‘American Idol’ reveals Top 9 after sending 2 singers home

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Two contestants’ “American Idol” journeys are now over.
In the April 13 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame episode, after a surprise duet by Billy Idol and Carrie Underwood, the Top 11 were tasked with performing Rock Hall inductees’ hits.
After making the reveal that Iron Maiden, Billy Idol and Oasis were among the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction class, the “Idol” class of 2026 entered the single digits. “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” songstress Pat Benatar and her partner in music (and life), Neil Giraldo, mentored the young hopefuls, who put their own spin on iconic tracks like “Signed, Sealed Delivered (I’m Yours)” and “Bennie and the Jets.”
Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, as usual, delivered largely supportive feedback for the 11 contestants, but it was up to viewers to determine who would remain in the running.
Here’s who stayed and who went home as “American Idol” whittled down to nine finalists following an audience vote.
Who’s in the ‘American Idol’ Top 9 in 2026?
- Brooks Rosser
- Daniel Stallworth
- Braden Rumfelt
- Lucas Leon
- Jordan McCullough
- Hannah Harper
- Keyla Richardson
- Chris Tungseth
- Kyndal Inskeep




