American Idol season 22 welcomes two mentors, Gene Simmons and Meghan Trainor, for its Top 14 and Top 12 finalists. America voted for ten of the American Idol season 22 Top 14 contestants, while the judges–Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan–chose the other four from the remaining ten contestants who didn’t earn enough votes. The contestants chosen by America include Jack Blocker, McKenna Faith Breinholt, Abi Carter, Julia Gagnon, Triston Harper, Kaibrienne, Kayko, Mia Matthews, Will Moseley, and Emmy Russell. The judges saved Jordan Anthony, Roman Collins, Jayna Elise, and Nya.
During the April 15 episode of American Idol season 22, host Ryan Seacrest announced that rock legend and KISS member Gene Simmons will serve as a guest mentor on Sunday, April 21, during which the Top 14 will perform on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night. After the live vote, the Top 12 will be announced. The following night, on Monday, April 22, pop superstar Meghan Trainor will serve as a guest mentor for the Top 12 finalists during Billboard #1 Hits Night. The Top 10 will be announced at the end of the episode after the live vote.
In addition, Ryan and Lionel will announce the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees live during the episode. Lionel was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. The 2024 nominees include former American Idol judge Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Eric B. & Rakim, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Jane’s Addiction, Kool & the Gang, Lenny Kravitz, Oasis, Sinéad O’Connor, Ozzy Osbourne, and A Tribe Called Quest.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night and Billboard #1 Hits Night will be the first two American Idol season 22 theme nights. They will also be the first live coast-to-coast episodes that culminate in an elimination based on votes earned during the shows. Since many of the American Idol season 22 contestants have sung original songs throughout the rounds so far, it’ll be intriguing to see an episode that requires all of them to choose songs originally sung by other people.
American Idol season 22 has been one of the most competitive yet, with some of the most talented singers the show has ever seen. Gene and Meghan will be the perfect mentors for the singers, bringing their expertise not only about singing, but also performing, to the show. Gene previously appeared on American Idol season 4 as a guest judge for the New Orleans auditions. Each of the American Idol season 22 Top 14 finalists has great potential, and it’s easy to imagine that some day in the future they could be announced as Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees.
Source: Ryan Seacrest/Instagram