Arthur Gunn, Other Favorites Returning to ‘American Idol’ for Major Twist
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There is a huge twist coming to American Idol that will shake up Season 19 in the craziest way possible. This is not a drill! There will be ten Season 18 contestants returning to the competition for a second chance at winning American Idol.
‘American Idol’ Fan Favorites Returning for a Second Chance
Each of the ten returning Season 18 contestants will perform a song during the April 19 episode. Just one of the returning contestants will earn a slot in this season’s Top 10.
Let’s break this down even further, nine of the current Season 19 contestants will make it to the Top 10 after viewers vote. The remaining spot will go to one returning Season 18 contestant.
Due to the upcoming Academy Awards, American Idol will not air on Sunday, April 25, so voting for which Season 18 contestant will return to the competition is going to close at 6 a.m. ET on Monday, April 26.
The performer with the most amount of votes from the ten returning contestants is going to be revealed during the Sunday, May 2 episode.
The decision to bring contestants back is largely based on the fact that last season was almost entirely virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic, so Season 18’s contestants did not have the same chance to perform on the stage.
SEE ALSO: HOW TO VOTE ON ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ THIS SEASON
“We pivoted pretty quickly to remote production last year because we had to,” executive producer and showrunner Trish Kahane told Billboard. “When it became apparent that things were going to be a bit better this year and that we were going to be able to return to the Television City studio with the big lights, we thought about last year’s contestants.”
“They did so well with the remote production, with their mums and dads helping them and their brothers and sisters holding iPhones and ring lights, but they never had the proper Idol experience,” he continued. “Some people really come alive on that big stage. We thought they deserved to have that experience.”
Which Contestants Will Return?
The Season 18 contestants that will compete for a chance to join Season 19 of American Idol also have some very interesting song choices prepared:
- Faith Becnel: “Cry Baby” (Janis Joplin)
- Franklin Boone: “Meant to Live” (Switchfoot)
- DeWayne Crocker Jr.: “Voice of God” (Dante Bowe feat. Steffany Gretzinger & Chandler Moore)
- Cyniah Elise: “Edge of Midnight (Midnight Sky Remix)” (Miley Cyrus feat. Stevie Nicks)
- Arthur Gunn: “Iris” (Goo Goo Dolls)
- Aliana Jester: “I’ll Never Love Again” (Lady Gaga)
- Louis Knight: “Maybe That” (Louis Knight)
- Nick Merico: “City Lights” (Nick Merico)
- Makayla Phillips: “Anyone” (Demi Lovato)
- Olivia Ximines: “Say Yes” (Michelle Williams feat. Beyoncé & Kelly Rowland)
Fans will be excited to see that Season 18 runner-up Arthur Gunn will be back and ready for a chance to win. Judging by how much love Gunn got last season, he will absolutely be the frontrunner coming back into the competition. Some even considered him to be the real winner of Season 18.
He posted a photo in front of the American Idol sign last week that had many thinking he would be returning to the show. They were right.
The Nepali singer stole the hearts of fans all over the world last season and left thousands disappointed and surprised when he did not come in first.
Newly eliminated contestant, Hannah Everhart, was also hanging out with Season 18 contestant, Faith Becnel, last week. These were little hints pointing to this seasons twist. It definitely seems like the Season 19 contestants were made aware of this twist ahead of time.
SEE ALSO: LUKE BRYAN TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 — WHO’S FILLING IN ON ‘IDOL’?
Which comeback contestant are you going to be rooting for?
