American Idol is turning up the volume for one of its biggest nights of the season.

With just 11 contestants left in the competition, Monday’s live episode challenges the singers to take on iconic songs from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees as America votes in real time to decide who advances to the Top 9. They’re also getting some extra guidance from rock legends Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, who are serving as mentors and taking the stage for a special performance as the Rock Hall’s class of 2026 is revealed.

With two more singers set to go home by the end of the night, the pressure is only getting more intense. Follow along with our live blog below, watch all the performances, and vote for your favorite in our poll.

Previously on ‘American Idol’

Last week’s Judges’ Song Contest finally brought closure to the season’s most unusual cliffhanger, as Ryan Seacrest revealed the two delayed eliminations from the previous “Songs of Faith” episode.

Julian Kalel and Jake Thistle were sent home based on America’s vote, leaving the Top 12 to compete in a night of ’90s hits secretly selected by Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan.

At the end of the episode, Rae and Jesse Findling landed in the Bottom 2. Because Lionel Richie won the Judges’ Song Contest, he was given the power to save one singer — and he chose Rae, sending Jesse home and officially setting tonight’s Top 11.

Billy Idol joins Carrie Underwood for “Rebel Yell”

Monday’s episode kicked off with a burst of rock-star energy as newly-minted Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Billy Idol joined judge Carrie Underwood for a rousing opening performance of his classic “Rebel Yell,” setting the tone for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-themed night.

Top 11 live performances (updating live beginning at 5 p.m. PT)

Chris Tungseth
Age: 27
Hometown: Fergus Falls, Minn.
Performance: “Cold as Ice” by Foreigner
Carrie’s comments: “Fantastic song choice. I love the energy you came out with. It is my favorite performance you’ve done.”
Luke’s comments: “You brought the energy. You got the hair blowin’ in the wind — use all the angles.”
Lionel’s comments: “Your voice is there. Trust yourself. Take a chance.”

Rae
Age: 24
Hometown: Frederick, Md.
Performance: “MacArthur Park” by Donna Summer
Carrie’s comments: “I love the drama. You were telling a story. I still don’t know what that song means, but you did a great job.”
Luke’s comments: “Your whole presentation all season has been great vocals. America, make sure you vote.”
Lionel’s comments: “These are classic hits. You’re not afraid to put your stamp on that hit record.”

Braden Rumfelt
Age: 22
Hometown: Murphy, N.C.
Performance: “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder
Carrie’s comments: “This week Braden came to play. Well done.”
Luke’s comments: “Great song choice, great energy.”
Lionel’s comments: “Way to put some barbecue sauce on the career. It’s called the vibe, man.”

Brooks
Age: 22
Hometown: Bel Air, Md.
Performance: “These Days” by Jackson Browne
Carrie’s comments: “I didn’t want the song to end. It was the complete opposite from last week. It was perfection.”
Luke’s comments: “I’m so into it. You create moments. Please let your confidence thrive on this stage. It was awesome.”
Lionel’s comments: “God has given you your blessing, which is your voice. It’s one of the greatest, most unique sounds you could ask for. You’re wearing it well.”

Daniel Stallworth
Age: 27
Hometown: Moss Point, Miss.
Performance: “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
Carrie’s comments: “I did not think I was going to like it and I was wrong. That was awesome!”
Luke’s comments: “It was so you. Keep being you. You’ve got the magic.”
Lionel’s comments: “Way to take Bon Jovi to church!”

Keyla Richardson
Age: 29
Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
Performance: “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder
Carrie’s comments: “That was absolutely amazing.”
Luke’s comments: “I’m speechless. Unbelievable. Never seen you take it to that level.”
Lionel’s comments: “Let the congregation say Amen.”

Lucas Leon
Age: 18
Hometown: Gallatin, Tenn.
Performance: “Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John
Carrie’s comments: “You are so entertaining behind the piano. That was great!”
Luke’s comments: “I smiled the whole time. You have charisma you can’t buy in a store. You just make me happy.”
Lionel’s comments: “One of my favorite songs — you waited right to the end to put your magic on it. Take chances.”

Kyndal
Age: 29
Hometown: Fishers, Ind.
Performance: “Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin
Carrie’s comments: “You have such an incredible instrument, I just feel like you gave up on yourself toward the end.”
Luke’s comments: “We all have rough voice weeks. I do believe you picked the perfect song.”
Lionel’s comments: “You did a great job — don’t let that get in your way.”

Philmon Lee
Age: 25
Hometown: Lagrange, Ga.
Performance: “Hot Blooded” by Foreigner
Carrie’s comments: “Such a great song for your voice. Nailed it vocally, but I still want more swagger.”
Luke’s comments: “Next time, don’t be scared to be in the character. Embody what that song is.”
Lionel’s comments: “There’s singing and then there’s performing. You’ve got to look at us.”

Hannah Harper
Age: 25
Hometown: Willow Springs, Mo.
Performance: “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
Carrie’s comments: “Absolutely gorgeous — the perfect song for you to choose.”
Luke’s comments: “It made me forget I was judging on American Idol. It was like I was at an awards show.”
Lionel’s comments: “A classic song with a classic performance.”

Jordan McCullough
Age: 27
Hometown: Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Performance:
Carrie’s comments:
Luke’s comments:
Lionel’s comments:

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2026 revealed

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was led by Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Oasis and Wu-Tang Clan — but the third time wasn’t the charm for Mariah Carey. Click here for full coverage of this year’s inductees.

Elimination

Ryan Seacrest will reveal which two contestants are headed home at the end of Monday’s episode, narrowing the field from 11 to 9 as the competition races toward the finale. We’ll update live.

Next week

“Disney Night” is back.

The Top 9 will take on iconic Disney songs as America votes live once again, with only seven singers advancing to the next round as the race to become the next American Idol heats up. Season 3 alum and EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson will return as mentor.