‘American Idol’ Live Blog: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Reveal (April 13, 2026)

After the highest vote of the season, Brooks, Daniel Stallworth, Braden Rumfelt, Lucas Leon, Jordan McCullough, Hannah Harper, Keyla Richardson, Chris Tungseth, and Kyndal made it through. As such, Rae and Philmon Lee were sent home.

McCullough’s performance left the judges in awe. Underwood screeched his name in excitement before praising his performance as “so much fun,” Bryan said his time on stage was “what American Idol is all about,” and Richie called it a “drop the mic moment.” You can vote for the singer on American Idol‘s website, by texting 14 to 21523, or on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. 

For this week’s performance, Jordan McCullough decided to perform Queen’s “Somebody to Love.” During rehearsals, Giraldo advised him to channel his worship director instincts during his performance, and McCullough managed to do just that.

Richie dubbed the performance “a classic song and a classic performance,” while Underwood praised the contestant for making the iconic track her own, and Bryan called Harper “so special.” You can vote for the singer on American Idol‘s website, by texting 8 to 21523, or on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Since she didn’t grow up on rock and roll and music, Hannah Harper was nervous entering this week. She decided to sing Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” and Benatar dubbed her “a pro” after hearing her rendition of the track.

Afterward his performance, Bryan and Richie encouraged Lee to work on his performance skills, while Underwood noted that he nailed it vocally. You can vote for the singer on American Idol‘s website, by texting 11 to 21523, or on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

This week, Philmon Lee decided to take on Foreigner’s “Hot Blooded.” During his mentoring session, Benatar encouraged him to sing the song like he was flirting with a girl, a suggestion her husband liked the sound of.

After much debate, Kyndal decided to sing the Janis Joplin track. The choice was a questionable one, as Underwood commented that Kyndal gave up during the performance, while Bryan and Richie praised her through fighting through amid a tough performance. You can vote for the singer on American Idol‘s website, by texting 5 to 21523, or on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Going into rehearsals with Benatar and Giraldo, Kyndal was trying to decide between singing “Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin or “Message in a Bottle” by The Police. The couple was impressed by Kyndal’s rendition of both tracks and left the choice up to her.

Teenager Lucas Leon impressed the judges with his performance of Elton John’s “Bennie And The Jets,” despite being nervous for doing something outside his country genre. Afterwards, Richie encouraged Leon to take chances, Underwood praised his piano and entertaining skills, and Bryan admitted he smiled throughout the entire performance. You can vote for the singer on American Idol‘s website, by texting 13 to 21523, or on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Seacrest and Richie announced that Billy Idol, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan make up the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s class of 2026.

After the performance, all three judges were on their feet as they waved their hands in the air to encourage cheers from the crowd. They all offered big compliments to the singer, who looked thrilled after her time on stage. You can vote for the singer on American Idol‘s website, by texting 20 to 21523, or on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

When Keyla Richardson entered rehearsals with Benatar and Giraldo, the couple was immediately impressed. They advised her to begin the track like a ballad, and to sing it to her son as he watched on in awe, both pieces of wisdom Richardson eagerly accepted.

WWE star The Miz made a surprise appearance in a bid to take over Seacrest’s hosting gig on Idol. When Seacrest denied the request, The Miz picked him up and spun him around, before putting him in a headlock as Seacrest promoted the wreestler’s latest gig. Seacrest got The Miz back by jumping on his back in hilarious fashion.

Underwood called Stallworth’s performance “awesome,” Bryan encouraged him to keep being himself, and Richie said the contestant took Bon Jovi to church during his time on stage. You can vote for the singer on American Idol‘s website, by texting 4 to 21523, or on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Daniel Stallworth decided to take a risk by performing Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” the very first rock song he’s ever performed. He struggled during rehearsals with Benatar and Giraldo, but they offered him great advice to get him ready for his live performance.

The pair absolutely rocked the stage as they performed a portion of “Heartbreaker,” her 1979 hit. They then transitioned to a cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” before circling back to “Heartbreaker” as they audience cheered them on.

Last week, Brooks admitted that he got “nervous and anxious,” which led to a performance he wasn’t happy with. To rebound, Brooks decided to sing Jackson Brown’s “These Days,” a song he’s comfortable with. During rehearsals, Benatar praised him as a “sweet soul,” a sentiment with which her husband agreed.

On the advice of his brother, Braden Rumfelt decided to forego a slow song in favor of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition,” a choice that Benatar and Giraldo fully supported.

Before they got to mentoring Rae, Benatar and Giraldo agreed to FaceTime the singer’s mom, who’s one of their biggest fans. Then the pair advised Rae on how to improve her cover of Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park,” and get her out of the bottom two, where she finished last week.

Seacrest announced that next week, the Top 9 contestants will head to Disneyland for Disney Night. During the episode, the hopefuls will be mentored by former Idol winner Jennifer Hudson.

While Tungseth admitted that the performance was out of his comfort zone he said he had fun doing the song. You can vote for the singer on American Idol‘s website, by texting 17 to 21523, or on Idol‘s pinned posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Chris Tungseth, who was coming off a less than stellar performance last week, was thrilled to have mentors Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo help him prepare for his cover of Foreigner’s “Cold As Ice” for this week’s show. Afterwards, Richie gave Tungseth some performance advice, Underwood praised his song choice, and Bryan complimented his energy.

Seacrest announced that Idol, along with his longtime collaborator Steve Stevens, is officially in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2026. The other inductees will be announced later in the show.

Underwood and Idol’s performance got fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on their feet. Afterwards, host Ryan Seacrest announced that voting was now open to determine the Top 9.

The latest episode of American Idol began with a leather-clad Carrie Underwood singing a rocking rendition of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell.” After Underwood handled the song’s intro, Idol himself made a surprise appearance and joined the country star in performing the track.