Did you know that Chris Tungseth almost did not make it past the first round of American Idol 2026? He started as a quiet singer who needed more confidence to match his big voice. During the special Faith Night episode, he finally stepped into the spotlight to show everyone what he could do.
He stood on the grand stage and sang “By Your Grace” to share his own story of hope!
This song is a famous hit by the country star Cody Johnson. It talks about being someone who makes mistakes but still finds a way to get better. Chris picked this track because he wanted to show a mix of being broken and staying strong.
The judges were very surprised by how he handled the high notes. They said it was the best he has ever sounded since his first audition.
Chris Tungseth Brings Heart To Cody Johnson’s “By Your Grace” – Songs Of Faith | American Idol 2026
The fans were very happy to see him finally win big. One viewer said that he is the only person who should win the whole show this year. Another person wrote that they have been using his hashtags on every post to help him get votes. People are calling him the dark horse of the competition.
That performance was a huge turning point for his career on the show. He went from being a regular contestant to a fan favorite overnight. It was like a new chapter where he finally believed in his own talent. After he finished the last note, the room was full of peace. Everyone knew they were watching a star being born right in front of their eyes on national television.
The original version by Cody Johnson is doing very well on the music charts right now. It is a song about faith and how we all need a little help sometimes. Chris sang it with such clarity that the lyrics felt brand new. Hear the Cody version and let us know which one you like best!
Cody Johnson – By Your Grace (Audio)
Chris Tungseth is an artist who stays true to his country roots and his faith. His journey from a nervous audition to the top of the leaderboard is very moving. You should follow Chris Tungseth on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!