American Idol 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Week: What the Top 14 Should Sing
On Sunday, April 21, the Top 14 on American Idol will perform songs written or popularized by inductees of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Because the Hall’s roster spans many genres—not just traditional rock—this theme offers a wide range of classic material, from soul and pop to folk and R&B. Recent seasons have shown how diverse choices, such as ABBA, Stevie Wonder, and Lionel Richie, can yield memorable TV moments when arranged thoughtfully for each singer.
Rock Hall member Gene Simmons of KISS will mentor the contestants during the week. For the first time, the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees will be announced during the American Idol LIVE broadcast. The judging panel will again include Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, with Ryan Seacrest hosting. American Idol airs Sundays and Mondays at 8 PM ET/PT on ABC, with next-day streaming on Hulu.
Top 14 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Song Suggestions
Abi Carter
- “Always” — Bon Jovi
- “Nothing Else Matters” — Metallica
- “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” — The Shirelles / Carole King
Abi has shown she can reshape rock material to fit her voice, most recently with an alternative-tinged performance. A piano-led “Always” would allow her upper-register rasp to shine. “Nothing Else Matters” is a familiar rock ballad that can be tender and intimate, and a modern, stripped arrangement would suit her well. For contrast, Carole King’s classic “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” could be reimagined to highlight Abi’s interpretive strengths.
Emmy Russell
- “The First Cut Is the Deepest” — Cat Stevens / Sheryl Crow
- “Gypsy” — Fleetwood Mac
- “Wildflowers” — Tom Petty
Emmy’s soft, folksy delivery pairs naturally with mellow rock and singer-songwriter material. A subtle, emotional take on “The First Cut Is the Deepest” would let her storytelling strengths stand out. Stevie Nicks’s piano-driven version of “Gypsy” offers a heartfelt ballad setting, while Tom Petty’s “Wildflowers” fits Emmy’s quiet intensity and would make for a compelling, intimate performance.
Jack Blocker
- “All Along the Watchtower” — Bob Dylan
- “Losing My Religion” — R.E.M.
- “Only the Good Die Young” — Billy Joel
Jack’s folk sensibility makes Dylan a natural match; “All Along the Watchtower” could be reinterpreted with acoustic dynamics. If he wants to lean into an alternative edge, a thoughtful take on R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” would stand out. For an uptempo moment, Billy Joel’s “Only the Good Die Young” could let Jack show more swagger and versatility.
Jayna Elise
- “Because the Night” — Patti Smith / Bruce Springsteen
- “Paint It, Black” — The Rolling Stones
- “Purple Rain” — Prince
Jayna has the rock chops and arranging instincts to make bold choices. “Because the Night” builds from delicate to powerful and would showcase her control and intensity. “Paint It, Black” suits her dramatic flair and could be given a soulful twist. Tackling Prince’s “Purple Rain” is ambitious, but Jayna’s vocal strength could do justice to the song if approached respectfully and vulnerably.
Jordan Anthony
- “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” — Chicago
- “One” — U2 (feat. Mary J. Blige)
- “Praying for Time” — George Michael
Jordan’s piano skills and emotive voice make ballads an ideal route. A pared-back “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” would let his phrasing breathe. U2’s “One” can be retooled for a soulful duet-style interpretation, while George Michael’s “Praying for Time” would highlight Jordan’s soulful, reflective side.
Julia Gagnon
- “Crazy on You” — Heart
- “Dirty Diana” — Michael Jackson
- “You Send Me” — Sam Cooke / Aretha Franklin version
Julia’s powerful voice can handle dynamic, high-range material. Heart’s “Crazy on You” would let her show rock belting and control. “Dirty Diana” offers a darker, edgy pop-rock moment that fits her grit. For a soulful turn, Aretha Franklin’s rendition of “You Send Me” would play to Julia’s strengths and remind viewers of her standout audition.
Kaibrienne
- “If It Makes You Happy” — Sheryl Crow
- “Something to Talk About” — Bonnie Raitt
- “Me and Bobby McGee” — Janis Joplin
Kaibrienne’s raspy tone is perfectly suited to bluesy, roots-rock material. Sheryl Crow’s punchy “If It Makes You Happy” would fit naturally. Bonnie Raitt’s mid-tempo “Something to Talk About” offers a groove-based option, while Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee” would let Kaibrienne dig into raw emotion and vocal grit.
Kayko
- “Baba O’Riley” — The Who
- “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” — Green Day
- “Running Up That Hill” — Kate Bush
Kayko’s modern sensibilities and electronic touches suit songs that blend rock and synth textures. “Baba O’Riley” could be reimagined with dramatic staging. Green Day’s “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” fits a singer-songwriter turn, and Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” with its recent cultural resurgence, offers theatrical possibilities that match Kayko’s musicality.
McKenna Breinholt
- “Tiny Dancer” — Elton John
- “We Belong” — Pat Benatar
- “You’re So Vain” — Carly Simon
McKenna’s storytelling voice works well with classic pop-rock. A tender, stripped “Tiny Dancer” would highlight her phrasing. Pat Benatar’s “We Belong” could showcase her punch and range, while Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” suits McKenna’s slightly raspy tone and narrative delivery.
Mia Matthews
- “Blue Bayou” — Linda Ronstadt
- “Coat of Many Colors” — Dolly Parton
- “Helpless” — Neil Young
Mia’s pure, expressive tone lends itself to country-tinged classics. Linda Ronstadt’s “Blue Bayou” would give her a warm, yearning moment. Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors” could be an intimate, acoustic highlight, and Neil Young’s “Helpless” suits Mia’s gentle, evocative delivery.
Nya
- “Hot Stuff” — Donna Summer
- “I Want It All” — Queen (Andra Day version)
- “Together Again” — Janet Jackson
Nya’s theatricality and jazz-inflected arrangements make her a great fit for disco, dramatic rock, or polished pop. Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff” is a high-energy option. A slowed, soulful take on Queen’s “I Want It All” or a contemporary cover of Janet Jackson’s “Together Again” would let her blend showmanship with vocal nuance.
Roman Collins
- “I Wish” — Stevie Wonder
- “Maybe” — Janis Joplin
- “The Thrill Is Gone” — B.B. King
Roman’s soulful energy is perfect for funk, blues, and gospel-tinged rock. Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish” could showcase his stage presence and groove. A gospel-roots interpretation of Janis Joplin’s “Maybe” or a bluesy rendition of B.B. King’s “The Thrill Is Gone” would let Roman explore deep, emotional textures.
Triston Harper
- “For What It’s Worth” — Buffalo Springfield
- “One Step Up” — Bruce Springsteen
- “Soulshine” — The Allman Brothers Band
Triston’s country-soul sound suits folk-rock and southern rock. “For What It’s Worth” could be adapted into a rootsy, reflective performance. Bruce Springsteen’s “One Step Up” offers a simple, poignant arrangement that fits Triston’s style, while “Soulshine” taps into warm, southern-rock harmonies and heartfelt delivery.
Will Moseley
- “Black” — Pearl Jam
- “Night Moves” — Bob Seger
- “Wild Horses” — The Rolling Stones
Will has the grit and warmth for classic rock and heartland ballads. Pearl Jam’s “Black” could highlight his textured delivery, while a nuanced version of Bob Seger’s “Night Moves” would let him tap into nostalgic storytelling. “Wild Horses” is a timeless rock ballad that could give Will an emotional, powerful moment on stage.
Share your Rock and Roll Hall of Fame song ideas for the Top 14 in the comments below.