‘America’s Got Talent’ Finale Duets You Probably Forgot About
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For years now, America’s Got Talent has invited celebrity guests to perform with contestants during each season’s finale episode. You probably remember recent examples like Kodi Lee singing with Leona Lewis or Jimmie Herrod and the Northwell Nurse Choir with Idina Menzel.
But do you remember the duets from earlier seasons? Some big names took the stage with the show’s contestants, including several who appeared on other talent shows. Let’s look back at some of the best examples you might have forgotten about.
‘America’s Got Talent’ Finale Duets You Forgot About
1. Julienne Irwin and Taylor Swift
The show introduced guest duets in Season 2, and one of them featured finalist Julienne Irwin singing “Teardrops on My Guitar” with none other than Taylor Swift. The singer was just 17 at the time, and she had released her self-titled debut album the year before. Irwin, who was 14, ended up finishing the season in fourth place.
2. Michael Grimm and Jewel
In Season 5, winner Michael Grimm performed with Jewel, who would go on to become the winner of The Masked Singer Season 6 as Queen of Hearts. The singers teamed up for a performance of “Me and Bobby McGee” by Janis Joplin, with Grimm playing guitar. Before the duet, Grimm said he felt “absolutely honored” to sing with Jewel.
3. Fighting Gravity and Lionel Richie
Also in Season 5, future American Idol judge Lionel Richie took the stage with blacklight dance group Fighting Gravity for a performance of his song “Dancing on the Ceiling.” While he sang, the group literally danced on the ceiling. Fighting Gravity ended up finishing the season in fourth place. They made Richie an honorary member of the group.
4. Silhouettes and LeAnn Rimes
In Season 6, shadow dance group Silhouettes performed with future The Masked Singer Season 4 winner LeAnn Rimes. The singer performed her song “Give” while Silhouettes created inspiring scenes behind her. At the end of the performance, they formed the word “GIVE” with their bodies. In a rehearsal clip, the group brought Rimes to tears.
5. Quintavious Johnson and Jennifer Hudson
In Season 9, 12-year-old finalist Quintavious Johnson took the stage with former American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson. After performing her song “It’s Your World,” Hudson welcomed Johnson for a powerhouse performance of “I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” Johnson ended up finishing the competition in fifth place.
6. Professional Regurgitator and Penn & Teller
In Season 10, finalist Stevie Starr (aka the Professional Regurgitator) took the stage with famous magician duo Penn & Teller. With their help, Starr swallowed a fish and a film cannister, and then he regurgitated the fish inside the cannister. The Professional Regurgitator ended up finishing the competition in fourth place.
7. Kechi and Angelica Hale with Kelly Clarkson
In Season 12, finalists Kechi and Angelica Hale took the stage together to perform “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson. During the duet, they excitedly welcomed Clarkson herself to the stage to perform with them. Clarkson then launched into a solo performance of “Love So Soft.” Angelica ended up placing second, while Kechi was in the Bottom 5 of the Top 10.
8. Diavolo and Light Balance with Derek Hough
Also in Season 12, acrobatic group Diavolo took the stage during the finale, followed by a performance from light-up dance group Light Balance. At the end of the performance, it was revealed that Dancing with the Stars pro Derek Hough was dancing with Light Balance. He shared that it was “very hot” in the costume. Light Balance ended up finishing in third place, while Diavolo was in the Bottom 5 of the Top 10.
