March 5, 2026, Update: After a sing-off between Jayson Garner and Michael Garner on Monday night, the fate of the singers representing our state was revealed. Both Makiyah and Michael have officially made it to the Top 30 on American Idol! They will both go on to compete at next week’s new ‘Ohana Round at Aulani Disney Resort!
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Feb. 3, 2026: American Idol has been making singers’ dreams come true since it first aired in 2002 and has launched the careers of household names such as Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson.
On the Feb. 2 episode, two Arkansas singers stepped into the audition room to sing in front of judges, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Idol alumni Carrie Underwood.
Makiyah Mustiful, who hails from Pine Bluff and works at Simmons Bank, delivered a powerhouse performance of “Love You I Do,” from Dreamgirls. The 24-year-old had Lionel Richie dancing in his seat during her audition and received a standing ovation from all three judges.
“Easily the strongest voice we’ve heard so far,” Underwood said. “You are meant to be here right now.”
Her family joined her later on in the audition room, and her little brother, Christopher, showed off his singing voice too.
All three judges agreed to give her the golden ticket to Hollywood week.
She was not the only Arkansas singer whose audition secured them a spot, either.
Michael Garner is a 16-year-old singer from Forrest City.
“I thought this audition could definitely change my life and my family’s life,” he said on the show.
He wowed the judges with his rendition of “I’m Still Fine” by the Red Clay Strays. Luke Bryan gave Garner a fist bump after the performance, but Underwood seemed hesitant about Garner’s age, saying she wished he were 20 years old.
“I believe I’m ready,” he told her.
In the end, he got his golden ticket to Hollywood week.
They are not the first Arkansas performers to have American Idol success. In 2021, Fayetteville native Madison Watkins reached the Top 12 of her season, and the season eight winner, Kris Allen, is originally from Jacksonville.
The new season premiered Jan. 26 on ABC and features a few new twists. The iconic Hollywood week round will move to Nashville for this season, as well as a brand new “Ohana Round,” which will be filmed at a Disney Resort. Fans will also be able to vote for their favorites via social media this season.
Feature Photo (left to right): Mustiful, Garner | Credit: Simmons Bank on Facebook and Michael Garner on TikTok
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