“American Idol” is bringing back some familiar faces for its “Class of 2006 Reunion” episode, celebrating 20 years since Season 5 originally aired.
The milestone episode will feature former judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks alongside four other former contestants and a crossover celebration with cast members from “Dancing with the Stars.”
Tonight will also decide whether Pensacola, Florida will go through with its tentative plans of a hometown hero parade and concert featuring contestant Keyla Richardson.
Here’s what we know.
Which ‘American Idol’ Season 5 stars, judges return tonight?
During last week’s episode of the “American Idol” Official Podcast, host Danielle Fishel revealed that five former contestants from the 2006 season will return to the show Monday night for its “Class of 2006 Reunion” episode.
They include:
Hicks was the winner of Season 5, having defeated runner-up Katharine McPhee. Yamin came in third, while Bennett finished in fifth just ahead of Pickler. Covington finished in eighth place. All five of the former contestants went on to pursue singing careers after the show.
Pickler’s appearance on “American Idol” will mark a rare public outing for the singer since the death of her husband, Kyle Jacobs, in 2023.
In addition to the Season 5 contestants, both Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, former longtime judges on the show, are set to be part of the reunion episode, Fishel said.
Who’s left on ‘American Idol?’ Did Keyla Richardson make Top 5?
Keyla Richardson made the show’s Top 5 last week during Taylor Swift/California Night, Monday, April 27, tackling Swift’s song “Lover” for the first round of the evening, and “I’d Rather Go Blind” by California-native Etta James in the second half.
Here’s who else is left among the top five remaining contestants performing for a spot in the finale, which will air on May 11.
The top five are:
How to watch ‘American idol’ tonight
“American Idol” airs at 7 p.m. CT/8 p.m. ET on Monday, May 4.
ABC airs “American Idol” at 7 p.m. CDT every Monday. If you don’t have cable, paid streaming platforms also show episodes in real time, such as YouTube TV, DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, Hulu + Live TV and more.
Watch “American Idol” on Disney+
If you miss it, the episode is available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu the next day.
How to vote for Keyla Richardson on American Idol
There are three ways to vote on American Idol: on the American Idol website, via text message, and the newly introduced social media voting method, using Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
For voting on the American Idol website, visit AmericanIdol.com/Vote once the voting window opens.
For text message voting, text the number of the finalist you would like to vote for to “21523.” Richardson’s voting number will be 20.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: ‘American Idol’ decides Top 3 as Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul return
Reporting by Ashley Ferrer and Melina Khan, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
