American Idol’s Top 12 Revealed in Electrifying Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night

This past Sunday’s episode of ​American Idol​ was nothing short of electric. With Rock & Roll Hall of Fame week in full swing, the show gave us unforgettable performances, heartfelt stories, and the big reveal of the Top 12 contestants who will move forward in the competition. Over two hours, we saw love, risk, praise and tough decisions—all under the guidance of legendary mentors and sharp-eyed judges. Here’s a look back at all the moments that had us on the edge of our seats.

From the moment James Taylor walked out to mentor the singers, you could feel the excitement crackle through the arena. Taylor, whose own ballad “You’ve Got a Friend” has touched hearts for decades, shared tips on storytelling and phrasing. He reminded each singer that Rock & Roll is more than loud guitars and big hair—it’s about raw emotion and connection. His calm presence helped the contestants steady their nerves before stepping into the spotlight, and his praise afterward made them beam with pride.

A Bold Gamble Pays Off

One of the night’s most talked-about moments belonged to Desmond Roberts. He dared to tackle “Jesus Is Love,” a soulful Commodores classic sung for years by Lionel Richie. Singing a beloved artist’s song in front of that same artist is always a risk—but Desmond took that gamble and hit a home run. He began softly at the piano, then stirred the crowd by moving forward and unleashing soaring high notes in his head voice. When he hit those falsetto passages, you could see Lionel Richie smiling—then nodding in approval.

“You found some octaves that I didn’t sing,” Lionel told him afterward, half in jest and half in awe. “You tried to take my song.” Luke Bryan, ever the tease, chimed in that the notes didn’t quite match Richie’s original—but then wrapped his critique in a compliment, calling Desmond’s range “one of the most dynamic I’ve ever heard.” Even Carrie Underwood, who’s known for her kindness, pushed herself to give him honest feedback—always sandwiching any critique between words of encouragement.

A Surprise Peek Behind the Scenes

Between performances, Ryan Seacrest surprised us with the announcement of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. Fans cheered when he read off names like Cyndi Lauper, Outkast and Soundgarden. It was a quick break from the tension of elimination night, and a nice reminder of how deep rock history runs—almost 400 artists strong, each with a song or an album that changed someone’s life.

Before we saw who would move on, the show also gave us a glimpse of what it takes to get this far. Back in the summer, these singers earned their golden tickets and headed off to Hollywood. Twenty-four hopefuls then jetted to Hawaii, where they sang for fun crowds at Disney’s Aulani resort. From there, they returned to Los Angeles to face America’s vote. Over a billion votes have been cast this season—proof that Idol still holds its magic even after more than two decades on air.

After narrowing the field to 14, the singers streamed into the old Hollywood studio—once home to classics like ​I Love Lucy​—for one-on-one interviews. Judges done grilled them on their childhoods, their first brushes with fame and what drives them to keep singing. That tradition began in season seven, when Billboard first sat down with the Top 10, and it’s stuck around ever since. It’s in these honest moments, away from the stage lights, that we really see the heart behind each voice.

The Story of Thunderstorm Artis

One of those interviewees was Thunderstorm Artis, a gentle soul with a big family and even bigger dreams. Born on December 21, 1995, in Kailua on Oahu’s North Shore, he’s the seventh of eleven kids. Music ran in his blood: his dad, Ron Artis, once toured with disco group Shalamar and worked at Motown, while his mom sang opera and jazz and even worked with Lionel Richie years before her son met him on Idol.

Thunderstorm’s first memories are sweet and simple: waking up in his little bed and lying under his dad’s piano as it filled the house with classical and jazz melodies. His parents home-schooled their children in music theory, instrument lessons and songwriting. By the time he was a teenager, he was writing tunes in the family’s studio—sometimes improvising songs for visitors. One day, he realized music was more than a hobby; it was his calling.

He never took a formal lesson. Instead, he watched, asked questions and practiced daily. He learned drums, bass, guitar, percussion and piano—anything to express himself. Even during a year when his family faced financial struggles and he stepped away from music to help out, he found his way back to songwriting. His first meaningful song, “What Music Means to Me,” reminded him that his true path lay in sharing his gift.

On Idol, he’s learned that comparing himself to others won’t serve him. His strength lies in storytelling, in letting the audience feel every emotion behind his lyrics. He also took to heart some advice from guest mentor Jelly Roll: keep your eyes wide open and make real eye contact with the crowd. Doing so, he says, turns a performance into a shared experience rather than a one-way show.

Looking ahead, Thunderstorm keeps his feet on the ground. He says he walks through life with no expectations, ready to take each note as it comes. His music is for his wife, his future kids, and anyone out there who needs comfort in a melody.

The Big Reveal: Top 12

After all the songs, the judges’ cheers and tears, and America’s votes, Idol trimmed the field from 14 to 12. The remaining singers who will move on to the next round are:

Filo

Mattie Pruitt

John Foster

Desmond Roberts

Jamal Roberts

Amanda Barise

Canaan James Hill

Josh King

Thunderstorm Artis

Gabby Samone

Breanna Nix

Kolbi Jordan

Two singers—Ché and Slater Nalley—were sent home on Sunday night. It was a tough call, and social media lit up with fans sharing their favorite moments and asking “Were the right singers eliminated?” But that’s part of what makes Idol so thrilling: it’s a live show, and at any moment, anything can happen.

Rocking Out with Carrie and the Final Notes

The episode opened with a surprise performance by Carrie Underwood herself. She tore into Heart’s “Alone,” a song she famously sang back in 2005 during her own Idol season. Seeing her belt out that rock ballad reminded us how far she’s come—from contestant to mentor and superstar country artist—and how she continues to lift each singer with her own energy.

Later, Filo took on Joe Cocker’s raw, gritty take on “With a Little Help From My Friends.” He didn’t just sing it—he owned it. His vocal runs were bold and unexpected, giving a fresh spin to a song we all know. Then 16-year-old Mattie Pruitt proved her star power with Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart.” She channeled every rasp and growl perfectly. If you closed your eyes, you might’ve thought you were at Woodstock itself. Even the judges, who wondered if she could sound more mature, were left shaking their heads in delight.

With the Top 12 set, next week brings the chance for these singers to recreate classic moments from past Idol seasons. We can’t wait to see how they honor history while carving out their own paths. One thing is certain: with talent this wide-ranging and a theme like Rock & Roll Hall of Fame week, we’re in for another night of true showmanship. Whether you’re team country, team soul, or team rock, there’s a singer here who’ll make you believe in music all over again.