Derek Hough to Replace Ben Platt as ‘American Idol’ Disney Night Mentor
Leon Bennett/Getty Images Reading Time: 2 minutes
Dancing with the Stars judge Derek Hough is the new mentor for American Idol Disney Night this Sunday. Dear Evan Hansen star Ben Platt was initially announced as the mentor, but he’s no longer able to appear. Hough will work with contestants from Disneyland.
Derek Hough Announced as ‘American Idol’ Mentor
E! News reports that, although Platt is unable to appear in Sunday night’s new episode of American Idol, he will perform during the Season 20 finale on May 22. In the meantime, Hough will mentor contestants during Disney Night.
American Idol shared a video of Hough standing in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland. He encourages fans to tune in to Sunday night’s show, promising a “truly magical evening.” The Top 10 will perform Disney songs during the new live episode.
You might be wondering why Hough, who is known as a dancer, would be mentoring singers. However, he does have some singing experience, as he’s appeared in musical productions including Footloose and Hairspray. He also performed in a band with fellow DWTS pro Mark Ballas, and he released a solo single called “Hold On” in 2017.
SEE ALSO: ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ FAN FAVORITE ALLEGRA MILES SPEAKS OUT AFTER ELIMINATION
The multitalented @derekhough is our #DisneyNight mentor from @Disneyland!! ✨ Watch #AmericanIdol Sunday at 8e/5p on ABC!
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) April 28, 2022
Read more from @enews: https://t.co/McREORe1Ea pic.twitter.com/TXTWc3pHbT
Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson to Return Next Week
After Sunday night’s Disney-themed Top 10 episode, Monday night’s episode of American Idol will be a reunion show to mark the competition’s 20th anniversary. Former judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson will appear.
The reunion episode, airing May 2, will also feature appearances from past contestants Ruben Studdard, Scotty McCreery, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Lauren Alaina, Kris Allen, Maddie Poppe, Laine Hardy, Willie Spence, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Grace Kinstler, and Laci Kaye Booth.
The Top 10 contestants this season are Christian Guardino, Emyrson Flora, Fritz Hager, HunterGirl, Jay, Lady K, Leah Marlene, Mike Parker, Nicolina, and Noah Thompson. They’ll all take the stage for America’s vote on Sunday, May 1.
Great