It might as well have been “Alabama Night” on American Idol.
During Monday’s two-hour episode, five singers from the Yellowhammer State auditioned — and every single one of them walked away with a coveted Golden Ticket to Hollywood Week. For a show now in its 24th season, that kind of sweep is rare.
Alabama’s history with Idol is already impressive. The state has produced two winners, two runners-up, multiple Top 10 finalists, and countless memorable contestants. But seeing five hopefuls from the same state succeed in one episode felt like a statement. Even the soundtrack seemed to acknowledge it, with “Sweet Home Alabama” playing in the background as several contestants were featured.
“Alabama is in the house,” declared Lionel Richie, a Tuskegee native. “My home state is showing up.”
Here’s a closer look at the five singers carrying Alabama’s legacy forward:
Kiera Howell (Geneva, 16)
The youngest of the group, high school student Kiera Howell brought bubbly energy and gritty vocals to the audition room. A frequent festival performer in southeast Alabama, Howell chose We The Kingdom’s “Don’t Tread on Me,” leaning into her love for Christian rock.
Carrie Underwood praised her versatility and distinctive tone. “There’s a lot of grit in your voice,” Underwood said. “I could hear you singing country — even something like Stevie Nicks.” She did encourage Howell to choose songs that match her vibrant personality moving forward.
After earning three yes votes, Howell was nearly speechless. “This is so unreal,” she said, clutching her Golden Ticket. “I see this on TV, and now I’m holding it on TV.”
Trew the Star (Montgomery, 24)
Trevon Williams, known as Trew the Star, delivered one of the night’s most emotional auditions. Sharing a deeply personal story about his family’s struggles with poverty and his late mother’s battle with addiction, Trew made it clear this moment meant more than just music.
He performed Sam Cooke’s “Nothing Can Change This Love,” captivating the judges with his soulful delivery. Lionel Richie stepped out from behind the table to hug him.
“I’m channeling Montgomery, Tuskegee, Auburn — they told me to give you a hug,” Richie said. Luke Bryan admitted he had “full-body chills,” while Underwood praised Trew’s intentional storytelling.
Holding his ticket, Trew summed it up simply: “This is hope.”
Brett Carlisle (Birmingham, 28)
Bringing rock ‘n’ roll swagger to the stage, Birmingham native Brett Carlisle — the current frontman for Great White — auditioned with the band’s “House of Broken Love,” joined by founding guitarist Mark Kendall and keyboardist Michael Lardie.
Though his audition aired as part of a montage, Richie labeled him a potential “poster child” for rock this season. Carlisle celebrated his Golden Ticket with confidence: “I’m ready to bring some rock ‘n’ roll to American Idol.”
Kayla Finch (York, 25)
Substitute teacher Kayla Finch showcased her powerhouse vocals with a ballad version of “One Night Only” from Dreamgirls. Her audition, also shown in a montage, earned her three yes votes — along with some playful advice from Carrie Underwood.
“You’ve got to know what you’re capable of,” Underwood said. “If you’ve got to push a little more, you’ve gotta squeeze that tushie.”
Finch embraced the moment with humor. “Best advice of my life,” she joked after securing her spot in Hollywood.
Kutter Bradley (Florence, 22)
Southern rock singer and fire protection inspector Kutter Bradley impressed with a guitar-backed rendition of 3 Doors Down’s “Here Without You.” Lionel Richie praised his signature growl and confident delivery.
“I love your voice. I love your confidence,” Richie told him.
Bradley later celebrated on social media with a fitting Southern flair: “We in there like swimwear!”
Alabama’s Momentum Continues
The state’s strong showing didn’t stop there. Additional Alabama contestants appeared in Monday’s montages, including singers from Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, Birmingham, and Troy. One Birmingham hopeful, Marissa Luna, confirmed via social media that she also earned a Golden Ticket.
Earlier this season, Bryant Thomas of Mobile advanced as well, adding to Alabama’s growing presence in Season 24.
As Hollywood Week — now held in Nashville despite its name — begins February 23, the competition will intensify. Cuts will be deep, and the pressure will rise.
But if Monday’s episode proved anything, it’s this: Alabama’s pipeline of talent is alive and thriving. Five Golden Tickets in one night isn’t just impressive — it’s a reminder that when it comes to American Idol, Alabama remains a powerhouse.
