Live from Los Angeles, in the April 6 episode of American Idol, Murphy’s Braden Rumfelt made it to the top 10 following live voting results Monday.
Rumfelt sealed a place for next week with a searing rendition of the Eric Carmen song in the style of Celine Dion’s cover of “All By Myself” amid a moody, fog-covered stage.
Rumfelt sang the song chosen by judge Lionel Richie and won this episode’s Judges Trophy during a night of all-1990s song choices. Richie commented on Rumfelt’s deft handling of the tune along with serious kudos from judges Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood.
The camera panned to Rumfelt’s beaming family and even a young lady with a “Braden Fan Club” poster after the song. The crowd’s reaction was the most enthusiastic of the evening.
Rumfelt advances to the final 10 round of the show. American Idol airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC.