Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Julian Kalel auditions for American Idol, accompanied by his sister Karyssa. (ABC Photo)

American Idol continued its Season 24 audition episodes Monday night.

Over the course of the evening, Idol introduced us to more than a dozen golden ticket recipients.

Here’s a recap, complete with Idol Chatter’s picks for the night’s best performers.

Remember, as always, following the links will take you to a profile of the singer, complete with information on music they’ve already released.

See also
Week 1 recap with Idol Chatter’s picks for the best
Most popular auditions from Week 1

BEST OF THE NIGHT

Julian Kalel, 19, El Paso, Texas, “Lone Guitar” (an original): Accompanied by his sister Karyssa on violin, Julian performed a wonderful original. He has a great singer-songwriter vibe and a compelling backstory with his struggles with anxiety. In fact, he auditioned last year and was so impressive that Luke Bryan predicted he could win the show. But Julian dropped out because of those struggles. He says he just had to give the show a second try. Luke says he has “the magic.” He lands here party because of this audition, partly because of the fabulous music he’s already released.

RUNNERS-UP

Ruby Rae, 16, Pacific Paisades, Calif., “Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo: Whoa, from the opening note Ruby shows off a wonderful tone and a knack for delivering emotion. Not to mention vocal firepower to spare. She’s only 16. Dang! She got a standing ovation from the judges. Lionel Richie called her audition “right on the money.” Luke Bryan praised her star potential. Carrie Underwood called the audition “incredible.”

Hannah Harper, 25, Willow Springs, Missouri, “String Cheese” (an original): This young woman has a lovely country voice and this song, which she has released, is a great debut single. Carrie Underwood called it “about the most relatable song I’ve ever heard” and complimented the “beautiful simplicity” of her voice. Luke Bryan loves her mountain bluegrass sound. Carrie says she might be “my favorite person who’s walked through those doors.”

ALSO EARNED GOLDEN TICKETS

Makiyah Mustiful, 24, Pine Bluff, Ark., “Love You I Do” by Jennifer Hudson: Makiyah showed off a big voice and pleasing tone in an audition that kept getting better and better. She seems to have a great spirit too. Luke Bryan says she lights up the room. Carrie Underwood called her “the strongest voice we’ve heard so far.” Lionel Richie says she has the singing talent to “lead the class.”

Michael Garner, 16, Palestine, Ala., “I’m Still Fine,” by The Red Clay Straws: Here’s another young singer with a great tone. You can sense he’s a bit shy on performing experience, but he gets an immediate fist bump from Luke Bryan. Carrie Underwood says his voice sounds more mature than 16. Luke Bryan says he sings great, plays guitar great and calles him a “young prodigy.” Lionel Richie goes along with Luke and Michael winds up with a golden ticket.

Sheldon Riley, 26, Melbourne, Australia, “Brother” by Matt Corby: He’s a veteran of several singing shows thanks to a costumed character he created. He wants to see if he can do well on Idol without that character. He sings with tons of passion and show off great range. Yep, his voice should be enough. Luke Bryan calls him “crazy talented.” Lionel Richie calls him “an artist” with great stage presence.

Trace Casanova, 22, Charlotte, N.C., “Wild One” by Jerry Lee Lewis & “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-a-Lot: He puts a humorous lounge spin on “Baby Got Back” and sure comes across as a fun, seasoned performer. Carrie Underwood says she likes him. Lionel Richies praises the joy and humor he brings to the stage. He advances on a 2-1 vote.

Carmen Lorell Martin, 20, El Dorado Hills, Calif., “Thought It Was Love” by Ty Myers: Carmen was accompanied to the audition from someone from one of those Real Housewives shows this writer has never, ever watched. And this segment sure didn’t boost the likelihood that I ever will. As for Carmen, she has a lovely lilt to her voice.

Braden Rumfelt, 22, Murphy, N.C., “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town: Braden has really nice range and a unique sound. Not to mention the ability to project. He did a nice job of putting his own stamp on the song. Luke Bryan said he has the potential to do very well on the show. Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie praisd his voice as well.

Kitti Taye, 22, Laveen, Ariz., “Masterpiece” by Jazmine Sullivan: She sings with her college a cappella group as her backing “instrument.” Lionel Richie called it “amazing.” Carrie Underwood complimented her on a “fabulous voice.”

Tinayeshe Mayika, 27, Charlotte, N.C., “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers: We only saw part of his audition, but he came across as a fun, talented performer. Carrie said his performance sounded fresh. Lionel praised his big voice. Luke liked the way he made the song authentically his own.

Tianna Roberts, 25, Sumter, S.C., “Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior”: Tianna impressed with take-you-to-church vocals and her impassioned delivery. Her performance brought Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie to their feet. Carrie called her voice “wonderful.” Lionel said he “loved” what she did.

Ruby Rae, just 16, dazzled the American Idol judges with her audition that aired Monday. (ABC Photo)