Tonight on American Idol, the Top 14 contestants sing live for America’s vote in hopes of reaching the Top 12. With guidance from guest mentor James Taylor, the Top 14 take on iconic songs from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends as judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan share feedback.
During the episode (at approximately 8:40 p.m. ET/5:40 p.m. PT), we will also see the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2025 inductees announced. According to a recent Gold Derby poll, fans are most hoping to see Cyndi Lauper, Mariah Carey, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, and Chubby Checker inducted. Other nominees this year are Joy Division/New Order, Outkast, The White Stripes, Bad Company, Soundgarden, Oasis, The Black Crowes, Phish, and Maná.
The “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame” episode of American Idol airs live coast-to-coast on Sunday, April 27 (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT). Follow along with our live blog below to see each performance. Plus, vote for your favorite in our poll once the entire Top 14 has performed!
After tonight’s vote, the Top 12 will be revealed and perform “Iconic Idol Moments” on Monday, April 28. Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino, who had her own iconic moment with “Summertime” in 2004, will also return to the stage as artist-in-residence Jelly Roll joins the audience.
8 p.m. — Previously, on American Idol: The Top 14 finalists were announced on Monday, April 21 after singing “Songs of Faith” on Sunday, April 20. Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Gabby Samone won Gold Derby’s poll as your favorite performers. Isaiah Misailegalu, Drew Ryn, Olivier Bergeron, Baylee Littrell, Zaylie Windsor, and Victor Solomon were eliminated.
8:05 p.m. — Carrie kicked the night off with a reprisal of her 2005 Idol performance of “Alone” by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Heart. Then, she headed down to her judge’s chair between Lionel and Luke as Ryan introduced the Top 14. See the order of performances below.
Filo
Age: 23
Hometown: Dublin, Calif.
Performance: “With a Little Help from My Friends” by The Beatles
Carrie’s comments: “Every week you are giving more entertainment value. It was a wonderful way to start the show.”
Lionel’s comments: “That is a smackdown!”
Luke’s comments: “I can’t say anything bad about that. That was amazing!”
Mattie Pruitt
Age: 16
Hometown: Eagleville, Tenn.
Performance: “Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin
Carrie’s comments: “That was a great song choice for your voice, but you need to find your sass.”
Lionel’s comments: “If you just lean in, you’re on your way. Your delivery was wonderful.”
Luke’s comments: “Don’t be scared of yourself. Vocally, that was one of my favorite performances I’ve heard you do.”
John Foster
Age: 18
Hometown: Addis, La.
Performance: “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley
Carrie’s comments: “That was such a great song choice. You made it your own and I felt like I was watching a young Dwight Yoakam up there.”
Lionel’s comments: “I knew you were in the zone. That boy knows what he’s doin’!”
Luke’s comments: “I’m very proud of you. It was very comfortable watching you.”
Desmond Roberts
Age: 26
Hometown: Corona, Calif.
Performance: “Jesus is Love” by Commodores
Carrie’s comments: “You knew when the energy needed to kick in and you came at us.”
Lionel’s comments: “I don’t mind you singing the song, but you found some octaves I didn’t sing. You tried to take my song!”
Luke’s comments: “Lionel didn’t sing it like that! You have a dynamic voice, but remember to edit.”
Jamal Roberts
Age: 27
Hometown: Meridian, Miss.
Performance: “Shout, Pts. 1 & 2” by The Isley Brothers
Carrie’s comments: “That was really great. Obviously, everybody in this room loved it.”
Lionel’s comments: “It was so professional. You are so good!”
Luke’s comments: “It’s smart for you to do that performance. You just knock it out of the park every week.”
Amanda Barise
Age: 27
Hometown: Manhattan, N.Y.
Performance: “I Can’t Help It” by Michael Jackson Carrie’s comments: “That was incredible.” Lionel’s comments: “That was amazing — you did a great job.”
Luke’s comments: “Great job! Your stage presence went to another level. Crushed it!”
Canaan James Hill
Age: 17
Hometown: Dallas
Performance: “Mary, Don’t You Weep” by Aretha Franklin
Carrie’s comments: “Vocals were spot-on, but I think you cheated the system. I wanted to see you rock out! At some point, do the unexpected.”
Lionel’s comments: “That was unbelievable.”
Luke’s comments: “The note you hit made [Carrie] sneeze!”
Josh King
Age: 24
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
Performance: “The Longest Time” by Billy Joel
Carrie’s comments: “You really know who you are. That was a great song choice for you.”
Lionel’s comments: “From here on out push yourself. You can do it!”
Luke’s comments: “Charming, endearing, throwing winks at the piano! Just another day at the office.”
Thunderstorm Artis
Age: 29
Hometown: Haleiwa, Hawaii
Performance: “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor
Carrie’s comments: “Well done on unabashedly singing it your way.”
Lionel’s comments: “You absolutely turned it into your song. What a masterful job.”
Luke’s comments: “It had hints of James Taylor, but a lot of you. Way to be you!”
Gabby Samone
Age: 23
Hometown: Baltimore
Performance: “Saving All My Love for You” by Whitney Houston
Carrie’s comments: “We are so spoiled. That was incredible.”
Lionel’s comments: “America, vote! That was phenomenal.”
Luke’s comments: “Top to bottom, one of the best things I’ve ever seen sitting in this chair. I just believe you’re a star.”
Breanna Nix
Age: 25
Hometown: Denton, Texas
Performance: “Open Arms” by Journey
Carrie’ comments: “That was a great song choice. Those big soaring notes are right in your wheelhouse, but sometimes you’re tempted to make things too fancy. Some [notes] at the end might have gotten away from you.”
Lionel’s comments: “Don’t overthink, just relax and give us the best performance.”
Luke’s comments: “Maybe that song is a little outside your comfort zone, but your voice is beautiful.”
Kolbi Jordan
Age: 26
Hometown: Tulsa, Okla.
Performance: “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Carrie’s comments: “I know I’m going to be mad at America no matter what happens tonight because we have so much talent on this show.”
Lionel’s comments: “That was amazing! Everybody vote!”
Luke’s comments: “You’re whole aura was like, ‘I’m here. I’ve arrived.’ It’s sensory overload!”
Ché
Age: 28
Hometown: Essex, England
Performance: “It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World” by James Brown
Carrie’s comments: “You’re so good. You can sing anything. I was kind of crossing my fingers that you would rock out, but that was incredible.”
Lionel’s comments: “Everybody is going to the next level. You are out of your mind right now!”
Luke’s comments: “It was great seeing that fight and than angst.”
Slater Nalley
Age: 18
Hometown: Atlanta
Performance: “Your Song” by Elton John
Carrie’s comments: “That was a really great song choice. It’s up to America!”
Lionel’s comments: “The best way I can describe it: You slayed it Slater.”
Luke’s comments: “The fact that you’re 18 and you’re this cool really makes me mad. That song really put you in the right light.”
Eliminations
Dim the lights! Based on America’s vote (19 million), these two artists were eliminated on Sunday, April 27:
Amanda Barise
Desmond Roberts
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