American Idol returned on Monday for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night, as Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo served as mentors for the Top 11 contestants. At the end of the night, two singers went home as the Top 9 was revealed.
American Idol Returns for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night
Monday’s new episode of American Idol featured some impressive performances, including Braden Rumfelt, who sang “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder, earning a standing ovation from the judges. Carrie Underwood said he “came to play” after she gave him constructive criticism last week.
The judges were also wowed by Brooks’ performance of “These Days,” with Lionel Richie telling him, “God has given you your blessing.” Underwood said she “didn’t want the song to end,” calling it an improvement after last week’s performance.
Keyla Richardson also impressed with her cover of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder, with Luke Byan said he’s “never seen you take it to that level.” Meanwhile, Hannah Harper stunned with a performance of “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, which Underwood called “absolutely gorgeous.”
Jordan McCullough’s performance of “Somebody to Love” by Queen was also a hit, with Underwood calling it “so much fun” and Bryan saying it was a “drop the mic moment” for the singer. All of the aforementioned singers made it into the Top 9 at the end of the night.
Also in the Top 9 at the end of the night was Chris Tungseth, who performed “Cold as Ice” by Foreigner, with Underwood calling it one of her favorite performances of his. Daniel Stallworth also moved on after performing “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi, which Bryan called “so you.”
Lucas Leon’s performance of “Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John also earned him a spot in the Top 9, with Bryan praising his charisma. Kyndal Inskeep was also safe after she sang “Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin, prompting Underwood to call her voice “an incredible instrument.”
Unfortunately, two singers had to go home at the end of the night, based on votes from viewers. Those eliminated singers turned out to be Rae and Philmon Lee. During the episode, Rae performed “MacArthur Park” by Donna Summer, while Philmon sang “Hot Blooded” by Foreigner.
What did you think of this week’s new episode of American Idol? Do you agree with the results for the Top 9? Did your favorite contestants make it through? Let us know in the comments below, and tune in next Monday on ABC and Disney+ for Disney Night.
Words by:
Jill O'Rourke Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit
