REDEMPTION MOMENT: A familiar face returned to the American Idol stage during the final auditions — and this time, the judges were paying very close attention.

Mary Jo Young, once known as a duet partner of breakout star Benson Boone, came back hoping for a second chance… and the reaction from the panel was immediate. “I’m a real big fan,” admitted judge Luke Bryan as fellow judges Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie watched closely.

By the end of the night, 16 singers were sent through to Hollywood — but viewers say Mary Jo’s emotional return may be the moment everyone remembers from the final auditions. 👇👇

‘American Idol’: Benson Boone’s former duet partner returns for redemption in final auditions — and Luke Bryan is ‘a real big fan’

Mary Jo Young gets another shot as Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie send 16 singers on to Hollywood. Watch them all in our recap.

Mor and Mary Jo Young audition on American Idol Season 24
Disney/Eric McCandless

Auditions wrapped Monday night on American Idol Season 24, as the final group of hopefuls took their shot at impressing the judges and securing the last golden tickets to Hollywood.

With Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood watching closely — and Ryan Seacrest guiding the night — the remaining contestants delivered big swings and showstopping performances, all hoping to build momentum heading into Hollywood Week.

“You got all the tools”

One of the most memorable contestants of the night was Mor, a 22-year-old from Teays Valley, W. Va. “Since I was two years old, I was put into full custody with my grandma,” he revealed in his intro package. “I grew up calling her ‘Mom.’ She is an amazing woman. I was a mischievous kid — I put her through so much. She made my life feel so normal and sacrificed so much for me — she’s my rock.”

Standing in front of the judges, Mor explained the heartbreaking reason he was raised by his grandmother: “I lost my biological mom when I was two years old. My dad ended my mom’s life.”

After taking a moment to steady himself, Mor auditioned with an original song called “Strong,” inspired by seeing a photo of his mother for the first time. “Just looking at a stranger and pouring out my emotions of that through this song.”

Mor’s audition earned a standing ovation from all three judges before Carrie told him, “I feel like you went somewhere else when you were singing — it’s like we weren’t here — in a good way.” Lionel praised his delivery and the timbre of his voice, singling out his songwriting as his strongest asset. “You got all the tools,” Luke added. “You got the look, the style, the hair, the voice.” Moments later, Mor’s grandmother surprised him on set as he received his golden ticket to Hollywood.

“It ain’t about singing, it’s about surviving”

One of the final auditions featured a familiar face: Mary Jo Young, who first competed on Season 19 of American Idol. During her original run, she had never performed in front of anyone — not even her own mother — and made it all the way to the Top 24. Her journey hit a bump during Hollywood Week when she forgot the lyrics to her duet with Benson Boone on “You Say” by Lauren Daigle, a moment revisited in her new intro package with previously unaired footage of the performance.

Now 24 and hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Mary Jo returned hoping to redeem herself. “I feel like a new person. I’ve been touring. I’ve opened for Alex Warren, Jessie Murph. I think my confidence have definitely grown,” she said. “I wanted to come back to American Idol because I learned the most from being on the show than I have on any tour.”

For her second audition, she performed an original song titled “Don’t Call Me.” Afterward, Carrie told her, “I liked it a lot. I liked the song. Your voice has a different kind of tone to it, but it’s got some power — a lot of personality.” Lionel added, “It ain’t about singing, it’s about surviving. If you can get through that, that’s the key.” Luke noted the change in her presence, saying, “There is a different air of confidence to you that’s totally new. I’m glad to see your face again because I was a real big fan of you.” All three judges voted yes, sending Mary Jo back to Hollywood.

Golden Tickets to Hollywood

These following hopefuls also won over the judges this week and took home golden tickets to Hollywood:

Abayomi
Age: 15
Hometown: San Francisco
Audition: “Black Leaves” by Kirby

Bartly
Age: 23
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Audition: “Texas Sun” by Khruangbin & Leon Bridges

Brenna Brigman
Age: 18
Hometown: Arlington, Texas
Audition: “Fallin'” by Alicia Keys/”My Church” by Maren Morris

Bella Emry
Age: 22
Hometown: Bend, Ore.
Audition: “I’m a Little Crazy” by Morgan Wallen

Jason Garner
Age: 17
Hometown: Emory, Texas
Audition: “On My Knees” by The Red Clay Strays

Landon Hughes
Age: 19
Hometown: Hazard, Ky.
Audition: “Little Maggie” by The Stanley Brothers

Chloe Lauren
Age: 25
Hometown: Warrenville, S.C.
Audition: “Maybe” by Sienna Spiro

Landon McGraw
Age: 18
Hometown: Wheelersburg, Ohio
Audition: N/A

Rae
Age: 24
Hometown: Frederick, Md.
Audition: “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin

Matty Reynolds
Age: 23
Hometown: Pelham, N.Y.
Audition: “Undressed” by Sombr

Julia Sienna
Age: 20
Hometown: Freehold, N.J.
Audition: “I Would” by Connie Talbot

Jake Thistle
Age: 21
Hometown: Paramus, N.J.
Audition: “Can’t Find My Way Home” by Blind Faith

Chris Tungseth
Age: 27
Hometown: Fergus Falls, Minn.
Audition: “Lonely Road” (original)

Vika
Age: 22
Hometown: Spokane, Wash.
Audition: N/A

Next week

For the first time, Idol is bringing Hollywood Week to Music City as hopefuls take the stage for a make-or-break performance in Nashville and face the biggest Hollywood Week cut in Idol history.