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A construction worker from Fergus Falls is still hanging on as one of the top 14 contestants on the reality TV show “American Idol.”

Chris Tungseth, 27, learned on Monday night’s show that he advanced out of the top 20. But whether Tungseth made the next cut, to remain in the top 12, was still an open question, as a record number of viewer votes required extra-careful counting, said host Ryan Seacrest.

At a watch party Monday at Outstate Brewing Company in Fergus Falls, fans cheered Tungseth on.

“There’s this aura that he has, and he’s such a positive, good person. He’s a light,” said Pat Lundberg, co-owner and chief executive of Outstate Brewing Company, where Tungseth has performed. “And I think that light is shining amongst, you know, this huge competition and stellar singers, and he’s one of them.”

Lee Solberg was also there at the watch party to root for Tungseth. She was not impressed with Seacrest’s announcement that viewers would need to tune in for the next show to see who will be eliminated.

“That was really rude to make us wait till next week,” she said. “That was so silly, but we’re grateful to watch him [Tungseth] and cheer him on every chance that we can get.”  

Monday’s show featured performances of songs of faith. In the final performance of the night, Tungseth sang Cody Johnson’s “By Your Grace.” 

Tungseth said he grew up singing in his church choir. One of his friends signed him up for the show without telling him.

Throughout the season, Tungseth shared many personal challenges he’s faced, which viewers have connected with. Tungseth’s father died in 2023 from leukemia and his mother is currently living in a nursing home because of multiple sclerosis.

 he was hesitant to share those parts of his life publicly on “American Idol.”

“I never wanted to use the tragedy in my life to, you know, necessarily help me with my career,” he said. “That was one thing that I guess I was fearful of.”

Minnesota News

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Mathew Holding Eagle III

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Monday’s episode of “American Idol” featured performances of songs of faith. Chris Tungseth of Fergus Falls survived as one of the top 14 contestants, but it was unclear if he made it past the next elimination round. 

People in a brick-walled bar gather to watch a new episode of "American Idol."

Mathew Holding Eagle III | MPR News

A singer with a guitar holds an "American Idol" golden ticket in front of the judges.

Courtesy of Eric McCandless | Disney

A man in a tan shirt and glasses looks on while a TV mounted on the wall behind him says "Tuesday Trivia."

Fergus Falls construction worker still standing among ‘American Idol’ contestants

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