American Idol Hollywood Week begins Sunday (April 2) with a new twist. Instead of Part 1 featuring Genre Challenge, the contestants will be split into categories including “Confidence,” “Stage Presence” and “Songwriting.” Two former contestants are assigned to each category as mentors. Reigning winner, Noah Thompson, will also drop by to share with the singers what he’s learned in the past year.
The contestants will be mentored in the category where they need the most extra help. According to press photos, here is where some of the singers eventually landed.
Hollywood Part 2 will feature the Duet Challenge. All four Platinum Ticket winners (Tyson Venegas, Kaylin Hedges, Cam Amen chosen by the judges and Elijah McCormick voted on during the AMAs ) will join the competition after sitting out part 1. Platinum tickets will also be able to choose their own duet partners.
UPDATE: The Duet Challenge has a new twist. EVERY contestant can choose their own duet partner! Chaos!
American Idol 2023: Full Season 21 Schedule (Updated 3/31)
American Idol airs on ABC Sunday April 2 and Monday April 3 at 8 pm ET PT
Confidence: Mentored by Clay Aiken (Season 2 runner-up) and David Archuleta (Season 7 runner-up)
Stage Presence: Mentored by Justin Guarini (Season 1 runner-up) and Jordin Sparks (Season 6 winner)
And check this out! Jodin will be mentoring McKayla Stacey, daughter of Phil Stacy. Jordin and Phil both competed on Season 6. Jordin reveals that she used to babysit McKayla back then. It’s also worth noting that McKayla is about the same age as Jordin when she won the show! McKayla is 16, Jordin was 17.
WÉ Ani performs, the crowd goes wild! She breaks down into tears as the crowd sings and claps after she leaves the stage “That was worth everything,” she cries.
Songwriting: Mentored by Phillip Phillips (Season 11 winner) and Catie Turner (Season 16 finalist)
These contestants will probably be performing original songs in Hollywood!
