The competition intensifies as the Top 11 of “American Idol” rock out during tonight’s live two-hour spectacle. For the show on April 13, 2026, the remaining contestants will perform songs originally performed by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, with some major highlights not to be missed. Here are three big moments to watch for…
1. Celebrity Mentors Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo Return to ‘American Idol’
Married music legends Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo return to the show to mentor the remaining 11 contestants on their song choices. Inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, the duo is a force of coolness, creativity, and songwriting chops.
Benatar, a classically trained opera singer, is a four-time Grammy winner who dominated the 80s charts with rock anthems like “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and “We Belong,” with Giraldo as her guitarist and co-songwriter. The couple is still touring regularly alongside chart-toppers like Pink and Bryan Adams.
Benatar and Giraldo were last on “American Idol” in 2019 for the season 17 Celebrity Duets round. They performed with Top 20 contestants Kate Barnette and Madison VanDenburg. According to ABC, the couple will deliver their own rockin’ performance during the April 13 show and watch the singers they’ve mentored over the last week.
2. 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees to Be Announced
DisneyAnother cool moment to watch for during the April 13 live show is when host Ryan Seacrest officially announces this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees.
The 17 nominees for 2026 are The Black Crowes, Jeff Buckley, former “American Idol” judge Mariah Carey, Phil Collins, Melissa Etheridge, Lauryn Hill, Billy Idol, INXS, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, New Edition, Oasis, P!nk, Sade, Shakira, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan. Those who make it into the Hall of Fame are determined by votes from 1,200 Hall of Fame members and will be inducted this fall, according to the institution.
3. Top 11 Will Be Narrowed Down to Top 9 After LIVE Voting
DisneyOnce again, viewers will have less than two hours to vote for which of the Top 11 contestants should move on (here are instructions on how to vote). At the end of the night, Seacrest will reveal which nine singers are moving on and which two will be heading home.
The Top 11 contestants are: Chris Tungseth, Kyndal Inskeep, Daniel Stallworth, Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, Braden Rumsfelt, Philmon Lee, Keyla Richardson, Brooks Rosser, Lucas Leon, and Rae, whom the judges saved when she landed in the bottom two last week.
“American Idol” Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night kicks off on ABC at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
