1984 Classic Named Among ‘Best Hard Rock Songs of All Time' Becomes an Ultimate Collaboration on ‘American Idol'
Billy Idol is among the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, a milestone that was celebrated on the latest edition ofAmerican IdolSeason 24.
And, in the first minutes of the two-hour episode, which aired on Monday, April 13, the English rock legend, along with guitarist Steve Stevens, joined forces with Idol judge Carrie Underwood for a show-stopping opening duet performance of Idol's 1984 classic "Rebel Yell."
The Performance
An unlikely pairing perhaps, but Underwood looked the part, wearing a glam-rock ensemble, complete with studs, leather, and long black boots. Known for her love of metal music, she fit right in with her heroes, electrifying the studio audience and viewers with her powerhouse voice.
Idol's moment came as a surprise to folks. He showed up after Underwood channeled the first verse of the beloved high-octane classic. Then, commanding the crowd in a red leather jacket, he showcased his signature vocals on the chorus.
"In the midnight hour, she cried / ‘More, more, more' / With a rebel yell, she cried, ‘More, more, more,' wow! / In the midnight hour, babe, ‘More, more, more' / With a rebel yell / ‘More, more, more' / ‘More, more, more,'" he sang, as Underwood danced from side to side.
Stevens also showed off his guitar mastery, shredding out a solo before confetti surrounded the stage - all while fellow Idol judges, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, and host Ryan Seacrest stood, watching in amazement.
The Song
Released on January 12, 1984, and written by Idol and Stevens, "Rebel Yell" is featured on the second studio album of the same name. Surprisingly, the song never hit No. 1, peaking instead at No. 46 on the Billboard Hot 100 while landing in the Top 10 on the Mainstream Rock chart. Even without a chart-topping run, fans later voted it one of the "Best Hard Rock Songs of All Time" on VH1 in 2009.
Teaming up with Idol and Stevens was certainly a moment to remember for Underwood, who shared her enthusiasm for the onstage collaboration.
In a post on Instagram following the performance, she captioned: "What is my life?!?! I got the incredible chance tonight to sing with THE Billy Idol and Steve Stevens as part of our Rock & Roll Hall of Fame night on American Idol. It was an honor for me to get to share the stage with some real legends! Billy was so kind and put up with my nervousness and fangirling…I still can't believe THAT just happened!"
The collaboration was all part of the episode's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-themed episode, in which 11 contestants showcased their talents on songs from the 2026 class of inductees. The episode also announced the inductees, which include Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan.
Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons are recipients of the Early Influence Award, while Linda Creed, Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin will be honored with the Musical Excellence Award. Ed Sullivan will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 11:36 PM.