American Idol Alumni Returning To Perform During Top 20 Reveal Episode
As American Idol continues to honor its landmark 20th season, the show has announced that three fan-favorite alumni will perform during the Top 20 reveal episode, which airs Sunday, April 17. Since the season began, fans have delighted in seeing beloved finalists from the past return as mentors for the current contestants. During the Hollywood Week Genre Challenge, a group of alumni advised the singers about their performances in each category of music. The group consisted of American Idol season 2 winner Ruben Studdard (R&B), season 6 winner Jordin Sparks (pop), season 7 winner David Cook (rock), season 9 winner Lee DeWyze (indie/folk), season 10 runner-up Lauren Alaina (country), season 10 finalist Haley Reinhart (soul) and season 19 winner Chayce Beckham, who gave general advice to the contestants.
The American Idol Top 24 performances also included guest mentors. Season 10 contestant and country star Jimmie Allen guided the first group of singers, while season 16 guest duet singer and pop star Bebe Rexha mentored the second group. Bebe has also revealed that she auditioned for American Idol in 2008 and waited in line for 10 hours with her mother but did not make it through. These two stars did a superb job of coaching the contestants to help them achieve the best performances that they could. In addition to inviting back alumni to mentor the current batch of hopefuls, American Idol will present "The Great Idol Reunion" on May 2 as part of its platinum anniversary, pairing up stars from the past 20 seasons for a series of duets. Fans are looking forward to seeing the duets between season 2 winner Ruben Studdard and season 6 winner Jordin Sparks, season 10 winner Scotty McCreery and runner-up Lauren Alaina, season 7 winner David Cook and season 8 winner Kris Allen, season 17 winner Laine Hardy and fellow top five finalist Laci Kaye Booth, season 16 winner Maddie Poppe and runner-up Caleb Lee Hutchinson, and season 19 runner-up Willie Spence and third-place finalist Grace Kinstler.
Now in the show's latest promo, it has been revealed that three alumni will return for the American Idol Top 20 episode for special performances, including Phillip Phillips, Alejandro Aranda and Chayce. In the episode preview, shared by People, host Ryan Seacrest says, "Sunday, Idol's best return for three unforgettable performances." Phillip won American Idol season 11 in 2012, and his coronation song, "Home," was the best-selling song in the history of the show. He has since released three studio albums. He returned to the show in 2020, performing "Home" in the season 18 Top 10 episode during which the show broadcast from the homes of the contestants due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Phillip was also a member of the American Idol alumni ensemble who performed "We Are The World" with Lionel Richie during the 2020 season finale.
Alejandro, who is also known by his stage name Scarypoolparty, was the runner-up of American Idol season 17 in 2019. He has since released three studio albums. He returned for American Idol season 18 to give the contestants some advice during the very challenging Hollywood Week. Chayce, who won season 19 in 2021, is releasing his debut EP, Doin' It Right, this month. He most recently returned to the show this season as one of the Hollywood Week mentors. Now he will have the opportunity to perform on the American Idol stage once again.
American Idol season 20 has honored the past of the show by inviting back favorite contestants to mentor and perform. Phillip, Alejandro and Chayce are sure to recreate the magic that they brought to the Idol stage with their dazzling performances. This season has been both nostalgic and exciting as fans can look back on the show's history while also voting for the future American Idol.
American Idol airs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.
Source: People