Fergus Falls Roofer Chris Tungseth Earns Top 20 Spot on American Idol

Chris Tungseth spends his days on rooftops in Fergus Falls. This week, he secured a spot in the Top 20 on Season 24 of ABC's American Idol, turning a construction worker's side dream into a national stage.

Tungseth, 27, drew significant attention during his audition and performances with an emotional original song he wrote for his late father. The performances aired before judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, and regional outlets quickly dubbed him a Minnesota fan favorite.

The music in Tungseth's life started early. Growing up in Fergus Falls, he had a mother who played piano and a father who sang opera. When he was 10, his mother was diagnosed with an aggressive form of multiple sclerosis that required repeated hospitalizations far from home. His father stepped up, driving long distances to be with her while also raising Chris and his siblings. "His dad was Chris' superman," as one account of his story put it, "driving to be with his mom and doing his best to also help raise Chris and his siblings."

That background made his emotional audition land differently for viewers who followed his story into the competition. Fan reactions compiled by regional outlets captured the groundswell: "It's like we're watching a diamond in the rough before us. America sees how talented Chris is, too!" wrote one viewer. Others were more direct: "People better watch out for this guy. He's good."

What sets Tungseth apart beyond his voice, according to viewers who tracked his early rounds, is how he carries himself around the other contestants. "His reactions to the other contestants' performances gained my total buy-in," one fan wrote. "He is a class act human."

With his Top 20 spot secured, Tungseth now faces the next phase of the competition: live performances in front of a national audience casting votes. All 20 remaining Season 24 contestants will sing live as America determines who advances. Viewers in the region can watch on KSFY, Mondays at 7 p.m.