American Idol’s Sunday episode, which centered around the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, was a mixed bag of performances and news. The episode opened with a performance of John Cougar Mellencamp’s ‘Small Town’ by judge Luke Bryan, followed by 14 contestants performing songs by previous Rock Hall inductees.
The performances were generally strong, showcasing the range of the Rock Hall’s influence, from rock to pop to R&B and country. However, the announcement of this year’s inductees was surprisingly rushed and half-hearted, given amidst the numerous performances and judges’ comments.
Another noticeable aspect of the episode was the show’s lack of recognition for songwriters. The artists’ performances were attributed solely to the performers, with no mention of the songwriters who created the iconic songs. This omission seems particularly egregious in the context of a show that aims to educate viewers about music history.
Despite these shortcomings, American Idol’s Rock Hall-themed episode provided some memorable performances and showcased the talent of its young contestants. The episode is available on Hulu for those who missed it on Sunday.
