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The latest episode of American Idol saw the Top 14 contestants perform live to compete for spots in the Top 12. With the help of guest mentor James Taylor, the singers tackled well-known tracks from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends while judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan offered their assessments.
Additionally, the episode featured the announcement of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2025 inductees. A recent poll on Gold Derby indicated strong fan support for artists such as Cyndi Lauper, Mariah Carey, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, and Chubby Checker. Other nominees include 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 aired live on Sunday, April 27. Viewers were encouraged to track performances via a live blog and to participate by voting for their favorites following all Top 14 acts.
Once the audience votes were tallied, the Top 12 contestants were set to perform “Iconic Idol Moments” on Monday, April 28. Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino made a special return, coinciding with a guest appearance from artist-in-residence Jelly Roll.
8 p.m. — In a recap, the Top 14 finalists were revealed on April 21 after performing “Songs of Faith” the night before. According to a Gold Derby poll, Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Gabby Samone emerged as fan favorites, while Isaiah Misailegalu, Drew Ryn, Olivier Bergeron, Baylee Littrell, Zaylie Windsor, and Victor Solomon faced elimination.
8:05 p.m.— The evening commenced with Carrie reprising her 2005 performance of “Alone” by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Heart. Following her performance, she took her seat alongside Lionel and Luke as Ryan introduced the Top 14 participants. The order of performances is detailed below.
Filo
Age: 23
Hometown: Dublin, Calif.
Performance: “With a Little Help From My Friends” by the Beatles
Carrie’s comments: “You continuously bring entertainment value. This was a fantastic start!”
Lionel’s comments: “That was outstanding!”
Luke’s comments: “I can’t find anything to critique; that was incredible!”
Mattie Pruitt
Age: 16
Hometown: Eagleville, Tenn.
Performance: “Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin
Carrie’s comments: “You selected a strong song for your voice; just find your confidence.”
Lionel’s comments: “Lean into it; you have great potential!”
Luke’s comments: “Your vocals were among my favorites tonight!”
John Foster
Age: 18
Hometown: Addis, La.
Performance: “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley
Carrie’s comments: “Excellent song choice. You made it personal; it felt like watching a young Dwight Yoakam.”
Lionel’s comments: “You were in the zone tonight!”
Luke’s comments: “You made it easy to watch.”
Desmond Roberts
Age: 26
Hometown: Corona, Calif.
Performance: “Jesus Is Love” by Commodores
Carrie’s comments: “You knew how to inject energy at the right moments.”
Lionel’s comments: “You found unique octaves in my song!”
Luke’s comments: “Your dynamic voice shone through, but consider editing.”
Jamal Roberts
Age: 27
Hometown: Meridian, Miss.
Performance: “Shout, Pts. 1 & 2” by the Isley Brothers
Carrie’s comments: “This was thrilling; you had the crowd behind you!”
Lionel’s comments: “You’ve showcased your professionalism!”
Luke’s comments: “You consistently excel in your performances!”
Amanda Barise
Age: 27
Hometown: Manhattan, N.Y.
Performance: “I Can’t Help It” by Michael Jackson
Carrie’s comments: “Absolutely incredible performance.”
Lionel’s comments: “You delivered a remarkable performance!”
Luke’s comments: “Your stage presence elevated your act!”
Canaan James Hill
Age: 17
Hometown: Dallas
Performance: “Mary, Don’t You Weep” by Aretha Franklin
Carrie’s comments: “Great vocals, but don’t hold back!”
Lionel’s comments: “That was astounding!”
Luke’s comments: “You hit a beautiful note!”
Josh King
Age: 24
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
Performance: “The Longest Time” by Billy Joel
Carrie’s comments: “That song truly showcased you!”
Lionel’s comments: “Push beyond your limits from here on out!”
Luke’s comments: “Charm radiated through your performance!”
Thunderstorm Artis
Age: 29
Hometown: Haleiwa, Hawaii
Performance: “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor
Carrie’s comments: “Singing it your way was superb!”
Lionel’s comments: “You mastered the song beautifully!”
Luke’s comments: “It was distinctly you!”
Gabby Samone
Age: 23
Hometown: Baltimore
Performance: “Saving All My Love for You” by Whitney Houston
Carrie’s comments: “We were spoiled tonight; incredible!”
Lionel’s comments: “America needs to vote for you!”
Luke’s comments: “You performed like a star!”
Breanna Nix
Age: 25
Hometown: Denton, Texas
Performance: “Open Arms” by Journey
Carrie’s comments: “Great song for you; just tone it down occasionally.”
Lionel’s comments: “Relax and show us your best!”
Luke’s comments: “Beautiful voice, even if the song was a stretch!”
Kolbi Jordan
Age: 26
Hometown: Tulsa, Okla.
Performance: “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Carrie’s comments: “Tonight’s results will leave me disappointed no matter who goes home.”
Lionel’s comments: “Absolutely amazing; everyone vote!”
Luke’s comments: “You commanded the stage!”
Ché
Age: 28
Hometown: Essex, England
Performance: “It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World” by James Brown
Carrie’s comments: “You excel at anything; fantastic!”
Lionel’s comments: “You’re raising the bar!”
Luke’s comments: “Impressive performance with emotional depth!”
Slater Nalley
Age: 18
Hometown: Atlanta
Performance: “Your Song” by Elton John
Carrie’s comments: “Excellent choice; the decision is in America’s hands!”
Lionel’s comments: “You nailed that performance!”
Luke’s comments: “A phenomenal display of cool for your age!”
Eliminations
The results of America’s votes (totaling 19 million) led to the elimination of the following contestants:
Amanda Barise
Desmond Roberts
Source
www.goldderby.com