American Idolseasons 21 and 22 contestantJayna Elise made it to the Top 12 of season 22, and she’s been very busy with her music career ever since. Jayna first appeared onAmerican Idolseason 21, during which she was not only known for her incredible vocals, but her immense kindness. When Adin Boyer, who has autism, didn’t have a group, she and her duet partner, Summer Joy, welcomed him with open arms. Jayna also became Fire’s impromptu duet partner when Kaya Stewart left her without a partner when she abruptly withdrew from the competition due to illness.
Although she didn’t make it past the Final Judgment of Hollywood Week inAmerican Idolseason 21, Jayna returned for season 22, during which she made it to the Top 12.She impressed everyone with her phenomenal renditions of “Confident” by Demi Lovato, “My All” by Mariah Carey, “All I Wanted” by Paramore, “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston, and “Diamonds” by Rihanna. SinceAmerican Idolseason 22ended, Jayna has been working hard to further her music career. Here’s what she’s been up to.
Jayna Elise Is Starring In A Musical
Jayna Plays A Music Icon In The Show
In September 2024, a few months after the May 2024American Idolseason 22 finale,Jayna took on the lead role of the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner, in the second national tour ofTina -The Tina Turner Musical. The tour began on August 06, 2025, in Akron, Ohio, and will play in over 60 cities. In an Instagram post,BroadwayWorldshared an exclusive first look at Jayna in the role, including video clips from the production. It also features Jayna singing Tina’s classic song, “Proud Mary,” and performing Tina’s iconic dance moves.
In an Instagram post of her own,Jaynareflected on playing the lead role inTina - The Tina Turner Musicalafter the show’s opening night performance. She wrote,“Wow. My national tour debut. The first time I’ve ever done a full musical of this caliber. And the first time my dad has ever seen me perform. He drove 8 hours just to watch my opening show of Tina!“Jayna went on to say that she was grateful to God, her family, the"amazing” cast and crew, the creative team, and her fans.
Jayna concluded by saying,“Lastly— I’m grateful to myself. And I’m learning to be more grateful to myself. For always pushing past the things that have ever held me back, leading up to this moment.Wow. We made it. And we’re only going up from here!”
Jayna Elise Has Released Music
Jayna Has Recorded Original Songs & Covers
SinceAmerican Idolseason 22 ended,Jayna has released songs on Spotify, including the original songs, “Forgive” (a duet with Andreas Moss), “Sooner Than Right Now,” “Lionheart,” and “More,” all which Jayna co-wrote. In addition, she released a cover of Avril Lavigne’s “I’m With You.” On YouTube,Jaynareleased her “I’m With You” cover, along with covers of other songs, including SWV’s “Rain” and En Vogue’s “Don’t Let Go.”
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During both of herAmerican Idolseasons, Jayna showcased her mesmerizing vocals and star quality. She’s a beautiful person both inside and out, with a very kind heart.Jayna deserves the world, and she has the potential to become one of the biggest stars in theAmerican Idolgalaxy.
American Idol
Cast
American Idol is a reality singing competition that adds to the international “Idol” brand, conceived initially in the U.K. as Pop Idol. Holding massive auditions across the U.S., American Idol invited several contestants to perform in front of a panel of judges that would determine whether or not they’d go on to future rounds for a chance at competing in the fully televised premiere of the show. Contestants are voted off each week by American participation via voting through various mediums, and the winner of the competition would be given a contract with a record label to secure a future as America’s next musical idol.
