Julián Kalel
Season 24 · Eliminated (13th–14th)
Where are they now
Julián Kalel Almanzán performs as Julián Kalel. He received a golden ticket on American Idol season 23 and did not continue to Hollywood Week while he was struggling with his mental health. He returned for season 24, reached the top 14, and was eliminated with Jake Thistle during Songs of Faith. He released Surrender on August 23, 2024 and Lone Guitar on September 1, 2025. In 2025 he partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness around Lone Guitar. On May 11, 2026 he performed at the season 24 finale and released Heartstrings.
Career
- 2024
He released the single Surrender on August 23, 2024. He had performed it at his season 23 audition.
- 2025
On season 23 he received a golden ticket and did not continue to Hollywood Week. He said he was struggling with his mental health.
- 2025
He released Lone Guitar on September 1, 2025. In 2025 he partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness around that release.
- 2026
American Idol, season 24
Eliminated (13th–14th)
- 2026
On season 24 he reached the top 14 and was eliminated with Jake Thistle during Songs of Faith.
- 2026
On May 11, 2026 he performed at the season 24 finale and released the single Heartstrings.
Sources
- Inside Julián Kalel’s journey from Stanford to American Idol — The Stanford Daily, May 20, 2026.
- The Truth Behind Julián Kalel Leaving American Idol—and His Return — American Songwriter, May 11, 2026.
- iTunes album search: Julián Kalel — Apple.
- List of American Idol finalists — Wikipedia, June 10, 2026.
- American Idol season 24 — Wikipedia, July 18, 2026.
- Julián Kalel makes triumphant return to American Idol — Music Mayhem, February 2, 2026.
