Braden Rumfelt
While Braden Rumfelt didn't make the top three finalists on Season 24 of ABC television's American Idol, the Murphy native did put in an appearance on Monday night's three-hour season finale.
Rumfelt sang a duet with Season 2 Idol alum, second-place finisher and North Carolina native Clay Aiken live from Los Angeles. In the last hour, they performed Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," which Aiken sang on the show on March 4, 2003.
Host Ryan Seacrest welcomed both Aiken and Rumfelt back to the stage with an added bit of trivia – the date Aiken sang that song is also the day Rumfelt was born. Aiken's first new music in 18 years also debuted Monday to coincide with his Idol appearance and a performance of his new single "Rewind."
Finale week guest vocal mentor Alicia Keys performed her song "Loving You" with the three finalists before the final two elimination of finalist Keyla Richardson.
Other performers, most who are kicking off summer tours, included Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, En Vogue, Nelly and Shinedown. Each performer had a Season 24 contestant performing alongside them.
Judge Carrie Underwood sang a medley with Motley Crue for a hard rock highlight along with judge Luke Bryan performing his upcoming single "Fish Hunt Golf Drink." The trio of judges then sang "Deep River Woman," with Lionel Richie taking lead on the hit song he penned.
In a flurry of social media posts over the last week, Rumfelt and family thanked the people of Cherokee County and western North Carolina, along with his nationwide following, for their support. Rumfelt also gave thanks and praise for his journey throughout the first half of 2026 in pursuing his dream.
In his first post after the May 4 results Rumfelt said, "What’s up beautiful people? As we all probably know, I didn’t make the top 3 and that’s OK! American Idol has given me some of the best experiences, friends and challenges I’ve waited my whole life for.
"Keep your eyes peeled, I’m going to be releasing music and touring and all the cool stuff. Thank you for praying, voting and supporting me along the way! I couldn’t have made it here without y'all!"
His supporters have been busy commenting on Idol's varoous social media with their dismay at Rumfelt not making the finale.
His mother, Crystal, posted, "We are on our way for the last time" to be in attendance for the finale and cheered him on from the audience. Rumfelt's father, Chris posted, the duet performance information last week.
Mountain Vale Lodge in Murphy continued its "live watch" party after finding out Braden would stay in Los Angeles for a finale performance.
"We've got our popcorn out, and we're ready," owner Jen Stoey said right before the broadcast. "And while no one clearly said who they'd support or vote for after Braden left, we're all kind of rooting for Hannah [Harper]."
"We were all full of anxiety, but they're all really winners," Stoey said after the final two of Harper and Jordan McCullough were announced. "We're so torn," Stoey said before Harper was announced as the winner.
The Town of Murphy still plans on holding a parade and concert to celebrate Rumfelt after his return home, which will be announced at a later date through downtown Murphy and Visit Cherokee County.