Top 10 Performances From Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night on ‘American Idol’

The big picture

• Gene Simmons mentored the Top 14
  american idol
  contestants with iconic songs from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
• Unfortunately, two contestants were eliminated despite good performances. America may have gotten live voting wrong.
• New inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were announced, inspiring hope for the future of this season's contestants.

with KISS leader Gene Simmons mentor of the best 14, the american idol inductees were treated to some of the biggest hits from Rock and Roll Hall of Famers. In a night full of cover songs, it was a tribute to some of the greatest songs and artists in music history. But unfortunately for two, his american idol the journeys came to an end. Did the American get it right in the first live vote of the season? All signs point to NO! Unfortunately, America was forced to say goodbye Jordan Anthony i Nya on the reality competition series.

It was rock and roll all night in the latest episode of american idol. 14 went down to 12 as America made its voice heard as it voted in real time. Although it was a disappointing night for two people, it was a celebration as a host Ryan Seacrest and member of the 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Lionel Richie revealed the official Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2024. A big congratulations was given to the new inductees Mary J. Blige, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Kool & the Gang, Ozzy Osburnei A tribe called Quest. By being included in the performer category, the eight participants have had a great impact and influence in the world of music. Some of this season's american idol Will the contestants one day see each other in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Based on these top 10 performances, maybe one day!

10 Jayna Elise

“I Got Nothing” by Whitney Houston

Although the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's catalog of music is extensive, three artists decided to take on the iconic Whitney Houston. For Jayna Elise, chose to try and bring the house down with the anthemic “I Have Nothing.” With another hood moment, Jayna brought some color to her voice as she sparkled under the stage lights. Jayna delivered unique phrasing and riffs in her rendition of the classic song. He didn't finish nailing the big note in the chorus, he did finish his performance with strength and power. For Jayna, she was able to take the song and make it her own enough to entice America to stick around.

9 Will Mosley

“Night Moves” by Bob Seger

While there are a handful of country artists hanging proudly in Cleveland, Will Mosley entered the world of classic rock for his song. He added enough with a country style Bob Seger“Night Moves” to keep him inside his wheelhouse. Will added his signature growl that kept his cover of the track unique. Will is satisfying country lovers with his musical styles, but what Will will have to do is find originality in a genre that already has many acts similar to him. If Will continues to progress, song selection will be crucial. Stepping out of the box and choosing songs that aren't inherently country is probably their smartest move. His vision of Bob Seger was enough to keep America satisfied.

8 Julia Gagnon

“Run to You” by Whitney Houston

Julia Gagnon has decided to stand out from the competition by reminding America that it has a booming voice in that small body. His stage presence may not be commanding, but his voice sure is! Julia boldly tackled Whitney Houston's “Run to You.” It was a very big song, but Julia successfully navigated the song with her controlled runs and booming instrument. He had a problem with the pitch here and there, especially in the key changeup, but he gets it on his nerves. It just so happens that on this day 20 years ago, winner of the EGOT Jennifer Hudson surprisingly he was removed from american idol. If there's one legend Julia can be compared to, it's Jennifer Hudson.

7 Jack Blocker

“Don't Think Twice, It's All Right” by Bob Dylan

Jack Blocker's story on American Idol is about him being saved by the crew because he really is an enigma. As the judges remind him that they almost missed him, Jack has shown by far the most growth since America first saw him on their screens. Although it was only logical for Jack to confront Bob Dylanhis song selection, “Don't Think Twice, It's All Right,” was a bit of a surprise. Jack brought his folk sound to his cover, marrying it with his exceptional guitar skills. Sitting on a stool, Jack became a storyteller, just as Bob Dylan wanted. Jack is in the pocket vocally. Where Jack needs to continue to grow is through his performance in front of the camera. Seeing Jack in a smoky bar on Broadway in Nashville, his intimate approach to music is perfect. But that's it american idol. You need to connect through the camera. Jack's performance leaned inward. Now he has to take his performance outside.

6 Kayko

“High and Dry” by Radiohead

For the first time this season, Kayko He is NOT doing one of his original songs. He knew this day would come, so his test would be how well he could put his personality into one version. Kayko chose an amazing song, “High and Dry” by Radiohead. Compared to many of the other songs of the night, this one may not have been the best known in the States, so it had the advantage of being made to feel like it was their song. Kayko's ability as a performer is to tell a story through his lyrics. And that's what Kayko did here. No matter what he sings, he has comfort and ease on stage. This was not his best performance, which is telling. He still has a perfect voice that has connected with the judges and the voting public. His falsetto wasn't as strong as it could have been, but he made up for it with his booming chorus. With another cover on the horizon, Kayko may feel out of her element, but hopefully the good performer she is will ease any insecurities about not doing her own job. Kayko is the king of versatility.

5 Triston Harper

“Heartbreak Hotel” by Elvis Presley

Triston Harper, like Will Mosley, chose not to go straight for country, playing to the adjacent country world. Exploring the King of Rock and Roll, Triston's rendition of “Heartbreak Hotel” was like a boy dreaming of being Elvis Presley to himself Playing without a guitar, it was Triston and his 15-year-old swag. And yes, his youth did show for the first time in this performance. I was doing a talent show at school. But no one can deny this amazing instrument that Triston has. It's already so rich and nuanced that with your eyes closed, it looked like Elvis was in the building. This was his riskiest performance yet. It was clear that putting him in as the first performer of the night was purely strategic, as he probably would have been lost in the shuffle otherwise.

4 McKenna Faith Breinholt

“Hard to Say I'm Sorry” by Chicago

Is there anything this girl can't do? With a plethora of options to choose from, McKenna Faith Breinholt threw America a curveball singing “Hard to Say I'm Sorry” by Chicago. With a song that apparently isn't a track that fits him vocally, he was able to turn it around and turn it into a McKenna original. McKenna took the letters and wrapped them in the soothing blanket that is her voice. For most of the performance, her voice sat in the same place, but the moment she hit the modulation, McKenna soared. The only real disconnect with this overall package was her disco-inspired outfit. It wasn't quite what you'd expect from McKenna, but this might have been her interpretation of what rock and roll means to her. McKenna performed as if it were a tribute to his upcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

3 Mia Matthews

“Those Memories of You” by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris

While other country acts were moving away from the country, Mia Matthews they gave america what they wanted. Facing the brilliant trio of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadti Emmylou Harrishis rendition of “Those Memories of You” was nothing less than a tribute. With the look of a modern day country girl, Mia continues to grow and prove that she is a star in the making. He leaned on the long harmony notes that make the classic country trio track work as a solo act. With each performance, Mia feels more and more comfortable on stage and in her body as a soloist. With a newer song instead of a big bravado performance, Mia shows off her ability to be versatile.

2 Nya

“I Say a Little Prayer” by Aretha Franklin

For whatever reason, Nya was unable to make a solid connection with America. Giving one of the most solid and forceful performances of the night, the theater queen did not do enough to win over America. Despite her innate singing ability, Nya was an underdog this season. He wasn't going to give you a powerful performance, but he gave you a perfectly pure voice. His rendition of “I Say a Little Prayer” by Aretha Franklin it was solid With beautiful blonde hair, Nya brought the track to 2024, bringing a jazzy R&B twist to the track. His ability to switch genres mid-song gave him an edge that the other contestants didn't have. This was by far his best performance. And, unfortunately, the voters disagreed.

1 Abi Carter

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John

When this girl is behind a piano, she comes alive. Giving him the interpretation of the Elton John anthem “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, Abi Carter closed the night with the best performance of his entire tenure on the show. Its ability to float smoothly Billie Eilish a My Chemical Romance to Elton John, Abi's art is something that makes her unique. No matter what song or genre he performs, Abi's performance is his own. His haunting performance was able to illuminate Elton John's lyrics in a way you may not have heard before. Abi Carter is a special performer. She must continue to have these outstanding performances to remain a title contender.

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