5th Elimination Top 9 Perform Top 7 Revealed American Idol 2026

Back with you on American Idol, the voting is closed. It's time to hear the results. But before we do that, first, a big thanks to Jennifer Hudson for mentoring the finalists, sitting on the panel tonight. Tomorrow is the 22-year anniversary of her shocking elimination. Just the week before, she had the highest number of votes. And then the very next week, she was headed home. Thinking back to that, what advice do you have for the two leaving us tonight, Jennifer? You know, this is the start of your career. When you leave here, your talent goes with you. That's what I told myself. And as long as I keep singing, I'm going to sing my way to it. So you do the same. And you get to say when your dream starts and when it ends. Well said. Time now for the live results. Tom, dim the lights, and here we go. Good luck to all of you, and no particular order. After the nationwide vote, the first person in your top seven is Daniel. Congratulations. The next person making it through to the lounge after the vote is Keela. Congratulations. Continuing their idle era in your top seven next week, it is good news for Jordan. Joining the others in the lounge. It is Chris. Congratulations. One step closer to the finale. It is Hannah. America, you also love Brooks. You are safe. So head on together here in the center of the stage. Braden, Lucas, and Kendall. Only one spot left. Three faces here. Amazing night tonight. Good luck to all of you with this final result. The last person to make it into your top seven after the nationwide vote is Braden. Congratulations, Braden, you did it. That means we say goodbye to Lucas and Kendall. Thank you two very much. Remember what Jennifer said. And there you have it, America, your top seven. Don't miss it when they take the stage next week with the Taylor Swift songbook live on ABC and Disney+. Thanks to our incredible panel tonight and our guest. Thanks, you at home, for watching and voting. We'll see you next week live for American Idol. Until then, good night, America.