Minnesota’s Chris Tungseth reached the final five — but he will not be this season’s “American Idol.”
Tungseth, a construction worker from Fergus Falls, was one of two singers eliminated from the reality TV show on Monday night.
The episode was themed “Class of 2006: Reunion,” and brought back original judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul. In the lead-up to their big night under the spotlight, Jackson mentored the contestants, while Abdul sat in as a guest judge on the live show. Monday also featured “American Idol” contestants from years past dueting with this season’s participants.
Tungseth sang two songs in the lead up to the final tally: Noah Kahan’s “Northern Attitude,” followed by a duet of Garth Brooks’ “The Thunder Rolls,” with 2006 “American Idol” contestant Bucky Covington.
“Bucky is the perfect person for me to sing with just because he has such a sweet rock vibe, and I want to lean into that this week,” Tungseth said in a video montage before his performance. “I want this to be big and he knows how to make it big.”
After Tungseth’s duet with Covington, “American Idol” judge Carrie Underwood said Tungseth had looked the most comfortable on stage that she’d seen all season.
“That was awesome,” she said.
Judge Luke Bryan followed up by calling Tungseth’s rendition of the country song “great,” and “one of the best vocals” he’d heard him perform. But, for the “American Idol” voters, it wasn’t enough, with Tungseth and fellow contender Braden Rumfelt being sent home.
Tungseth gained popularity among viewers this season with his down-to-earth demeanor and Chris Stapleton-like vocal sound. He also shared personal challenges he’s faced, including his father’s passing from leukemia in 2023, and his mother’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis, which led to her living in a nursing home.
Although Tungseth did not advance Monday, the city of Fergus Falls will hold a celebration for him in the coming weeks. The live “American Idol” season finale airs May 11.
