Braden Rumfelt, a rising American Idol contender, recently caught fans’ attention with a performance of **“I’m Not the Only One”**—and this time, it wasn’t on the Idol stage. The clip surfaced online quietly, but it didn’t stay under the radar for long. Viewers quickly noticed the emotional weight and control in his voice, sparking a wave of excitement among fans who hadn’t seen this side of him before.
Many fans commented that the performance felt even more intimate outside the competition setting. Without judges, lights, or time limits, Braden seemed more relaxed, letting the song breathe naturally. “This feels raw in the best way,” one fan wrote, while another said, “I didn’t realize how much emotion he could deliver until now.”
Others pointed out how this song choice revealed his artistry beyond what’s been shown on American Idol so far. Fans praised his phrasing and subtle vocal shifts, noting that he didn’t oversing the track. “He understands restraint, and that’s rare,” a comment read, with another adding, “This is the kind of performance that sneaks up on you.”
The comment sections quickly filled with comparisons to established artists, but many stressed that Braden still sounded uniquely himself. “He’s not copying anyone—he’s telling the story his own way,” one fan noted. Several viewers even said this performance convinced them he’s a serious dark horse in the competition.
As the video continued to circulate, the overall reaction was clear: fans felt like they had discovered something special. “American Idol hasn’t even shown his full potential yet,” one comment summed up. For many, this off-show performance wasn’t just impressive—it was the moment Braden Rumfelt truly stood out.
A congenital leg condition ended Braden’s future in baseball, but with his twin brother Kellen by his side, he found a new path through music.
Braden Rumfelt; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless
Braden Rumfelt of Murphy, North Carolina, auditioned for American Idol after overcoming a series of unexpected challenges in his life.. Once a promising baseball player alongside his twin brother, Kellen, Braden was suddenly faced with a congenital leg issue that ended his future in athletics. Out of that setback came a new passion for singing and now he’s ready to share his talent and story of resilience with the world.
At 22 years old, Braden decided to pursue his newfound dream of becoming an artist, starting with an audition for one of the country’s most iconic singing competitions. Naturally, his twin brother was by his side, just as he has been throughout their entire lives.
“When I was young, my life revolved around baseball. My twin brother Kellen and I played sports constantly. Dad was dead set on us becoming college athletes. Unfortunately, going into high school, I was starting having knee pain in both of my legs, so then I found out that I have a congenital issue,” the contestant shared.
He goes on to explain that he needed to endure two lower leg realignment surgeries, and unfortunately as a result, his days of being an athlete had come to an end. Kellen became his brother’s voice of encouragement during this difficult time.
“Growing up until now, I always felt that his talent is music, is singing and I couldn’t be more proud of Braden because of everything that he’s going through, where he is at now with pursuing his new dream. He’s my hero,” Kellen stated.
Braden finally put his fears aside and signed up to audition for Idol. His new dream became a reality when he stood before judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan and sung his heart out to Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush.”
Despite any nerves that may have been present, Braden’s performance was one for the books. He effortlessly tapped into the song’s moving tone and blended power with vulnerability using his unique and steady vocals that perfectly weaved alongside the gentle plucking of his brother’s guitar playing. The captivating audition left the judges impressed and wanting to hear more.
Underwood was first to praise his delivery, noting that she was surprised but happy with the talent that she just heard.
“I don’t know what I expected to come out of your mouth, but that wasn’t it and made me happy,” she admitted. “I feel like you are very nervous. Got to loosen up.”
Bryan added that he also felt Braden’s nerves and wanted to “shake” the tension out of him.
“I think you’re a racehorse, man,” he added.
Lionel Richie was next to share his thoughts. He, too, had nothing but positive feedback to share with the aspiring singer.
“You have a top-end to your voice. It’s not as high as Steve Perry, but the texture when you get up there is so sweet, man…And when we can wake the outside of you up to combine it with the inside of you, what’s coming out, we’ve got show business.”
The judges collectively concurred that the singer standing before them clearly had great potential and was likely to do well in the competition. On the count of three, they each shouted out their votes, which consisted of “yes” all across the board.