On “American Idol” Monday, April 19th, 10 “American Idol” contestants from last year’s top 20 performed live on the “Idol” stage for the first time ever.
They sang for America’s vote, each hoping to secure the final spot left in this season’s top 10.
So, when will the “comeback” winner be revealed? Fans might have to wait a little while to find out.
For now, the fate of these 10 singers rests in the hands of viewers at home. Voting opened Monday night and won’t close until Monday, April 26th, according to Billboard.
The winning contestant will join season 19’s top 10, which already includes Grace Kinstler, Casey Bishop, Willie Spence, Alyssa Wray, Caleb Kennedy, Deshawn Goncalves, Chayce Beckham, Cassandra Coleman, and Hunter Metts.
Why was the last slot reserved for a former contestant?
“American Idol” executive producer Trish Kinane explained to Billboard that last year’s top contestants didn’t get the full “Idol” experience because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Singers had to perform from their homes, and without a full band, unlike this season’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,” she said. Adding, “We thought they deserved to have that experience.”
So, when will America find out which former contestant is coming back for a chance to win “American Idol?”
Here’s When the Comeback Winner Will be Announced
Fans will have to wait a couple of weeks before finding out which contestant will fill the tenth slot in this season of the ABC singing competition series.
Voting concludes on Monday, April 26th at 6 a.m. EST, according to the official “Idol” Instagram page. However, fans won’t find out who’s making the top 10 until a week later.
At the end of Monday night’s episode on April 19th, “American Idol” longtime host Ryan Seacrest announced that the show won’t return until Sunday, May 2nd due to the 2021 Oscars airing on Sunday, April 25th (per EW). The “comeback” winner will be revealed then.
Here Are the Contestants Hoping to Take 10th Slot
There are 10 contestants from season 18 vying for the final spot in this season’s top 10.
If you missed Monday night’s episode, watch every contestant’s live performance below:
Cyniah Elise – “Edge of Midnight (Midnight Sky Remix)” by Miley Cyrus Featuring Stevie Nicks
Att-ti-tude! Cyniah Elise Goes Full DIVA With Comeback Performance! – American Idol 2021Cyniah Elise performs “Edge of Midnight (Midnight Sky Remix)” by Miley Cyrus ft. Stevie Nicks for her American Idol comeback performance, and she absolutely slays with confidence, attitude and talent! Did Cyniah have America on the edge of their seats enough to vote her into this season’s Top 10? See more of American Idol 2021…2021-04-20T00:08:33Z
Nick Merico – Original Song
Confidence! Nick Merico Performs Original Song For Comeback! – American Idol 2021Nick Merico has one shot at getting into this season of American Idol’s Top 10, and he chose to perform his original song “City Lights” for Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. If that doesn’t scream confidence, I don’t know what does! Will Nick’s original performance win over America’s hearts and secure him a…2021-04-20T00:18:27Z
Aliana Jester – Lady Gaga’s “I’ll Never Love Again”
Dazzling! Aliana Jester Sparkles With Lady Gaga Cover – American Idol 2021Performing Lady Gaga’s “I’ll Never Love Again” for her comeback performance, Aliana Jester absolutely sparkled on stage, sparkled in that dress, and sparkled with that stunning performance! Will Aliana’s stunning performance dazzle her way into America’s hearts and ultimately into this season’s Top 10 on American Idol? See more of American Idol 2021 on our…2021-04-20T00:29:19Z
Franklin Boone – “Meant To Live” by Switchfoot
Energy! Franklin Boone Leaves It All On Stage For Comeback Performance – American Idol 2021Performing Switchfoot’s “Meant To Live” for Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, Franklin Boone switches up his usual on-stage vibe for something a little more fun and energetic! Will Franklin taking a chance for his comeback performance serve him well and secure him a spot in this season’s Top 10 on American Idol? See…2021-04-20T00:35:47Z
Faith Becnel – Janis Joplin’s “Cry Baby”
Faith Becnel Soars With Janis Joplin Cover For Comeback! – American Idol 2021Faith Becnel starts her comeback performance of Janis Joplin’s “Cry Baby” off on a strong note…literally! Serving authenticity, confidence and charisma with every note she belts, will Faith sing her way into America’s hearts and earn a spot in American Idol season 4’s Top 10?! See more of American Idol 2021 on our official site:…2021-04-20T00:46:33Z
Arthur Gunn – Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris”
WOW! Arthur Gunn Puts Incredible Spin On Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris”! – American Idol 2021Arthur Gunn has gone his own way since we were first introduced to him on season 3 of American Idol back in 2020, so he wasn’t about to stop now! Putting his own, incredible spin on the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris,” Arthur gives us WOW after WOW with this performance. Will Arthur WOW America into…2021-04-20T01:05:25Z
DeWayne Crocker, Jr. – “Voice Of God,” by Dante Bowe ft. Steffany Gretzinger & Chandler Moore
Hallelujah! DeWayne Crocker, Jr. Takes Us To Church With “Voice Of God” – American Idol 2021Powerful, smooth, soulful and gorgeous! Dewayne Crocker, Jr. absolutely shines during his performance of “Voice Of God,” by Dante Bowe ft. Steffany Gretzinger & Chandler Moore. Will America feel a connection with DeWayne and this amazing performance and vote him into season 4’s Top 10?! See more of American Idol 2021 on our official site:…2021-04-20T01:17:13Z
Makayla Phillips – Demi Lovato’s “Anyone”
Emotional! Makayla Phillips Delivers Powerful “Anyone” Performance – American Idol 2021Makayla Phillips was not afraid to get vulnerable on the American Idol stage with this performance of Demi Lovato’s “Anyone,” displaying true emotion with each word she sang, and even getting teary-eyed toward the end of the song! Will America resonate with Makayla’s performance and vote her into season 4’s Top 10?! See more of…2021-04-20T01:24:13Z
Olivia Ximines – “Say Yes” by Michelle Williams Featuring Beyoncé & Kelly Rowland
YES, Queen! Olivia Ximines Serves ENERGY With “Say Yes” Cover – American Idol 2021The attitude, the vocals, the DANCE BREAK during her performance?! Olivia Ximinies serves Show Biz Queen vibes on the American Idol stage for her performance of “Say Yes” by Michelle Williams ft. Beyoncé & Kelly Rowland. Will America think Olivia is the whole package and vote her into season 4’s Top 10?! See more of…2021-04-20T01:44:41Z
Louis Knight – Original Song
Amazing! Louis Knight Sings Original Song For Comeback! – American Idol 2021Performing an original song for his comeback performance was a risk Louis Knight was willing to take on American Idol, and we definitely think it paid off! Singing his original song “Maybe That” for Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, Louis seemed to thoroughly entertain the judges AND the audience! Will Louis’ original song…2021-04-20T01:56:34Z
Here’s How to Vote for Your Favorite Comeback Contestant
Voting for the “comeback” contestant began Monday, April 19th, and will continue through April 26th.
Fans can vote online, via text message, or through the “American Idol“ app, up to 30 times – 10 votes per voting method.
To vote online, click here. Download the American Idol iOS app here.
