As a blurb on OnCameraAudiences, the company that seats studio audiences for American Idol hinted, the show is planning a huge 20th birthday celebration with some fan favorite alums.
Deadline reports that Ruben Studdard, Jordin Sparks, Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, David Cook, Kris Allen, Laine Hardy, Laci Kaye Booth, Maddie Poppe, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Willie Spence and Grace Kinstler will join on stage for a performance.
‘The Great Idol Reunion’ will pair up alums for duets
Ruben (S2 winner) will sing with Jordin (s6 winner), Lauren (s10 runner-up) will sing with her fellow season 10 final 2 alum Scotty (S10 winner), David Cook (S7 winner) and Kris Allen (S8 winner) are teaming up for a song. They two toured together in Europe last summer.. Laine (S17 winner) and Laci (S17 finalist) will sing together. Maddie (s16 winner) will sing with her fellow final 2 finisher and boyfriend, Caleb Lee (S16 runner-up). Willie Spence (s19 runner-up) will join forces with fellow big voiced vocalist Grace (s19 2nd runner-up).
The big party, dubbed “The Great Idol Reunion” is set for Monday May 2. So it looks like fans are getting more Monday episodes than last year. Also, it’s not clear what else will be happening on that episode. For instance, will the performances happen amid competition performances?
What happens next
Here is what we DO know will happen next:
Tonight (April 4) is the Showstopper round 69 contestants vied for a spot in the Top 24. The results will be revealed during the judges (Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan) final judgement. Reportedly, two sets of singers face off against each other to advance. TV Insider says Ava Maybee and Yoli Mayor are one of the sets.
On Sunday April 10 and Monday April 11, The Top 24 will sing for a spot in the Top 20 at the Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii. On Sunday April 17 it’s a 3 hour Top 20 extravaganza. On Monday April 18 the Top 14 will be revealed LIVE, followed by LIVE Top 14 performances on Sunday April 24. Monday April 25 remains a mystery at this time.
Showrunner and exec producer Megan Michaels Wolflick, told Deadline, “It’s a testament to this show’s incredible legacy that we are able to celebrate 20 years of American Idol in this extraordinary way. We are so thrilled to welcome back some of our most beloved alumni from over the years to reunite on the Idol stage. American Idol continues to create superstars just as it has done since 2002 and bringing back these Idol Icons is the perfect way to herald the next generation.”
