Braden Rumfelt’s rise on American Idol continued Monday night, when he gained entry to the top five during the California Dreamin' and Taylor Swift evening of songs live from Los Angeles.
This week’s episode consisted of two different rounds with one for "California" songs, the other featuring iconic songs from the mega-hits of Swift. Once again, the faithful were gathered at Mountain Vale Lodge in downtown Murphy for a "live watch party."
Self-described "Swiftie" and comedian Nikki Glaser served as this week’s guest celebrity judge. As a fan who always "feels something " from Swift's music, Glaser said she was looking for "the singers to bring something new [she'd] never felt before " from the performances.
For his first-round Swift song, Rumfelt's social media post hinted with his wardrobe choice of a dark forest-floral "cardigan." The song, from Swift's 2020 Folklore album, tells a tale of lost love through one of many fictional narrators of the album. The song held the record at the time of release for a debut with the most streams on Spotify with more than 7 million plays.
Rumfelt performed the song with a forested backdrop that seamlessly matched his cardigan and a mist covered floor. The crowd swayed with arms raised, and there was many a shout of congratulations inside the watch party as well.
Glaser praised Rumfelt for being '"in the pocket " with one of her favorite Swift songs. Too, Rumfelt admitted he'd not known the song before this past week and Glaser said, "You really took me on the journey of the song with just the music."
Judge Luke Bryan said this was his "favorite so far" from Rumfelt, who really embraced the sing, taking him "along on the emotional journey of the song. Lionel Richie echoed Glaser by saying Braden was in the pocket, and he "believed your conviction" in singing this song he'd only recently learned.
Carrie Underwood said, "Ditto everyone." She added how comfortable Rumfelt looked with the song.
The Murphy native chose Maroon 5's "This Love" for his "California Song" second-round selection, which is one of the band's most distinctive hits from their 2004 album Songs About Jane. Rumfelt said the song was meant as a reflection to show how much fun he and his new friends have had in California during this experience.
His second song received praise once again from the judges due in part to his ensemble of an open pale pink silk jacket with slim-cut black pants, biker boots and silver jewelry.
Bryan, Glaser and Underwood all gave Rumfelt a standing ovation.
Glaser said, "You owned that. So fun. So cool. And that silk shirt." Bryan, almost falling out of his chair, enthusiastically said "Great job."
Richie echoed the others' praises, again commenting on the wardrobe choice and the fact that he worked the crowd when walking around the stage, giving "the ugly face" when belting the tune. Underwood added, "What a great moment for you. You look like a rock star out there."
The Murphy native is also the cause celebre of both downtown Murphy and Visit Cherokee County with the potential for American Idol filming in town for a parade and concert planned for May 6 in Konahete Park. If Rumfelt makes the top three in the May 4 voting, he'll receive the hometown honors.
Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Director Victoria Ivie, Downtown Development Director Sara Posey Davis, Murphy Business Association events director Becca McNabb and TDA Director Casey Kerr posted on social media about the event, saying while the time is to be determined, their intent is to bring Braden home to Murphy for a community concert to celebrate his journey this season and his making the top three.
The group posted information about the various voting methods to make sure Rumfelt makes it to the finale and makes it to his home turf for the celebration. There will be more information posted on Visit Cherokee County’s social media pages.
There is also a billboard supporting Rumfelt located at the intersection of the Murphy Ingles posted by Allison Outdoor Advertising. Local restaurant Julie's Place also posted a billboard saying, "Proud of Braden Rumfelt American Idol," while Yogi's Neighborhood Grill is offering a Golden Ticket burger with 10% of sales going to support the Rumfelt family's travel expenses.
Next week's edition will feature a collaboration with ABC's show Dancing with the Stars as well. The top three will be announced May 4, with the finale airing May 11. American Idol airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Below: This billboard in Murphy encourages folks to vote for local favorite Braden Rumfelt on "American Idol."
