ā€˜American Idol’: Braden & Chris React to Being Eliminated on the Same Night

Chris Tungseth and BRaden Rumfelt

What To Know

Braden Rumfelt and Chris Tungseth were eliminated fromĀ American IdolĀ on May 6.
The guys, who became best friends on the show, revealed why they’re not upset about being sent home.
They also shared what they’re planning on doing together now that the show is over.

Chris TungsethĀ andĀ Braden RumfeltĀ were theĀ two artists eliminatedĀ in the May 4 episode ofĀ American Idol, but they were in great spirits afterwards while talking toĀ Danielle FishelĀ on the officialĀ American IdolĀ podcast. The guys, who became best friends after meeting during Hollywood Week, admitted that getting sent home on the same night made the situation a lot easier.

ā€œIf it was me by myself, I know I’d be more upset than I am right now,ā€ Braden shared. ā€œObviously, I’d still be like, ā€˜Thank god for this opportunity,’ but I was talking to [Chris] before we got eliminated and I was like, ā€˜Dude, you and I came a long way.’ā€

He pointed out that a lot of other contestants ā€œcame into the show with a good following and had been doing [this] a long time,ā€ while he and Chris ā€œdidn’t know jackā€ when they auditioned. ā€œJust to see our journey together, being so similar and being where we’re at right now, I cannot wait to see what happens next,ā€ Braden added.

The guys said that they were ā€œthere for each otherā€ throughout the whole season. ā€œWe had an amazing time,ā€ Braden continued. ā€œI can’t even be upset. I, like, want to be upset, but I can’t.ā€

Chris agreed and pointed out, ā€œThere’s not reason to be [upset]. The Top 3’s exactly who should be in the Top 3. They’re the best ever. I’m so happy.ā€Ā Keyla Richardson,Ā Hannah Harper, andĀ Jordan McCullough are the three finalists who are still left in the competition.

Meanwhile, it’s certainly not the end of the road for Braden and Chris’ friendship. ā€œThere’s aĀ little planĀ in the works,ā€ Chris teased. ā€œWe don’t know exactly when, but we’re looking to get a little house together in Nashville, try to get the band back together.ā€

Plus, both guys will be returning to theĀ American IdolĀ stage to performĀ during the finaleĀ on May 11. Braden revealed on the podcast that he’ll be duetting withĀ Clay Aiken, while Chris’ duet partner will be revealed at a later date.

American Idol, Season 24 Finale, Monday, May 11, 8/7c, ABC