The “American Idol” Top 14 is fighting for a spot in the Top 12.
In the April 27 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-themed episode, the contestants had a vast catalog of songs to perform, with their assignment being to sing a track from one of the nearly 400 Rock Hall inductees. “You’ve Got a Friend” singer James Taylor took on a mentorship role.
In a bold move, Desmond Roberts sang The Commodores in front of Lionel Richie – and taking a risk paid off, as Richie and Luke Bryan insinuated Desmond outdid the former frontman with his cover. Carrie Underwood also stepped outside her comfort zone, hesitantly providing critical feedback (but always couching it with praise, of course).
The aspiring stars got a brief respite from singing when Ryan Seacrest announced the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees – a group that includes Cyndi Lauper, Outkast and Soundgarden.
Read on for the highlights from “American Idol” Episode 12.
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What happened last week? Viewers vote for Top 14 as judges save 4 from elimination
Carrie Underwood opens up: Judges made ‘concessions’ choosing Top 14 saves
Desmond Roberts ‘tried to take my song,’ Lionel Richie claims
As Desmond rehearsed with Taylor, he admitted in an interview, “It’s a risk to play (‘Jesus is Love’) in front of Lionel.”
He started at the piano and made his way to center stage, where he let out several consecutive notes that showed off his head voice. His rendition was so successful that Desmond had Richie feeling self-conscious.
“You found some octaves that I didn’t sing,” Richie said. “You tried to take my song. That is a very hard song to sing, and you did it so well.”
Bryan cheekily agreed: “The whole time I was like, ‘Lionel didn’t sing it like that.'” He added that he didn’t believe the falsettos were necessary, but ended the compliment sandwich with “You’ve got one of the most dynamic voices I’ve ever heard.”
Carrie Underwood issues challenges to Canaan James Hill, Mattie Pruitt
In a rare moment, Underwood offered a well-couched rebuke of aspiring preacher Canaan James Hill, who took the stage with Aretha Franklin’s “Mary Don’t You Weep.”
“I kind of think you cheated the system a little on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,” she said.
Bryan agreed with Underwood, though he noted, “We love the gospel stuff.”
Earlier in the episode, Mattie Pruitt, this season’s youngest contender, unleashed her signature rasp in “Piece Of My Heart” by Big Brother and the Holding Company (featuring Janis Joplin). Underwood presented Mattie with a challenge: “If there’s anything I can say to you, (it) is you’ve gotta find your sass. … You need some sass, girl, come on!”
Who went home on ‘American Idol’?
Despite the unanimous praise he’d received, Desmond did not receive enough votes to crack the Top 12. Powerhouse singer Amanda Barise, no longer a self-described underdog, was also sent home.
Who’s in the ‘American Idol’ 2025 Top 12?
- Canaan James Hill
- Gabby Samone
- Mattie Pruitt
- Thunderstorm Artis
- Slater Nalley
- Breanna Nix
- John Foster
- Filo
- Kolbi Jordan
- Josh King
- Jamal Roberts
- Ché
