PERFORMANCE THAT TOUCHED EVERYONE — Chris Tungseth brought pure emotion to the American Idol 2026 stage with “By Your Grace” by Cody Johnson, and people can’t stop talking about it. There was something different in his voice this time… something real. Even the judges felt it. Is this the performance that changes everything for Chris?

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Chris Tungseth | By Your Grace | Top 14 Perform | American Idol 2026

During the “Songs of Faith” episode, the construction worker and singer from Fergus Falls, Minnesota, stepped into the spotlight and delivered a soul-stirring rendition of Cody Johnson’s heartfelt ballad. The lyrics — “By Your grace, I have hope / You’ve already paid every debt I owe / Please take my chains and make me see / That by Your grace, I’ve been set free” — took on new depth as Chris poured his heart into every note.

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Chris Tungseth’s Cody Johnson Cover Receives Generous Praise From ‘Idol’ Judges

Fans, judges, and even Cody Johnson himself took notice. The country superstar reacted to a clip of the performance on Instagram with a simple but powerful message: “all for his glory!!!” The moment quickly went viral, with viewers calling it one of the most authentic and moving performances of the season so far.

Who Is Chris Tungseth?

Chris Tungseth, a 29-year-old (or around that age) from Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is a down-to-earth construction worker with a voice that carries genuine heart and soul. He’s been turning heads since his audition, where his Chris Stapleton-esque tone and emotional delivery earned him a Golden Ticket and praise from the judges. Known for his long hair, beard, and humble demeanor, Chris brings a relatable, blue-collar energy to the competition. He’s a GCU graduate who’s also living out a musical legacy while balancing real-life work and dreams.

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Chris Tungseth’s ‘American Idol’ Audition Brings Tears, Chris Stapleton Vibes & a Golden Ticket – Country Now

Throughout the season, Chris has shown versatility — from heartfelt ballads to more upbeat tracks — but the “Songs of Faith” night felt like a breakthrough. Performing on the Top 14 (and later advancing to Top 11), he connected deeply with the theme, delivering a version of “By Your Grace” that felt personal rather than just polished.

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Chris Tungseth, ‘American Idol’ contestant from Minnesota, advances to top 11 | MPR News

The Performance That Stood Out

“By Your Grace,” from Cody Johnson’s 2021 album Human: The Double Album, is already a powerful faith-based anthem about redemption, freedom from chains, and finding hope through grace. Chris didn’t just sing the words — he lived them. His delivery featured rich, warm tones, controlled dynamics, and raw vulnerability that made the song feel intimate even on a big stage.

Viewers noticed “something different” this time. Comments flooded in:

“His best vocal so far!”
“Such a humble man, blessed by God — absolutely loved this.”
“I thought he was off last week, but he’s back in the game. Favorite performance yet.”
Many said it gave them chills and brought tears, describing it as “pure emotion” and “straight from the heart.”

The judges responded with generous praise, sensing the sincerity behind the performance. Even those who may have had reservations about previous weeks seemed moved by this one. The arrangement stayed true to the song’s spirit while allowing Chris’s natural tone to shine — no over-the-top production, just honest singing that resonated.

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Top 11 spot secured for Tungseth on American Idol – Local news, weather and sports from Fergus Falls, Minnesota

Cody Johnson’s positive reaction added another layer of validation. For a contestant covering one of his deeply personal songs, earning the artist’s nod means everything. Fans celebrated the full-circle moment, with many saying Chris honored the original while making it his own.

Why This Performance Matters

In a season packed with talent, performances that feel “real” stand out the most. Chris’s take on “By Your Grace” wasn’t about vocal fireworks alone — it was about connection. As a working man chasing a bigger dream, his story already resonates with many viewers. On faith night, that relatability deepened.

The performance helped solidify his spot in the competition. After making the Top 14 (with a bit of a cliffhanger announcement), he advanced further, showing that moments like this can shift momentum. Supporters from Minnesota rallied hard, with local watch parties and hometown pride boosting his votes.

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Chris Tungseth, ‘American Idol’ contestant from Fergus Falls, Minnesota, makes top 14 | MPR News

It also highlights what American Idol does best: giving everyday people with extraordinary voices a platform to share their truth. Chris isn’t just singing — he’s sharing pieces of his journey, faith, and heart. That authenticity is what turns a good performance into a memorable one that “touches everyone.”

Looking Ahead for Chris

This “By Your Grace” moment could indeed be a turning point. It showcased his vocal strengths, emotional depth, and ability to connect with both country fans and a broader audience. As the competition continues, Chris will need to keep building on this momentum — balancing vulnerability with versatility while staying true to himself.

Whether he’s performing with his guitar in hand or delivering a stripped-back vocal, his humble, genuine presence keeps fans invested. Hometown support in Fergus Falls remains strong, and online buzz continues with people rewatching the clip and sharing reactions.

Is this the performance that changes everything? It certainly elevated his standing and reminded everyone why he’s in the mix. Chris Tungseth has proven he can deliver when it counts, especially when the song aligns with something deeper.

If you haven’t seen it yet, search for Chris Tungseth “By Your Grace” on the official American Idol channels — it’s the kind of performance worth experiencing. From construction sites in Minnesota to the Idol stage, Chris is showing that faith, heart, and hard work can create magic.

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Cody Johnson – By Your Grace (Audio)