American Idol Should Shift Its Focus From Country & Gospel To Rock To Bring The Show Back To Life

American Idol season 24's third audition episode finally featured some rock singers, and it proved that the show should shift its focus away from country and gospel music in order to bring it back to life. American Idol season 24 welcomed back host Ryan Seacrest, along with judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan. They're on a quest to find the next music superstar.

Since American Idol was revived by ABC in 2018 after its 2016 cancellation by FOX, the reality singing competition series has focused primarily on country and gospel singers. When Carrie, a superstar country singer and the winner of American Idol season 4, joined the show in season 23, these genres became even more prominent. The series even featured a Songs of Faith Night for the first time in its over two-decade history.

American Idol has had its fair share of rock singers over the years, but, in recent seasons, rock has taken a backseat to country and gospel. Even season 23's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night, which saw Carrie dressed as Axl Rose from the legendary rock group Guns N' Roses, delivered many tame performances of songs from artists who are in the Hall, but who don't sing rock music. Carrie has been a fan of rock music since she was a little girl, and the night left her wanting more. She finally got her wish during American Idol season 24 episode 3.

American Idol Felt Electric When The Rock Singers Performed

During the third American Idol season 24 audition episode, a segment about rock singers was electrifying. It began with a loud and energetic performance of "Ace of Spades" by Motörhead from contestant Noah Orion. It was followed by a powerful rendition of "Hemorrhage (In My Hands)" by Fuel from Isaiah Moro, and then a mind-blowing version of "House of Broken Love" by Great White from Brett Carlisle, who sings for the band. All three of them received golden tickets to Hollywood Week from the judges.

Rock singer Madison Moon was then featured singing "Creep" by Radiohead. However, she'd told the judges in her interview that she wanted to go for pop rock, and was in a lot of bands and did harsh vocals. When Madison finished her audition song, Carrie said that she wanted to hear more, especially the harsh vocals, so she sang "The Kill (Bury Me)" by Thirty Seconds to Mars. Madison also received a golden ticket to Hollywood Week, with Carrie predicting that she could be in the Top 30.

Carrie stated that the best American Idol class that they could shape would be very eclectic. She said that rock music was more spicy, and, as a lover of the genre, she just wanted to find that representative. Carrie added that she loved the idea of having some more entertaining people in the mix.

Carrie Underwood Came To Life During The Rock Music Segments

During the American Idol rock auditions, Carrie was singing and dancing along, and she really came to life. Rock music sparks something in her that makes her even more charismatic, and anyone who's seen her sing rock songs in her concerts knows that she can rock out with the best of them. It was exciting to see Carrie come out of her shell even more on the show, and really show her passion for rock and roll music.

Country & Gospel Music Are Played Out On American Idol

American Idol has been dominated by country music singers since Carrie's season, and has more recently had a wave of gospel singers. While both of these genres are fantastic in their own rights, they're played out on American Idol. Contestants have sung the same songs for years, and it's time for something new and different.

Fans have long complained about how American Idol features too many country music singers, so having some rockers on the show will definitely bring a refreshing element. Although American Idol season 23 winner Jamal Roberts, a gospel singer, and John Foster, a country singer, are extremely talented and brilliant, having a rock singer make it to the finals would be a welcome change for season 24.

Some Of American Idol's Biggest Success Stories Have Been Rock Stars

Although American Idol contestants have primarily had tremendous triumphs in country music, some of its biggest stars are rock singers. Season 5 finalist Chris Daughtry and season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert are two of the most popular, beloved, and successful finalists in the show's history. Also, season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson has taken the world of pop-rock by storm with her many iconic hits and become a music legend.

In addition, rock singers such as season 2 runner-up Bo Bice and season 4 finalist Constantine Maroulis broke new ground on the show, paving the way for Chris and Adam to be taken seriously when they took the stage after them.

American Idol season 24 could be the Year of the Rock Star, and it would breathe new life into the show if it happened. After years of country and gospel singers stealing the spotlight, it's time for rock music to take center stage. It could bring a whole new fanbase to the show. Rock music also brings out a fun side of Carrie, and gets the audience going in a way that no other genre of music can. It's time for American Idol to rock.

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