Guess who was the first name called out of the danger zone and into the Top 9 on American Idol? Brooks!
But before he got into the top 9, he had to prove to the audience that he had the spark inside of him for it! And that is why, for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night, he chose a song called These Days.
He picked it because he wanted to show the world a softer side of his heart. That song was a big risk, but his performance paid off!
Brooks usually sings loud country songs, but this was different and very gentle. He sat there and let his voice tell a story about growing up and changing. The judges looked very focused because they did not expect him to be so calm and hit every note with so much care!
Brooks Gets Reflective Singing Jackson Browne’s “These Days” – American Idol 2026
Fans at home were very happy to see him try something new. One viewer said that they preferred this version to the original. Even the mentors, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, thought he did a great job. One fan said he proved he can sing anything. He really showed he belongs in the Top 9.
His singing was a total change from his usual style, but it showed he is growing as a singer. After the applause ended, people began wondering where this famous song came from. It has a long history that predates this show.
Jackson Browne wrote it when he was only sixteen. It is a song that many famous people have tried to sing.
Jackson Browne – These Days
The original song came out in the 1960s, and it was a hit on the charts for a long time. Jackson Browne sang it with a lot of sadness and a slow guitar. It is a very hard song for a young contestant to sing because it is so deep. Brooks did a good job of keeping the classic feeling while making it sound like his own. The song is a rock legend.
Brooks is showing everyone that he is a true artist with a lot of range. He can be a loud rock star or a quiet storyteller whenever he wants. His journey on the show is getting more exciting every single week. You should followBrooks and American Idol on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. See what happens next!