Unveiling the Top 12: A Recap of ‘American Idol’ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night

Introduction

Get ready for an electrifying episode of “American Idol” as the top 12 contestants take the stage to perform songs by artists in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Mentored by the talented Adam Lambert, the contestants delivered stellar performances, captivating judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. With fans voting during the live broadcast, the episode revealed the top 10 contestants. Here are the highlights from the night.

Tyson Venegas: Groovy Moves and Stevie Wonder’s Classic

Kicking off the show, Tyson Venegas, a 17-year-old platinum ticket winner, impressed the judges with his groovy dance moves and soulful rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “For Once in My Life.” He received praise for embodying Wonder’s sweetness and confidently working the stage. The judges commended his comfort and connection with the audience, making it a great start to the night.

Warren Peay: Authenticity and “House of the Rising Sun”

Warren Peay, a 24-year-old appliance repairman, showcased his authenticity with a gritty performance of The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun.” His gravelly voice resonated perfectly with the classic rock hit, earning him a standing ovation from Lionel Richie. Katy Perry applauded his wardrobe change and admired his consistent grit in every performance.

Haven Madison: A Star-Powered Performance

Haven Madison, a 17-year-old high school student from Tennessee, stole the spotlight with her stunning rendition of Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Strutting across the stage in bedazzled boots, she delivered a powerhouse performance that left the judges in awe. Katy Perry declared her the next big pop star, while Luke Bryan praised it as a massive step-out moment for Madison.

Lucy Love: Owning Lionel Richie’s Song

Lucy Love, who narrowly escaped elimination last week, honored Lionel Richie by singing his hit song “All Night Long (All Night).” The judges were impressed by her vocal prowess and unique artistry. They appreciated her character and vocal movement, urging her to continue being true to herself. Richie commended Love for making the song her own and delivering a great performance.

Oliver Steele: Smooth Rendition of “Georgia on My Mind”

Oliver Steele charmed the judges with his smooth, reggae-inspired version of Ray Charles’ “Georgia on My Mind.” Richie praised his fabulous job, while Katy Perry expressed her love for Steele’s voice. Luke Bryan described it as timeless and emphasized how Steele sets a mood every time he starts singing.

Colin Stough: Rocking Out to The Allman Brothers

Colin Stough, an 18-year-old HVAC technician, brought high energy to the stage with a rocking performance of The Allman Brothers Band’s “Midnight Rider.” The judges loved his performance and encouraged him to let go even more when performing. Katy Perry appreciated his choice of song and encouraged him to embrace the feeling and energy of the music.

Marybeth Byrd: A Country Spin on ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”

Marybeth Byrd, a 22-year-old radio host from Arkansas, added a sweet country twist to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen.” Luke Bryan humorously mentioned how her country background had gone Hollywood, praising her for making the song her own. Katy Perry admired her glam transformation and praised her confident performance, remarking that she owned the song like a real queen.

Wé Ani: A Captivating Performance of Etta James’ Hit

Wé Ani wowed the audience with her powerful rendition of Etta James’ “Something’s Got a Hold on Me.” Her deep and soulful voice left the judges in awe. Lionel Richie expressed his amazement and praised her for bringing the “nasty” to the table. Katy Perry was so blown away that she took off her earrings, declaring Ani a fierce competitor. Luke Bryan described her performance as mesmerizing.

Nutsa: Belt and Soft Vocals on Queen’s “The Show Must Go On”

Nutsa, a performer known for her diva numbers, showcased her vocal range on Queen’s “The Show Must Go On.” The judges praised her vocals and her ability to captivate the room. Katy Perry playfully acknowledged that the word “nuts” is in her name and commended her for fighting and commanding attention on stage. Luke Bryan appreciated her ability to grab everyone’s attention.

Megan Danielle: Emotional Rendition of Bonnie Raitt’s “Angel from Montgomery”

Megan Danielle’s emotionally charged performance of Bonnie Raitt’s “Angel from Montgomery” moved the judges, particularly Luke Bryan, who became visibly emotional. He praised her exceptional talent, stating that her performance would stand out in any room or award show. Katy Perry expressed her belief in Megan’s talent and urged viewers to vote for her.

Zachariah Smith: Bringing the Party with Electric Light Orchestra

Zachariah Smith, a 20-year-old grill cook, brought his signature high energy to the stage with Electric Light Orchestra’s “Don’t Bring Me Down.” The judges praised his ability to entertain and highlighted his authenticity. Katy Perry acknowledged his uniqueness and emphasized that there’s no one else like him.

Iam Tongi: Iconic Performance of Sam Cooke’s “Bring It on Home to Me”

Performing without his guitar for the first time on “Idol,” Iam Tongi delivered an iconic rendition of Sam Cooke’s “Bring It on Home to Me.” The crowd erupted into chants of “Iam,” overpowering Katy Perry’s voice. The judges marveled at the magic he created on stage and expressed their admiration for his talent. They emphasized that he was loved by all, leaving no doubt about his abilities.

Elimination Results

With over 22 million votes counted, the episode concluded with the elimination of Love and Nutsa, who did not make it into the top 10.