In this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, hosts Mike Gendler and Ray Yslas (Chicago) sit down with powerhouse vocalist Rudy Cardenas — known for his stunning work with FJ Tribute (Journey & Foreigner) and The Classic Rock Show, one of Europe’s largest touring rock productions. Rudy shares his journey from growing up with Latin, pop, and rock influences to becoming a season 6 American Idol finalist, auditioning in front of Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul. He opens up about the real American Idol process, the pressure of massive auditions, and why he walked away from the Idol machine to carve his own path. We dive deep into: Singing Journey vs Foreigner — and why Rudy says Foreigner is actually harder Vocal technique, range, and respecting iconic singers like Steve Perry and Lou Gramm How Randy Jackson helped him realize his natural Journey tone The rise of high-production tribute shows playing theaters, arenas, and international tours Touring the UK and Europe with The Classic Rock Show Legal challenges, band naming rights, and why Foreigner’s Journey became FJ Tribute Social media, YouTube, and why tribute bands now reach millions of fans worldwide Advice for young singers entering the tribute and legacy-act scene Rudy’s upcoming Miles Schon’s Journey Experience legacy project From American Idol to sold-out European tours, Rudy explains why tribute bands aren’t competing with original artists — they’re keeping the music alive for fans who still crave the experience. 👉 Subscribe, like, and comment with the artist YOU think deserves the next great tribute show. 🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🍎 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📘 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🐦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Watch Tribute Band Sessions on YouTube #RudyCardenas#JourneyTribute#ForeignerTribute#TributeBandSessions#ClassicRockTribute Clickable Chapters 00:00 Journey vs Foreigner – which is harder to sing? 00:58 Welcome to Tribute Band Sessions with Mike & Ray 01:31 Meet Rudy Cardenas – vocalist for FJ Tribute & Classic Rock Show 03:01 Early music influences & growing up in a musical family 04:24 Latin roots, Luis Miguel, Marc Anthony & pop crossover 05:40 Auditioning for American Idol (Season 6) 07:09 Flying to Memphis & surviving massive Idol auditions 09:07 Singing in Spanish to stand out 10:27 The real American Idol process behind the scenes 12:22 Randy Jackson, Journey & discovering Rudy’s vocal lane 13:09 Post-Idol burnout & walking away from the machine 14:25 Joining a Journey tribute & finding the Steve Perry sound 15:22 Why Foreigner songs are actually harder than Journey 16:23 Touring Europe with The Classic Rock Show 17:03 Tribute bands becoming full-scale productions 18:24 Brit Floyd, Leonid & Friends & next-level tribute shows 20:01 Respecting the song vs impersonating the artist 22:55 Legal issues, band names & becoming FJ Tribute 25:03 Challenges & rewards of tribute band life 27:58 Tribute bands going big — theaters, tours & real money 29:23 YouTube, viral views & fans wanting something to take home 32:17 What is a tribute band anymore? 33:00 Advice for young singers entering tribute & legacy acts 35:45 Where the tribute industry is headed next 37:04 Big venues, production & multimedia shows 39:21 Upcoming projects – Miles Schon’s Journey Experience 40:41 Where to find Rudy & his bands online Find Rudy Cardenas – Classic Rock Show Tribute & FJ Tributes https://theclassicrockshow.com/ https://fjtribute.com/rudy-cardenas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices