Minnesota’s Chris Tungseth breaks into top 11 of 'American Idol'



Minnesota’s own Chris Tungseth, the construction worker from Fergus Falls, has hammered his way into the top 11 of the reality TV show “American Idol.” That’s after what some at home considered Tungseth’s rocky performance of Edwin McCain’s song “I’ll Be.”

Last night’s theme featured “judge’s choice” for the live show whereby “American Idol” judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan each chose a song for contestants to perform. But their choices were unknown to the contestants.

Tungseth’s options were the Black Crowes’ “She Talks to Angels,” Seal’s “Kiss from a Rose” and Edwin McCain’s “I’ll Be.”

Ultimately, Tungseth chose the latter after admitting he had never heard of the other two songs. But his lack of stage experience was almost his undoing. Although he grew up singing in church, it was obvious Tungseth faltered at times.

It was later revealed that Underwood had been the judge who had selected “I’ll Be” for Tungseth.

“I’m going to be super honest. I felt like there were some really magical moments in there,” said Underwood, who has been one of Tungseth’s greatest supporters this season. “And I felt like there were a few not-so-great moments.”

But, fellow judge Luke Bryan’s take was quite the opposite.

“Great job,” Bryan said. “The soul in your voice is just so good, and so you.”

The four judges of "American Idol" pose for a photo next to shelves of records.
“American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest (left to right) joins judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Ritchie and Luke Bryan, for the 24th season of the show.
Courtesy of Eric McCandless | Disney

Audience members sided with Bryan and in the end voted Tungseth into top 11 of the live show. Tungseth was the first to be told he had passed muster and appeared gobsmacked.

Monday’s episode started with the resolution of a cliffhanger. The field was supposed to be whittled down to the top 12 competitors the week prior. But competition got so heated with an overwhelming amount of audience members voting online and through text that host Ryan Seacrest told viewers producers needed an extra week to tally the results properly.

One of Tungseth’s friends signed him up for “American Idol” without telling him. Then to prepare for auditions, he performed locally at open mic nights and restaurants.

Tungseth has connected with viewers this season by sharing personal challenges he’s faced. His father passed from leukemia in 2023 and his mother is currently living in a nursing home because of multiple sclerosis.

Viewers will have to tune in next Monday to see Tungseth continue representing Minnesota on the world’s stage.



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A Republican lawmaker charged in an alcohol-related driving offense won’t have to appear in court again until after the Legislature adjourns for the year.

A June 10 arraignment hearing is set for Rep. Elliott Engen, a Lino Lakes Republican who faces three misdemeanor charges following an arrest early Friday. He was stopped for speeding and other infractions in White Bear Lake; officers detected alcohol and he later tested well above the legal limit for driving, according to a citation.

Engen has apologized for a lapse in judgment; he promised to learn from his actions and “do better.” Aside from being a second-term legislator, he is also a candidate for state auditor.

A second lawmaker, GOP Rep. Walter Hudson, was in Engen’s truck at the time of the stop and an open bottle of alcohol was found in a rear seat. Hudson, a second-term legislator from Albertville, was in possession of a permitted handgun, which could cause him legal problems if he is determined to have been intoxicated.

Police officers wrote in their report that Hudson disclosed he had the gun as the truck was being searched. The report said police took the firearm for safekeeping and said he could pick it up at a later time, which Hudson agreed to.

“I regret the poor decisions that were made during this incident, and commend the White Bear Police Department for their professional response,” Hudson said in a written statement. “I’m grateful that no harm was done to ourselves and others.”

Two lawmakers stand and look around
Rep. Walter Hudson, R-Albertville, (center) and Rep. Bidal Duran, R-Bemidji, (right) join other Republican lawmakers gather in the House chambers Jan. 27, 2025.
Tim Evans for MPR News file

A third, unidentified passenger was in the truck as well, according to police. Hudson and that person were transferred to the police department until they could arrange rides.

The Minnesota lawmakers had been at the Capitol late into the evening Thursday as the House debated procedural motions on gun, immigration and social media legislation. The motions failed on 67-67 votes.

There is no indication yet that either Hudson nor Engen had been drinking on Capitol grounds, which would be a violation of a House rule against consumption of alcohol or drugs in spaces under that chamber’s control.

According to a White Bear Lake Police report, Engen initially said he had not been drinking when asked by the police officer who pulled him over — “nothing at all,” he is quoted as saying. He performed a field sobriety test, which the report says showed signs of impairment.

Engen gave a preliminary breath sample there, the report says, which estimated a 0.142 blood alcohol level. After he was taken by squad car to the police department “Engen spontaneously stated, ‘Sir, I had a drink three hours ago,’” the report says.

He told the Minnesota Star Tribune in an interview Monday that he had also consumed alcohol in the afternoon on Thursday as well.

Engen is charged with two impaired driving offenses and speeding. White Bear Lake police also said he was driving a vehicle with expired registration and an inoperable headlight.

Engen has not returned calls from MPR News. A court docket lists a “notice of appearance” on Tuesday.

He is being represented in the criminal case by Chris Madel, an Excelsior attorney who waged a brief Republican campaign for governor.



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