They Weren't Ready For This on American Idol 2026! Best of Week 4 Auditions!

My dad ended my mom's life. It's about seeing my mom's picture for the first time and not knowing her and just kind of looking at a stranger and just pouring out my emotions of that through this song. Take your time. You're good. Take your time. You're good. You're all good. Golly. Take your time. Hey, look up. It's all good, baby. We're here. I know. All good. You said a picture's worth a thousand words But I've only got a few When I look down at that frame And I don't even recognize you Cause you were taken from me years ago Someone I never got to know And now I can only speak when I see your face Yeah, that was good. Oh, mama Hope you found your way home West Virginia You're looking And we wish you were here Oh, mama And I don't want to need you anymore I don't want to bleed you anymore Everything in me is hanging on You're the only reason that I'm strong That I'm strong Oh, mama I hope you found your way home Oh, for West Virginia You're looking And we wish you were here Oh, mama Oh, man. Very cool. Thank you, guys. Very cool. The fact that you took that time and pulled that together. I feel like you went somewhere else when you were singing. It's like we weren't here. In a good way. Thank you. As unnerved as you may feel, I love your delivery, I love the timbre of your voice, and more importantly, that writing was very cool. Thank you so much, sir. That means the world to me, seriously. I mean that, I mean that. Thank you. Yeah, you got all the tools, you got the look, you got the style, you got the hair, you got the heart, the voice. What else has he got, Carrie? He's got support. And where is that support? Wait. Oh, my gosh. Surprise! Oh, my God. I haven't been on an airplane for like 25 plus years. Get away. Yeah, this has been exciting. I can't believe you're here. Grandma, what's your name? Sandy. We want to applaud you for stepping up and raising him. Oh, my gosh. He's been a blessing. But wait, wait, we have some more business. We have to tell him if he's going through to Hollywood Week or not. Yes. I will make that three yeses. I would like to hear more. Both of you come up this way to thank you very much. Sandy, Sandy. Congrats. Thank you, sir. Looking out On the morning rain I used to feel So uninspired But when I knew I had to face another day Oh, Lord It made me feel So tired Before the day I met you Life was so unkind But you're the key to my peace of mind Cause you make me feel You make me feel Like a natural woman What you've done to me Oh, oh You make me feel So good inside And I just, I want to be Yeah, close to you You make me feel so alive Cause you make me feel You You make me feel Like a natural woman Dang, this is so sick. Hey. Hello. This is crazy. So you're the last. You're the last. That's crazy. Isn't that crazy? That's crazy. Of all the guys. You guys look majestic. Majestic? Yeah. Well, thanks. Your hair is majestic. Thank you. It's a lot going on, but. I don't know if we've seen better hair, right? No, no, no. It's pretty awesome. All right. Tell us who you are and where you're from. Yeah, my name is Chris Tunkseth. I'm 27 years old and I'm from Fergus Falls, Minnesota. And what do you do up in Minnesota for work? Right now, I've been roofing houses. Quickest work in a small town is usually construction, so. Tell me a little bit about, you know, why he's here and what this audition means to Chris. Yeah. I mean, music's always been a part of our family. We grew up watching American Idol and he's really turned to music kind of as his way of getting his feelings off his chest. Tell us about growing up your home life. Yeah. I just feel so fortunate. Like, I'm so blessed. I've been given the greatest family in the world. Um, hmm, yeah. Growing up in Minnesota is the best. Like, my childhood was so fun and so simple. My dad, he studied opera and he was an opera singer and then became a pastor and a worship leader and my mom was a pianist. My siblings, we'd sing every holiday at church. Everything that we did was, like, together. But it started to take a turn when I was 10 years old. My mom was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Hi. It was pretty aggressive. How are you? I'm good now. Right away, my mom was in and out of the hospital. She was 4 hours away. My dad would be traveling back and forth trying to take care of our family. He was gravity to us. He's the strongest person I've ever met. He was my best friend. He was my, kind of my foundation, the person I turned to for advice. 12 years after my mom's diagnosis, my dad was diagnosed with leukemia. Yeah, that was the worst thing I've ever heard in my life. Like, Superman is no longer Superman, you know? My siblings moved home to help me take care of them. I mean, all of us put life on hold, but there was nothing else that we would have done. Like, that was honestly the biggest gift for us to be close to them. So, I'm going to be singing Lonely Road that I wrote for dad. I mean, everyone says how much you look like dad and how much you resemble dad. Now, especially with him being gone, his legacy is now living through you, through your singing. Pops, I wish you were part of this. I wish you were here to see this thing go through, but I'm just going to be me, and I hope they see you through me. I hit the lonely road again I missed my turn I'm not the only one that's traveling But I know that I'm far from home I guess I had to learn I know that you did too How come no one has directions When we've all been down that same road too I still have a million questions Only you got answers too I don't really think that I will care for them When I'm up in heaven with you Press on We're gonna make it through Hold on to you Ooh, to you I love everything about you. I love your presence. I love how open you are in the way you talk, communicate, and the way you sing, communicate. You have an incredible voice. It's powerful, and it's beautiful. It's masculine, and it's soft at the same time. You kind of have all the things. Just very impressive, the gift that you have to work with, and the way that you work with it. Thank you. Part of your singing is going to be the things you say in between each song. Yeah. You have a ministry, a real strong connection to people. Thank you. I was so touched by the fact that you said, I'm blessed, I'm grateful. There was a point in my life where I thought, my dad's dying, and my life's falling apart. There was a little aide over in the corner of the hospital, and I was talking to my dad. He was in and out of a coma. He said, you're very lucky. And I looked at him and said, what are you talking about? I said, he's in a coma. And he said, I was just thinking, I wish I had a dad to love as much as you have. Yeah. It's a gift to hurt so much, because it means that something was important there. Your ministry is right in place, man. Thank you. The timing of all this is the timing of it. Right, exactly. We're not in control of it. I had setbacks in my life that put my music career on hold, and I matured and grew up during those years. Yeah. It's really perfect to me, what you're doing. I've been in the room with Chris Stapleton a lot of times. You've got those little vibes going on. You've got that ability to whisper with soul and turn it up. You just got a lot of stuff going on, and don't be afraid to turn them loose. Yes, sir. Because we're going to be there every step of the way, encouraging you. Thank you, Luke. Lionel, what is your vote? Yes. Appreciate you. Absolutely, yes. Thank you. I think you're going to go really high in this competition. It's a yes... all the way from Minnesota. Come on! Yes! Whoo! You're so good! Thank you! That was amazing. I love you guys. I'm so proud of you. I've had it up to here with you No, I don't want to be at your pity party Cause you've been running around running your mouth just like a track star Telling all of your friends that it's been so hard When you're the one who said you were done Said you fell out alone Boy, you must think that I'm dumb, dumb You can call me a psycho You can call me a liar You can call me an arsonist I should set you on fire You can call me a mess And say what you like You can call me whatever you want Don't call me tonight Don't call me with that sad boy voice Don't want to hear the same soft story Same soft story You can call me a psycho You can call me an arsonist I should set you on fire You can call me a mess And say what you like You can call me whatever you want Don't call me tonight No, don't call me tonight Don't call me, don't call me Don't call me Don't call me, don't call me Don't call Don't call me, don't call me Don't call me tonight All right. Carrie, that's your first go around with Miss Mary Jo? I liked it a lot. I like the song a lot. And your voice, it's got a different kind of tone to it, but it's got some power under it when you start going for the higher stuff. A lot of personality in you and your voice as well. I tell people who are trying to get into business, you know, it ain't about singing. It's about surviving. Oh, I like that. And if you can get through that, that's the key. I think you're doing quite well at surviving here. Sounds great. Thank you. Life's been getting you a little bit, but that's going to happen in the music business. But, you know, there is a different air of confidence to you that's totally new. And we're glad you came back around, and I'm glad to see your face again because I was a real big fan of yours. Thank you. Oh, I'm happy to see your guys' face. Well, let's vote. Lionel, what do you think about Mary Jo 2.0? I'll put it like this. It's yes again for another time around. For me, this is my first yes to you. Oh, my gosh. Another yes from me. Thank you, guys. You're going to Hollywood Week. Hollywood Week that way. I got something! Yeah! Granddaddy rim shot in East Tennessee Guess that's where I got my need for speed I sell it illegal to people numbing their pain I'm a little crazy but the world's insane Oh, once you get to know me I'm a coyote in a field of wolves And oh, some become the devil when the moon's full Yeah, the only thing keeping these tracks on the train Knowing I'm a little crazy but the world's insane I'm a house on a hill where the lightning strikes Kids ride basket on their Santa Claus bikes Holding one goes missing walking right down Maine I'm a little crazy but the world's insane Oh, once you get to know me I'm a coyote in a field of wolves And oh, some become the devil when the moon's full Yeah, the only thing keeping these tracks on the train Knowing I'm a little crazy but the world's insane Oh, I'm a little crazy but the world's insane I feel like it's my time to find me again and give myself a chance, so I'm really thankful to be here. It's a blessing. I've never performed in front of people before ever in my life. You know you're gonna have to pull it together. What are you gonna sing for us now? I'm gonna sing Maybe by Sienna Spyro. Very good. All right. All right, here we go. Was I being a hostage For you to tie me up and never let me leave If we're honest It took the longest Time for you to even notice I was here You said you'd take me places Then you kept me waiting How could that be so wrong And I'm feeling dated I thought I was your favorite I believed in you for so long Maybe this time You'll hurt like I do You won't get no sympathy Cause I got none from you Couldn't make up your mind Mind's not confused Nothing left in me That wants to leave a space for you Cause I'm not yours It's not the same As it was before Don't fantasize when you picture me When you close your eyes and I'm in your dreams Don't matter to her Don't matter to me Think I care I know Maybe this time You'll hurt like I do You won't get no sympathy Cause I got none from you Couldn't make up your mind Mind's not confused Nothing left in me That wants to leave a space for you So maybe this time Maybe this time You'll feel like I do It all feels so good When it's your turn in blue I have emotions today, so I was fighting through that one. Yeah. It's hard to find people with unique, unique sounds and unique qualities. You've got something amazing to work with, and if I can just hold you in place. I'm game. You know what I'm saying? Don't look over your shoulder. Just look in front of you. Okay? The possibilities of you going forward in your life could be amazing. You have a really special voice. A lot of times when we get voices with that kind of texture, they can't hit the high notes like you did. When we give you confidence, because we can sense that it's not all there, I mean, I really think you can hit notes bigger than you are hitting. I can when I'm in my living room. Just get ready to go for it. Okay. Go for it all. Yeah. I'm a yes. Okay. I am an excited, over-the-moon yes. Thank you. I too am excited, and it's a yes. People always try to tell me Just do what you want to do But I try to allow my mama's advice And that's always got me through And I've fallen short in glory At least a time or two Temptation all around me And I'm reaching out for you I'm gonna fall Down on my knees Lord, give me peace In his company I am grateful For what he has done for me All while getting choked I praise the Lord Do you know how far it is to that audition? No. I like the effort though. I don't want to interrupt. You can hear a voice? I think I hear a voice. He's really loud. Well, well, well I praise the Lord Whoo! All right! Thank you so much. Thank you. That'll get you woke up. I love your energy. Well, thank you so much. Where'd that come from? I'm just so glad to be here. I love to sing 50s rock and roll. I love to lead worship at my church, and I love to do Taekwondo. Whoa! I'm not sure you're there all the way vocally, but man, you hooked the heck out of me. The moves on guitar is really, really great. I wouldn't tell you to change a thing. Thank you. Thank you so much. Your stage presence is electrifying, but I don't want you to be a gimmick. Take your vocals and your performances really serious at this point. Yes sir. It's a yes. It's a yes for me. Jason, you are on the right path. Work on the softer side of your voice a little bit, but I will give you a yes. I'm a yes. I'm on the train. Yes! Woo! Wow! Swing the guitar. Booyah. Oh, that was right in your face. Thank you so much. Actually, do y'all like me to teach you some Taekwondo? My son takes Taekwondo, so I've sat through many a class. Yeah, who wants to choke me? I do. All right, so we can do a kick. I don't need to pull a testicle. Don't worry, you won't. You're just going to go up. Yeah! Just like that. There you go. I finally found something I'm a natural at. There are plenty of fish in the sea, and I caught this one, so I hope I'm one that's caught by the judges and I get to go to Hollywood. Mommy Dearest is in the room here now. That's right. You guys, look! You didn't show until. And if I need to feed? I'm ready to go! Okay. Queso. You want to heat it up? We've got a microwave in our room. Did y'all get one? This is queso. We ain't in El Paso. It's been under the desk. And it ain't gone hard. Just in case, so you forget. Just in case. Snacks. Yeah. Won't let you down. It's the cheese. Coming in hot. It's the cheese. That was so nice. I enjoyed that. Lucas? Katie's new single. Katie, put that out right away. Now sing Easy. Easy. Easy like Sunday morning. Yeah. Maybe you could babysit, Lionel. A round of applause for Lionel Richie, everyone. The kid stays in the picture. So we heard a rumor that you have no idea who we are. Oh, yeah. I just got your name. Name a song? Name a song. From any of us. Cry Me a River. Now, who is that directed to? Justin. Justin? You think this guy? Wait, wait, wait. I'll take Justin. No, no, no. I'll take that. Wait, hold on, hold on. Who is he? I'm stumped. I mean, I've been in the business 243 years. this man has? I mean, I was there when the dinosaurs came through. Oh, my God. No, have you done Wheel of Fortune or something? Like... Wheel of Fortune. He said, are you from Wheel of Fortune? Are you from Wheel of Fortune? Whatever. Pat. Turn around, Pat. Nah. That's it. I'm good right here, babes. You all go on. I'm here. Okay. Ah, it's... Anyway. There you go. You have a lot of hobbies. He has a lot of people inside of him. That's what he has. Back with you on American Idol where Disney night is in full swing. Ah. Hey, everybody. What are you doing in the contestant lounge? Oh, I'm ready for my performance. No, no, I'm sorry. You can't perform tonight, Piggy. What's with Seacrest? Does he forget this is a singing show or something? It is, but you're not a contestant. Oh, come on. Don't you think America deserves the chance to vote for moi? Flat. No, no, no. No, Miss Piggy. No, no. It's Mike's turn to sing. Who? Mike. Him? Yes. Ah. America, you don't know what you're missing. You're lucky you're cute, kid. Thank you, Miss Piggy. Now, be careful. Caution. Katie. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Oh, man, come on.