During tonight’s (March 16) episode of “American Idol,” Emmy-winning entertainer Keke Palmer returned to the stage not only to advise the Top 20 contestants, but to experience a full-circle moment of her own.
Following performances from contestants Daniel Stallworth, Kutter Bradley, Jesse Findling and others, host Ryan Seacrest revealed that when Palmer was just nine years old, she auditioned for “American Juniors” — and he provided evidence.
Keke Palmer Was Ahead Of Her Time
GettyAnxiously, she sat on the edge of her seat as Seacrest told the audience he “happened to find the receipts” and rolled a clip of a pint-sized Palmer confidently chatting with producers and performing for the camera. For anyone who loves the cult classic competition show, this moment felt iconic.
Even as a kid, the future actress and host clearly had big plans for what fame could bring. “I’m going to get a house. I’m going to give some money to my parents for what they did for me for my life. And them I’m going to help them with their taxes,” Palmer said in the clip, revealing what she’d do with the show’s prize money if she won.
Her message to her future fans was equally heartfelt. “I love you everybody. I’ll never forget you. Not one bit. No matter what. And I won’t change. ‘Cause you rock.”
Keke Auditioned To A Groovy Tune on “American Juniors”
The clip from the 2003 short-lived spinoff wrapped with a young Palmer dancing to “Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind & Fire, complete with surprisingly smooth moves for a fourth grader.
While watching the clip with the world, the 32-year-old could hardly believe what she was seeing. “You guys! Where did you get that?” she beamed. Seacrest, clearly enjoying the moment, told her what everyone watching was thinking. “You were destined to be a star. That was absolutely magical.”
Never one to miss a comedic beat, Palmer fired back with the obvious question: “Why didn’t you pick me back then?” Seacrest quickly cleared his name. “I wasn’t in charge and I’m still not.”
Letting bygones be bygones, Palmer jumped out her seat to show the crowd that she still has those moves.
How “American Idol’s” Voting Works Now
GettyThe way viewers participate in the weekly show has changed quite a bit since its inception, reflecting the show’s evolution.
According to Seacrest, fans now hold the real power when it comes to deciding who advances. Instead of relying solely on traditional voting platforms, viewers can support their favorite singers through several digital routes on the show’s platforms.
Fans can still vote via text message and the show’s website, but the old “American Idol” app is officially retired. Instead, social media has entered the chat. To cast a vote, viewers can head to the show’s pages on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok, find the pinned post and comment the first name of the contestant they want to support.
Each method allows fans to submit up to 10 votes per artist, meaning die-hard viewers can rack up as many as 50 total votes for their favorites on this season.
Tonight’s voting remains open until 6:00 A.M. ET on Tuesday, March 17 for “American Idol” viewers everywhere.
