There’s a new twist to “American Idol” this season.
In a surprise twist announced Monday (April 12) morning by Ryan Seacrest on Live with Kelly & Ryan, 10 of last season’s top 20 contestants will finally have their opportunity to sing on the big Idol stage at Television City, with one of them advancing into season 19’s top 10.
The “comeback contestants” will sing for America’s vote on the show’s Monday episode, and voting will continue through April 26.
At the end, one will be left standing to go head-to-head with this year’s hopefuls.
All the contestants had to perform from their homes due to the coronavirus pandemic last year. The finale also took place virtually, which meant that when Just Sam won, instead of standing on the stage in a shower of confetti in front of a cheering crowd, she was alone in her apartment.
Among the returning contestants is Arthur Gunn, who was last year’s runner-up; he lost to Just Sam.
Louis Knight and Makayla Phillips, who made the top 11, are also returning to battle it out.
The remainder of the comeback contestants had previously made it as far as the top 20.
On Monday, “American Idol” judge Luke Bryan announced that he tested positive for COVID-19 and is sitting out the show.
“I’m sad to say I won’t be a part of tonight’s first live @AmericanIdol show,” the country music superstar shared on Twitter. “I tested positive for COVID but I’m doing well and look forward to being back at it soon.”
In his absence, the network confirmed the news that former “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul will serve as a guest judge alongside judges Lionel Richie and Katy Perry.
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