MPR News Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner signs off

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Minnesota’s Chris Tungseth reached the final five — but he will not be this season’s “American Idol.”

Tungseth, a construction worker from Fergus Falls, was one of two singers eliminated from the reality TV show on Monday night.

The episode was themed “Class of 2006: Reunion,” and brought back original judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul. In the lead-up to their big night under the spotlight, Jackson mentored the contestants, while Abdul sat in as a guest judge on the live show. Monday also featured “American Idol” contestants from years past dueting with this season’s participants.   

Tungseth sang two songs in the lead up to the final tally: Noah Kahan’s “Northern Attitude,” followed by a duet of Garth Brooks’ “The Thunder Rolls,” with 2006 “American Idol” contestant Bucky Covington.

“Bucky is the perfect person for me to sing with just because he has such a sweet rock vibe, and I want to lean into that this week,” Tungseth said in a video montage before his performance. “I want this to be big and he knows how to make it big.”

Minnesota’s Chris Tungseth reaches top seven of ‘American Idol’

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

After Tungseth’s duet with Covington, “American Idol” judge Carrie Underwood said Tungseth had looked the most comfortable on stage that she’d seen all season.

Judge Luke Bryan followed up by calling Tungseth’s rendition of the country song “great,” and “one of the best vocals” he’d heard him perform. But, for the “American Idol” voters, it wasn’t enough, with Tungseth and fellow contender Braden Rumfelt being sent home. 

Tungseth gained popularity among viewers this season with his down-to-earth demeanor and Chris Stapleton-like vocal sound. He also shared personal challenges he’s faced, including his father’s passing from leukemia in 2023, and his mother’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis, which led to her living in a nursing home. 

Although Tungseth did not advance Monday, the city of Fergus Falls will hold a celebration for him in the coming weeks. The live “American Idol” season finale airs May 11. 

Minnesota News

Arts and Culture

Music

Greater Minnesota

Homepage

Mathew Holding Eagle III

Author

The construction worker from Fergus Falls wowed audiences with his voice and down-to-earth demeanor, but he did not advance out of the top five.

Fergus Falls’ Chris Tungseth fails to reach top three on ‘American Idol’

A man in a black t-shirt holds a guitar and a microphone.

Fergus Falls’ Chris Tungseth fails to reach top three on ‘American Idol’

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox