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M State Pride goes national: Chris Tungseth shines as a Top 5 contender on ‘American Idol’

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Chris Tungseth on the stage of “American Idol” with host Ryan Seacrest during the Apri 27 show on ABC. (Disney/Eric McCandless/American Idol Press Photo)
Chris Tungseth on the stage of “American Idol” with host Ryan Seacrest during the April 27 show on ABC. (Disney/Eric McCandless/American Idol Press Photo)

When Chris Tungseth steps onto the “American Idol” stage to perform for millions of viewers each week, he may be performing solo, but he has a whole Spartan community backing him up back home.

A 2021 M State graduate, Tungseth has officially climbed into the Top 5 on the popular ABC show, turning this season of “American Idol” into a celebration of college and community pride for M State and his hometown of Fergus Falls. 

Tungseth’s connection to the college runs deep. A former Spartan football player, basketball player, and 2018 Spartan Student Athlete of the Year, he remains closely involved at M State as an assistant volleyball coach. His sister, Laura Tungseth, serves as head volleyball coach and assistant director of student life and campus experiences. Their siblings and both of their parents also attended M State. 

That shared Spartan legacy, paired with Chris’s musical talent and humility, has made his success especially meaningful for those who know and love him best.

“It’s never been just about music for Chris,” says Laura, who has been traveling between Fergus Falls and Los Angeles to support her brother throughout the weekly competitions. “It’s about heart, perseverance and showing up – even when things get tough. Our family has been through a lot over the years, and watching him up on that national stage, doing what he loves, is something that’s so special for all of us.”

Spartans and community members have been tuning in, voting, sharing encouragement and finding creative ways to show their support. From watch parties and t-shirts to community fundraisers, social media buzz and late-night voting reminders, the message has been clear: we’re cheering for Tungseth, every step of the way.

And the excitement may just be getting started.

If Tungseth advances to the Top 3, Fergus Falls is preparing to celebrate in a big way with Chris Tungseth Day, a communitywide event – with lots of Spartan involvement – that would draw national attention and thousands of visitors to town on Wednesday, May 6. Tentative plans include a downtown parade at 5:30 p.m. followed by a live outdoor concert at Kirkbride Park, with an “American Idol” production crew on site to capture the celebrations. Watch M State’s social media channels for the latest updates.

Chris Tunseth, during his performance at the April 20, Disney-themed “American Idol.” (Disney/Eric McCandless/American Idol Press Photo)
Chris Tungseth, during his performance at the April 20, Disney-themed “American Idol.”  (Disney/Eric McCandless/American Idol Press Photo)

Show your support

Students, staff and faculty from all M State campuses are invited to join a Viewing Party of the next live broadcast of “American Idol,” on Monday, May 4. The party starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Fireplace Lounge on the Fergus Falls campus, with the show beginning at 7 p.m. 

What’s happening:

  • M State campus viewing of “American Idol”
  • Snacks and refreshments
  • Make posters, notes and videos in support of Chris
  • Vote, vote, vote to get Tungseth into the Top 3


How to vote (up to 50 times per person)
Voting is open during the live show, from 7-8:45 p.m. CST

  • Text: Text “17” to 21523 (10 separate texts = 10 votes)
  • Online: ABC.com/Vote (10 votes)
  • Facebook: Via the pinned post on the official “American Idol” page (10 votes)
  • TikTok: Follow voting instructions on @AmericanIdol’s pinned post (10 votes)
  • Instagram: Vote through @AmericanIdol’s pinned post (10 votes)

Let’s show up for Chris, and show what the Spartan community can do!