Carrie Underwood To Host 'American Idol'

Ok this isn't the type of music news we usually talk about here but you know I love me some American Idol and Carrie Underwood has some real glam bona fides. Carrie will apparently replace Katy Perry as one of the hosts of AI next season and I think that is a major win for the show.

Carrie won season 5 and is probably the most successful Idol - or tied for that title with Kelly Clarkson - and I hope this means more rock on the show. Yes, Carrie is a country artist but she is also a glam and metal fan and does have a huge crossover appeal.

'American Idol' Contestant Auditions With Dokken Track

Self-proclaimed 80s music aficionado Nate Peck auditioned for American Idol. His song choice? Dokken's "Lightnin' Strikes Again."

Yes, from Under Lock and Key.

A non-single track. Not a ballad. A totally random choice that was really gutsy, fun and goofy to watch:

The judges put Michigan-native Nate Peck through and he will next compete at the Hollywood round. Peck is actually the frontman of a band called Wanted that does lots of hair metal songs and I bet their shows are a blast. 

Oh yeah, Nate Peck also sang on stage with Jack Russell's Great White at a recent show at BMI Speedway in Versailles, Ohio. That's about an hour from where I live.

Here's "Let Me" by WANTED:

The 'American Idol' - Honeymoon Suite Connection

Honeymoon Suite guitarist Derry Grahan has a very talented daughter. Her name is Leah Marlene and she made it through to the Top 24 on American Idol last night.

It is pretty clear that Derry taught his daughter how to play guitar at an early age. She is very good! Of course Honeymoon Suite was mentioned in the package about Leah. Honeymoon Suite is more AOR than Glam but we've talked about them here occasionally. I was mildly amused and wondered how many people had to Google the band after hearing the name mentioned on American Idol. It would be wild to hear Leah sing a Honeymoon Suite song during the competition.

Honeymoon Suite - "New Girl Now"

Hear The Full Version Of Skid Row's New Song

Overnight, Skid Row released the full version of their new "The Gang's All Here" and you can listen to it below. The song features new singer Erik Gronwall. Skid Row plays Las Vegas tomorrow night with The Scorpions... I am looking forward to seeing clips of the new lineup live together.

Here's some video of Erik Gronwall singing live back in 2009 on Swedish Idol.

Erik auditioned for Swedish Idol with Skid Row's "18 and Life." It should be recalled that (also in 2009) Adam Lambert auditioned for American Idol with Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." Now he fronts Queen. Erik fronts Skid Row. Life is amazing sometimes.

Nikki Sixx To Guest On 'American Idol' Sunday Night

Despite past comments mocking American Idol, Nikki Sixx will be a guest on the show tomorrow night. The judges go to the Sunset Strip to find talent, thus Nikki's appearance. He will perform the bass solo of "Home Sweet Home," one of Motley Crue's most famous tracks.

Here's a preview of the appearance. It sort of sounds like Nikki is playing... at least a little. It is hard to tell with the backing track of the actual song.

Legendary Mötley Crüe rocker @NikkiSixx will welcome the #AmericanIdol judges "Home Sweet Home" for our L.A. auditions this SUNDAY at 8/7c! 🙌🎸🖤

Get the sneak peak of his appearance here: https://t.co/s89Kh4b99M @billboard

Idol is all new Sunday & Monday on ABC!

— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) March 18, 2022

Time to give a little🤘Rock & Roll 🤘 love to @AmericanIdol from the Sunset Strip! I’m kicking off Sunday night’s show. WATCH! 💙 pic.twitter.com/lhfkLxMDox

— 📷 (@NikkiSixx) March 18, 2022