When viewers heard what Jordan McCullough did with this Queen anthem on American Idol 2026, they said the soul powerhouse might just be the underdog favorite to take out the season! We’ve never heard “Somebody to Love” quite like this before. It sure takes some big-time talent to take the late great Freddie Mercury’s iconic vocal lines and bring them to another level. Jordan made it clear he was here to do something big with his thunderous opening line, that was worthy of Freddie at Live Aid.
Jordan leaned into the gospel elements of “Somebody to Love,” bringing a whole lot of soul to the verses of the 1976 hit. He then opened the floodgates for the main hook at 0:37, taking the melody to a sky-high run that showcased his impressive range. With so much talent in the American Idol lineup this year, it’s hard to stand out. But The Music Man has to say that with a powerhouse performance like this, Jordan is definitely showing the right stuff to put his stamp on the season!
American Idol uploaded Jordan’s take on “Somebody to Love” on April 14, 2026, and it hit 150,000 views in two weeks. Viewers found a lot to like in the cover and added comments such as “Hey I think this guy is the dark horse to win it all” and “He brought the rock, he complimented Freddy, he brought the church, and most of all, he brought the vocals, and knocked the song outta the park. Man, that dude can sing with those pipes.”
Jordan showed his R&B credentials when he performed Bill Withers’ “Grandma’s Hands” in the Ohana round. He kicked off the 1971 classic with a low-register vocal that was just dripping with soul. This showcased his mastery of a traditional R&B vibe. Jordan then kicked it up a notch by heading to the top of his range and really letting the vocal fire and lightning come down. The passionate reaction from the judges and audience said it all.
Jordan McCullough is a 27-year-old worship leader from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He auditioned on American Idol with “Goodness of God,” delivering a stripped-back rendition of the worship tune. This approach won over the judges, who gave him a standing ovation. The Music Man is pleased to report that, at the time of writing, Jordan is still in the running for season 24. He has made it to the top five, and his most recent performance was a delicate cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.”