We’re down to the final month of American Idol. The rumored finale is May 19, so only a few more weeks before someone takes their place in the Idol winners’ circle. This means that we have a lot more brutal cuts before reaching the finale. On Monday, we saw six talented contestants leave, taking us from the Top 20 to the Top 14. By the end of these two hours, we see two contestants eliminated as we go from the Top 14 to the Top 12. Then tomorrow we’re down to the Top 10. We have four hours of performances and four eliminations to watch over the course of two nights.
Tonight’s episode is also Rock & Roll Hall of Fame themed. This is the first episode of the season where we’ll see the contestants perform within a theme. Before tonight, they’ve had more freedom to select their songs. The limited selection could push the contestants to new performance heights. Additionally, they have musical icon Gene Simmons around to guest mentor. Luckily for them, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame list is vast, which means each contestant should find a song within their style and vocal abilities.
Lots of pressure for the Top 14 finalists. But it’s not all stress as the episode also includes an announcement of the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Let’s get into this Sunday’s American Idol 2024 recap.
American Idol 2024 Top 14 Perform
The show starts with Luke Bryan singing a cover of John Mellencamp’s “Small Town.”
Triston Harper starts the show with “Heartbreak Hotel” by Elvis Presley.
To vote for Triston text 24 to 21523. You can also vote on the American Idol app or americanidol.com/vote.
Luke says it was tremendous and perfectly done. He says everyone will fall in love with him.
Julia Gagnon sings “Run to You” by Whitney Houston.
To vote for Julia text 4 to 21523. You can also vote on the American Idol app or americanidol.com/vote.
Luke says her transformation has been an inspiration. He calls her performance amazing. Lionel Richie says she commands the stage.
Ryan Seacrest wants to take a moment to honor Mandisa, who passed away on April 18. They plan to do a musical tribute to her.
Roman Collins sings”You’re All I Need To Get By by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.
To vote for Roman text 21 to 21523. You can also vote on the American Idol app or americanidol.com/vote.
Lionel says he was on fire and made the song his song. Katy Perry says she is his favorite person to watch and hear. Luke says he takes the vibe of the room up.
Kaibrienne sings “I Hate Myself For Loving You” by Joan Jett And The Blackhearts.
To vote for Kaibrienne text 10 to 21523. You can also vote on the American Idol app or americanidol.com/vote.
Katy calls her a rock star. Luke says she morphed into a whole different person. Lionel says “her ugly face” is what was needed. He means putting her all into the rocking performance.
Ryan and Lionel announce the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. They include Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Cher, Mary J Blige, Ozzy Osbourne, and A Tribe Called Quest. Full list on Rock and Hall’s website.
Jayna Elise performs “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston.
To vote for Jayna text 3 to 21523. You can also vote on the American Idol app or americanidol.com/vote.
Lionel calls her a star. Katy says she has “BSE,” Big Star Energy. He says she believes in her.
Mia Matthews sings “Those Memories of You” by Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt.
To vote for Mia text 23 to 21523. You can also vote on the American Idol app or americanidol.com/vote.
Katy says she bumped up her performance real good.
Kayko plans to sing “High and Dry” by RadioHead.
Katy says she believes in him.
To vote for Kayko text 5 to 21523. You can also vote on the American Idol app or americanidol.com/vote.
Emmy Russell sings “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Rait.
To vote for Emmy text 17 to 21523. You can also vote on the American Idol app or americanidol.com/vote.
Luke says her voice gives him chills. He tells her to keep doing it. Lionel says it was great. Katy says she’s competing against herself and tonight she won.
Jordan Anthony sings “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston.
To vote for Jordan text 2 to 21523. You can also vote on the American Idol app or americanidol.com/vote.
Katy says it was his best performance.
Mckenna Faith Breinholt performs “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” by Chicago.
To vote for McKenna text 12 to 21523. You can also vote on the American Idol app or americanidol.com/vote.
Luke says she understood how to deliver even when under the weather.
Jack Blocker sings “Don’t Think Twice” by Bob Dylan.
To vote for Jack text 20 to 21523. You can also vote on the American Idol app or americanidol.com/vote.
Luke tells him that he’s doing pretty good. He says he’s staying true to himself. Lionel says it was fantastic and he made the song his own. Katy says he’s grown into himself. Lexus and Anthony talk about the nominations. He mentions a backdoor potential and then says he doesn’t want to take a strike at Victoria, but it’s Tola’s HOH, go ahead.
Nya sings “I Say A Little Prayer” by Aretha Franklin.
To vote for Nya text 6 to 21523. You can also vote on the American Idol app or americanidol.com/vote.
Katy says this is the best thing she heard her do. Luke says it was effortless.
Will Moseley sings “Night Moves” by Bob Seger.
To vote for Will text 11 to 21523. You can also vote on the American Idol app or americanidol.com/vote.
Luke says he picks songs true to him. Lionel says it’s a perfect song for him. He killed it.
Abi Carter sings “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John.
To vote for Abi text 8 to 21523. You can also vote on the American Idol app or americanidol.com/vote.
Lionel says this class of Idol contestants is something to vote on. Katy says tonight that it’s always been her. She thinks a lot of things will happen with her in the future.
The Eliminations
Ryan says 19 million votes came in for this group.
Safe: Roman, Mia, Triston, Julia, Jack, Jayna, McKenna, Kaibrienne, Emmy, Abi, Will, and Kayko
Eliminated: Nya and Jordan.
Join us on Monday for more American Idol 2024 recaps. We’ll meet the Top 10. Make sure to add us on Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) for more American Idol spoilers, recaps, exclusives, news, and much more.