Carrie Underwood opened the “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame” episode of American Idol with a performance of Heart’s “Alone,” which was a pre-tape because moments later when she took her spot at the judges table with Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, she was dressed with rock ‘n’ roll swagger as Axl Rose from Guns N Roses, including the red bandana in tribute to the theme of the night. Carrie sang that particular song because it’s the 20th anniversary of her singing it during her time in the competition.
American Idol 2025 is down to its Top 14 contenders for the title, and tonight, they got guidance from guest mentor James Taylor on their performances of iconic songs from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends. Then America voted live for the Top 12, which were revealed at the end of the show.
Also, on tonight’s American Idol, the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees were revealed live during the show: Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden and the The White Stripes.
While judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan no longer have a say in who progresses in the singing competition, they are on hand to critique the singers and help guide America in deciding who is worthy of going through.
Who went home tonight on American Idol 2025 Top 12
Amanda Barise
Desmond Roberts
Advancing artists tonight on American Idol 2025 Top 12
Breanna NixCanaan James HillChéFiloGabby SamoneJamal RobertsJohn FosterJosh KingKolbi JordanMattie PruittSlater Nalley
Thunderstorm Artis
Here’s how the night broke down:
FILO
Song: “With a Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles
Lionel said: “Filo Cocker [he joked]. That was a smackdown way to start the show. Killer. Killer.”
MATTIE PRUITT
Song: “Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin
Carrie said: “That was a great song choice for your voice and for the night. You sang that wonderfully. I love your look for this. If I can say anything, you’ve got to find your sass. You’re so sweet and smiley. You need some sass.”
JOHN FOSTER
Song: “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley
Luke said: “I am very proud of you on that one. It was exactly what you wanted. It was John Foster doing Elvis. It was comfortable watching you… and that low moment.”
DESMOND ROBERTS
Song: “Jesus Is Love” by The Commodores
Lionel said: “Well, well. Now, let me just say this. I don’t mind you singing the song, but you found some octaves I didn’t sing. It’s obvious that you are not only comfortable, but you tried to take my song. That is a very hard song to sing but you did it. That was very risky.”
JAMAL ROBERTS
Song: “Shout Pts. 1 & 2” by The Isley Brothers
Carrie said: “When you first started singing, I felt like you were being timid, but as the song progressed, I understood you needed to have somewhere to go. That was great. Perfect song choice. For anyone else, that could have come off as a wedding karaoke thing, but not with you.”
AMANDA BARISE
Song: “I Can’t Help It” by Michael Jackson
Luke said: “Look at you. What great moves. Pro job. Pro job singing. Stage presence went to another level. You crushed it.”
CANAAN JAMES HILL
Song: “Mary Don’t You Weep” by Aretha Franklin
Lionel said: “Aretha didn’t sing like that. That was unbelievable.”
JOSH KING
Song: “The Longest Time” by Billy Joel
Carrie said: “You are one of our artists here who we feel really knows who they are. You appear to at least. I feel that was a great song choice for you. You had fun with it.”
THUNDERSTORM ARTIS
Song: “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor
Luke said: “Well done. It had hints of James Taylor but it had a lot of you and your signature stuff. I am so jealous you got to sit there and play that with him. Way to be you.”
GABBY SAMONE
Song: “Saving All My Love For You” by Whitney Houston
Lionel said: “All I’m going to say is America vote. That was phenomenal.”
BREANNA NIX
Song: “Open Arms” by Journey
Carrie said: “I think that was a really great song choice. Those soaring notes are right in your wheelhouse. Sometimes you try to make things fancy, don’t make it too complicated so that you’re missing notes. I think there were a few at the end.”
KOLBI JORDAN
Song: “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Luke said: “Your whole aura; your whole presence was ‘I’ve arrived.’ Your confidence. Your personality was showing through. Overload.”
CHÉ
Song: “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” by James Brown
Lionel said: “You know what’s happening? Everybody is listening to everybody and everybody is going to the next level with their talent. You’re out of your mind.”
SLATER NALLEY
Song: “Your Song” by Elton John
Carrie said: “That was a really great song choice for sure. I loved seeing you get emotional with James Taylor.”
Then host Ryan Seacrest announced the Top 12: Kanaan, Gabby, Mattie, Thunderstorm, Slater, Breanna, John, Filo, Kolbi, Josh, Jamal, and Ché.
American Idol will return Monday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Streams next day on Hulu.
Next, Make Your Vote Count! How to Vote Online or By Text on American Idol 2025
