A special live episode of American Idol this Sunday (April 27) will unveil the highly anticipated inductees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2025. Host Ryan Seacrest will make the official announcement, with legendary musician James Taylor, himself a member since 2000, acting as mentor. During this episode, the top 14 contestants will perform tracks linked to past Hall of Fame honorees. By the end of the broadcast, two competitors will be eliminated, narrowing down to this season's final dozen.

The February 12 unveiling of this year’s nominees showcased a diverse lineup spanning various genres and eras. Among them are iconic rock formations like Bad Company and The Black Crowes, pop culture titan Mariah Carey, early rock pioneer Chubby Checker, influential blues vocalist Joe Cocker, punk legend Billy Idol, transformative groups Joy Division/New Order, groundbreaking artist Cyndi Lauper, Mexican rock stalwarts Maná, Britpop pioneers Oasis, critically acclaimed hip-hop duo Outkast, jam band innovators Phish, grunge giants Soundgarden, and minimalist garage rockers The White Stripes.

Beyond just the induction reveal, the following Monday (April 28), American Idol will air another themed live show titled "Iconic Idol Moments." Season 3 victor Fantasia will not only mentor but also grace the stage with a performance. Additionally, resident artist Jelly Roll will join the studio audience. Both episodes will stream live nationwide and later become available on Hulu.

This unique collaboration between American Idol and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame highlights the intersection of music history and contemporary talent discovery. Through these broadcasts, fans can witness both the celebration of legendary artists and the evolution of new ones, bridging generations of musical excellence.