On Monday, March 9, local American Idol star Braden Rumfelt will face off against 30 other contestants in the “Ohana Round” at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii.
During the “Ohana Round”, the 30 contestants will be narrowed down to 20, with the contestants themselves, their families, and industry experts making the decisions.
For parents, this is a difficult decision to make because the top 20 will make it to America’s vote.
With Braden moving on from the initial two rounds, the rounds will only get more difficult. Braden’s parents, Crystal and Chris Rumfelt, say he’s come a long way.
“I loved the song Girl Crush, but I liked the second performance better because he grew up singing in church. And singing in church, he would always stand still, and a lot of times sing with his eyes closed. So I’ve never seen him really perform, you know, or like have that kind of stage presence that he had,” Crystal said.
Crystal Rumfelt said her favorite thing about Braden’s journey so far is seeing him become more comfortable on stage.
Chris Rumfelt echoed similar sentiments, saying he liked the first song; however, he liked the second performance better.
“The first song, I love that song, and it was very unique how he took that song and made it his song. And then the second song was a little more upbeat, and his stage presence was revealed,” Chris Rumfelt said.
MURPHY SINGER BRADEN RUMFELT ADVANCES TO TOP 30 ON ‘AMERICAN IDOL’
As previously reported, Braden made his way back to western North Carolina for a performance at Western Carolina University, where he sang a variety of songs while also sticking to a few familiar favorites for “American Idol” fans: Girl Crush by Little Big Town and I’m Not the Only One by Sam Smith.
The Murphy native’s “American Idol” journey continues Monday, March 9, where all the contestants will perform in front of their families, fellow contestants, and industry experts.
Who is Braden Rumfelt?
Braden is a former high school athlete who decided to pursue singing after an injury ended his baseball career. In high school, Braden played baseball and was chasing his dream of playing the sport in college before the injury (more on that below).
Although sports dominated most of his childhood, Braden sang bluegrass gospel music at his church in Murphy, North Carolina, growing up. He performs with his family, and according to their website, they are “one of Christian music’s most dynamic secrets.”
In addition to singing, Braden can play piano, bass, and mandolin. Plus, he’s a songwriter.
What is Braden Rumfelt’s injury?
During his American Idol audition, Braden revealed that he had been diagnosed with a congenital issue that caused his legs to be “naturally in the wrong position.” He needed to have two lower leg realignment surgeries to correct the issue. Braden, who is now 22, received his diagnosis when he started to have knee pain after entering high school.
After having his surgeries, Braden started dealing with mental health issues as well.
“The doctors have explained that all your body’s resources are going into healing the leg, so you could be susceptible to get sick,” he shared. “That sparked something in my head, like, ‘Oh my God, wash your hands constantly, don’t touch anybody, don’t let them get near you, no hugs.’ Now I’m in panic mode, like, I’m going to die now.”
He described the thoughts as “intrusive” and “not real” and revealed that he developed a “contamination OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder” that’s “really debilitating.” Braden explained that he’s now in therapy and has made “huge strides to getting a lot better.”
Does Braden Rumfelt have a twin?
Yes, Braden has a twin brother, Kellen Rumfelt, who has supported him on his musical journey. Kellen even played guitar for his brother during his American Idol audition.
Kellen is a student at Western Carolina University. He can play banjo, guitar, mandolin, and bass, and he is an athlete like his twin. Kellen married his wife, Kylie Rumfelt, in October 2025.
