Indiana native Kyndal Inskeep advances to final 11 for 'American Idol'

Monday night’s episode of “American Idol” was a nostalgic trip back to the ’90s, as the competition narrowed its top 14 contestants down to the final 11.

Among those advancing was Kyndal Inskeep, an Indiana native who has captured the attention of the audience and ABC7, who have been closely following her journey. In a conversation with Hosea Sanders, Inskeep expressed her determination to remain in the competition all the way to the finale. “I’m just striving for excellence, so hopefully I can continue and get better and better each week,” she shared with confidence.

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Inskeep’s recent performance was particularly heartfelt, and she opened up about its significance to her. She reflected on the opportunity to share her beliefs openly on the show, stating, “I’m really happy to be a part of ‘American Idol’ while they are so boldly allowing the contestants to share their faith… Declaring what we believe in on national television was absolutely amazing.” Despite facing challenges during the week, such as a botched sound check and wardrobe malfunctions, Inskeep turned to her faith for strength. “Right before I got up, I just prayed, ‘I cannot do this, Lord, I need you to intervene,’” she recounted, adding with a smile, “Jesus took the wheel!”

Inskeep also discussed her roots in Indiana and the thrill of competing on such a renowned platform. Her journey on “American Idol” continues to inspire viewers, showcasing not just her talent but also her resilience and faith.

“I’m really happy to be a part of ‘American Idol’ while they are so boldly allowing the contestants to share their faith… And just declaring what we believe in on national television, that was absolutely amazing. There was a lot of spiritual warfare throughout the whole week. My sound check, I botched it. I had wardrobe malfunctions. My dress ripped. Right before I got up, I just prayed, ‘I cannot do this, Lord, I need you to intervene,’” Inskeep said. “Jesus took the wheel!”

Inskeep also talked about being from Indiana and going on the show.

“I’m proud to be from Indiana, I am,” Inskeep said.

And, ahead of Monday night’s show, she spoke to her fans, whose votes she needed!

“Make sure you go to the pin page at the beginning and end of the show, and type in my name 10 times individually,” Inskeep said.

You can go to https://idolvote.abc.com/.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of this ABC station.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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