‘American Idol': Marybeth Byrd Earns Golden Ticket With SteelDrivers Song [Watch]‘American Idol': Marybeth Byrd Earns Golden Ticket With SteelDrivers Song [Watch]She's a country radio DJ with big dreams of stardom.Melinda LorgeMelinda Lorge
‘American Idol': Soul Singer Elijah McCormick Brings Tears With Rascal Flatts Hit [Watch]‘American Idol': Soul Singer Elijah McCormick Brings Tears With Rascal Flatts Hit [Watch]This 'American Idol' star-in-the-making shared a powerful story about a near-death experience that shaped his life.Melinda LorgeMelinda Lorge
‘American Idol': Preston Duffee Mesmerizes Judges With a Song Inspired by His Late Mom [Watch]‘American Idol': Preston Duffee Mesmerizes Judges With a Song Inspired by His Late Mom [Watch]Music has helped this 'American Idol' hopeful cope through some of his darkest times.Melinda LorgeMelinda Lorge
‘American Idol’ High School Shooting Survivor Earns Praise With Whiskey Myers Cover [Watch]‘American Idol’ High School Shooting Survivor Earns Praise With Whiskey Myers Cover [Watch]Katy was just devastated by his story.Melinda LorgeMelinda Lorge
‘American Idol’ Contestant’s Special Song for His Grandfather Is a Tear-Jerker [Watch]‘American Idol’ Contestant’s Special Song for His Grandfather Is a Tear-Jerker [Watch]His grandpa got to be there to see his audition in person.Evan PaulEvan Paul
Meet Colin Stough, the Small-Town ‘American Idol’ Contestant With Big Dreams and Mom’s SupportMeet Colin Stough, the Small-Town ‘American Idol’ Contestant With Big Dreams and Mom’s SupportSearching for the next big talent, the judges headed to Nashville, where they found 18-year-old Colin StoughMelinda LorgeMelinda Lorge
‘American Idol': 18-Year-Old Iam Tongi Brings Luke Bryan to Tears During Audition of a James Blunt Song [Watch]‘American Idol': 18-Year-Old Iam Tongi Brings Luke Bryan to Tears During Audition of a James Blunt Song [Watch]Iam Tongi, a teenager and singer-songwriter from Kahuku, Hawaii, brought coaches Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie to tears during the Season 21 premiere of Idol.Melinda LorgeMelinda Lorge
‘American Idol': Platinum-Winning Pop Singer’s Daughter Scores Golden Ticket With Kelsea Ballerini and Carrie Underwood Covers [Watch]‘American Idol': Platinum-Winning Pop Singer’s Daughter Scores Golden Ticket With Kelsea Ballerini and Carrie Underwood Covers [Watch]Luke Bryan didn't think she was ready, but he's open to seeing her future.Melinda LorgeMelinda Lorge
A ‘Real’ Country ‘American Idol’ Audition Makes Luke Bryan Do a Happy Dance [Watch]A ‘Real’ Country ‘American Idol’ Audition Makes Luke Bryan Do a Happy Dance [Watch]Colin Stough brought true-blue country roots to 'American Idol' with his Lynyrd Skynyrd cover -- and a guest appearance from his mama.Carena LiptakCarena Liptak
Luke Bryan is ‘Hooked’ on Young ‘American Idol’ Hopeful After ‘Incredible’ Audition [Watch]Luke Bryan is ‘Hooked’ on Young ‘American Idol’ Hopeful After ‘Incredible’ Audition [Watch]This 'American Idol' contestant dropped jaws with her stunning original song.Carena LiptakCarena Liptak
‘American Idol’ Finalist C.J. Harris’ Cause of Death Revealed‘American Idol’ Finalist C.J. Harris’ Cause of Death RevealedNews of Harris' cause of death confirms suspicions about what happened.Billy DukesBilly Dukes
‘American Idol’ Contestant CJ Harris Dead at 31‘American Idol’ Contestant CJ Harris Dead at 31The country-rock singer, who once shared the Grand Ole Opry stage with Darius Rucker, died of an apparent heart attack. Carena LiptakCarena Liptak
'American Idol' Finalist C.J. Harris Dies at 31'American Idol' Finalist C.J. Harris Dies at 31The Alabama native won over the hearts of Darius Rucker, Keith Urban and country fans across the world.Lorie LiebigLorie Liebig
Luke Bryan and the ‘American Idol’ Judges Star in a Vegas-Themed Teaser for Season 21 [Watch]Luke Bryan and the ‘American Idol’ Judges Star in a Vegas-Themed Teaser for Season 21 [Watch]Luke Bryan + the rest of the 'Idol' judges will return for a new season in mid-February.Carena LiptakCarena Liptak
Luke Bryan and Son Bo Gave Katy Perry a ‘Country Education’ About Deer PeeLuke Bryan and Son Bo Gave Katy Perry a ‘Country Education’ About Deer PeeHe's the resident country expert on 'American Idol.' JessJess
Luke Bryan Remembers ‘American Idol’ Star Willie SpenceLuke Bryan Remembers ‘American Idol’ Star Willie SpenceWillie Spence died in a car accident on Oct. 12.Billy DukesBilly Dukes