminations — in Gold Derby’s predictions center.

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