Ben Platt will no longer be mentoring the American Idol Top 10 at Disneyland this week. Instead, Dancing with the Stars former pro and current judge, Derek Hough, will help the singers with their Disney song selections at the Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California.
American Idol 2022: Top 10 Disney Night Song Suggestions
No reasons were given for Ben stepping out of the role. However, according to E News the Dear Evan Hansen star is set to perform on the the American Idol season 20 finale on May 22.
Derek has participated in several Disney themed specials for ABC including 2020’s The Disney Family Singalong and The Disney Holiday Singalong and 2021’s Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade with his sister, Julianne Hough.
“Hey everyone it’s Derek Hough here at Disneyland make sure you tune in Sunday night on American Idol where I will be a guest mentor for Disney night,” Derek announces in a clip posted on American Idol’s social media. “It’s going to be a truly magical evening, so make sure you tune in.”
The multitalented @derekhough is our #DisneyNight mentor from @Disneyland!! ? Watch #AmericanIdol Sunday at 8e/5p on ABC!
Read more from @enews: https://t.co/McREORe1Ea pic.twitter.com/TXTWc3pHbT
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) April 28, 2022
Aside from the Top 10 contestants taking on songs from Disney, this week’s episode also features a day and night of fun at the Disneyland Resort and the return of nighttime spectaculars, including the 50th anniversary of the Main Street Electrical Parade.
The Top 10 contestants, Noah Thompson, Nicolina Bozzo, Christian Guardino, Eymrson Flora, Jay Copeland, Fritz Hager, Leah Marlene, Mike Parker, Lady K and HunterGirl will sing in front of judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan for a chance to move on to the Top 7.
And according to social media posts, as in the past, the contestants’ families will be joining them at the park, as they have little fun before their big night of performances.
American Idol airs on ABC Sunday at 8 pm ET/5 PM PT coast to coast.
