What American Idol’s Rock Hall-Themed Episode Says About the Current State of Music on TV: Critic’s Take

Luke Bryan, “Small Town” (written and performed by John Cougar Mellencamp)

Triston Harper, “Heartbreak Hotel” (performed by Elvis Presley; written by Mae Boren Axton, Thomas Durden & Elvis Presley)

Julia Gagnon, “Run to You” (performed by Whitney Houston; written by Jud Friedman & Allan Rich)

Roman Collins, “You’re All I Need to Get By” (performed by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell; written by Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson)

Kaibrienne, “I Hate Myself for Loving You” (performed by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts; written by Desmond Child & Joan Jett)

Jayna Elise, “I Have Nothing” (performed by Whitney Houston; written by David Foster & Linda Thompson)

Mia Matthews, “Those Memories of You” (performed by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt & Emmylou Harris; written by Alan O’Bryant)

KAYKO, “High and Dry” (written and performed by Radiohead)

Emmy Russell, “I Can’t Make You Love Me” (performed by Bonnie Raitt; written by Mike Reid & Allen Shamblin)

Jordan Anthony, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” (performed by Whitney Houston; written by George Merrill & Shannon Rubicam)

McKenna Faith Breinholt, “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” (performed by Chicago; written by Peter Cetera & David Foster)

Jack Blocker, “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” (written and performed by Bob Dylan)

Nya, “I Say a Little Prayer” (performed by Aretha Franklin; written by Burt Bacharach & Hal David)

Will Moseley, “Night Moves” (written and performed by Bob Seger)

Abi Carter, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (performed by Elton John; written by Elton John & Bernie Taupin)