Which Songs Should The American Idol Season 24 Top 7 Finalists Sing On Taylor Swift Night?
By Published Apr 23, 2026, 3:52 PM EDT Lorianne Palinkas has been a reality television writer for Screen Rant for four years. After teaching middle school English for twenty years, she knows a thing or two about high drama, complicated alliances, and even singing competitions. Growing up in New York City gave her a solid foundation in the arts and culture. follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap
On April 27, season 24 will celebrate Taylor Swift Night, with the Top 7 singing iconic hits from all of her eras. After Kyndal and Lucas Leon were eliminated during Disney Night, the American Idol season 24 Top 7 finalists consist of Braden Rumfelt, Brooks, Chris Tungseth, Daniel Stallworth, Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, and Keyla Richardson.
During Taylor Swift Night, the show will pay tribute to the 14-time Grammy Award winner. In addition, comedian Nikki Glaser will serve as a guest judge, joining Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan at the judges' table. The Top 7 finalists will also perform songs from California's biggest artists. As the finalists select their Taylor Swift songs, here are the tunes that would be perfect for them to sing in order to advance into the Top 5.
Braden Rumfelt
Braden, a 22-year-old substitute teacher from Murphy, North Carolina, has been dazzling the audience with his soulful singing since his audition. His incredible runs and ability to bring emotion to any song have made him stand out from the crowd. Braden could wow everyone if he put his own spin on Taylor's "Blank Space" from her 2014 album 1989, or "Anti-Hero" from 2026's Midnights. However, the song that might best be suited for his funky style is "You Need to Calm Down" from 2019's Lover.
Brooks
Brooks, a 22-year-old dementia care medication tech from Bel Air, Maryland, has one of the most unique voices ever heard on the American Idol stage. It's easy to imagine giving an emotional performance of Taylor's hauntingly beautiful "Safe & Sound," featuring the Civil Wars, from the 2012 soundtrack of The Hunger Games. He could also showcase his upper register with "Wildest Dreams" from 2014's 1989. If Brooks wanted to sing a more upbeat song, "Mean" from 2010's Speak Now would be the perfect choice to highlight his distinct vocals.
Chris Tungseth
Chris, a 27-year-old construction tradesman from Fergus Falls, Minnesota, has continued to win everyone's hearts with his sincere performances. He took a huge risk with his offbeat song choice of , but it paid off, so it's not hard to imagine that he'll once again choose an unexpected tune from Taylor's catalog. Chris has a beautiful upper register which he could tap into even more with "Cruel Summer" from 2019's Lover. He could also showcase his runs with that song. If Chris wanted to reveal a softer side, he could sing the sweet love song, "Enchanted" from 2010's Speak Now. However, at this stage of the competition, it's important to stand out, and he could steal the show with "The Fate of Ophelia" from 2026's The Life of a Showgirl.
Daniel Stallworth
Daniel, a 28-year-old elementary music teacher from Moss Point, Mississippi, brings soul to the American Idol stage every week. Daniel is known for singing ballads and making them his own by infusing them with his phenomenal gospel style. Because of this, "Teardrops on My Guitar" from Taylor's self-titled 2006 debut album or "Back to December" from 2010's Speak Now would be ideal choices for him. However, throughout the competition, the judges have been encouraging him to loosen up, so "Shake It Off" from 2014's 1989 could help him to do that and create a breakout moment for him.
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Hannah Harper
Hannah, a 25-year-old stay-at-home mom from Willow Springs, Missouri, became the after she went viral after auditioning with her sensational original song, "String Cheese." As the only truly country singer left in the competition, Hannah has an advantage because it's as if Taylor's tunes were made for her to sing. Hannah could do justice to any of Taylor's songs with her pure vocals, but, as a mom of three little boys, "Never Grow Up" from 2010's Speak Now feels like the perfect choice for her. However, if she wanted to sing something more upbeat to showcase her personality, which the judges have been encouraging her to do, she should perform "Our Song" from Taylor's 2006 self-titled debut album or "Opalite" from 2026's The Life of a Showgirl.
Jordan McCullough
Jordan, a 27-year-old worship director from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, has been wowing everyone with his mind-blowing performances. Platinum ticket recipient Jordan has the vocal talent and showmanship of a true star, and he's already proven that he has what it takes to make it far in the competition. He's also always having fun on stage, so some of Taylor's sassier songs such as the 2012 Red singles, "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" and "I Knew You Were Trouble" would be perfect for him. He could also highlight his voice and personality with "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" from 2026's The Tortured Poets Department.
Keyla Richardson
Keyla, a 29-year-old music teacher from Pensacola, Florida, has brought to tears more than once with her spectacular performances, as her beloved son sings along from the audience. Keyla is known for being a powerhouse performer, so hearing her sing some of Taylor's bolder songs, such as "Bad Blood" from 2014's 1989 and "Look What You Made Me Do" from 2017's Reputation, would be legendary. However, Keyla could also take a different path and reveal a softer side with "Mine" from 2010's Speak Now.
No matter which songs the American Idol season 24 finalists choose for Taylor Swift Night, the episode is certain to be epic. Her songs are crowd-pleasers that will have everyone singing along. Song choice is crucial at this point in the competition, but, with so many Taylor hits to choose from, the finalists really can't go wrong. They're all so talented, so they'll definitely do Taylor's classic songs justice. Taylor Swift Night is going to bring American Idol into its greatest era.
American Idol airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
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