The next episode of “American Idol,” airing live on May 2, 2026, promises to be quite a blast from the past.
Not only will finalists from the class of 2006 reunite and perform with the season 24 Top 5, but original judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson will be back, too. Perennial host Ryan Seacrest, who’s been with the show since day one, can hardly wait for the mini-reunion.
Ryan Seacrest Thinks Paula Abdul & Randy Jackson ‘Deserve’ a Proper Homecoming
Seacrest launched “American Idol” with original judges Abdul, Jackson, and notoriously blunt Simon Cowell in 2002, and had a one-season sidekick in Brian Dunkleman. They had no idea the show would explode in popularity and pump out future stars like Kelly Clarkson, andCarrie Underwood, who’s now in her second season as a judge, sitting between Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.
After the latest live episode on April 20, Seacrest told ABC’s On the Red Carpet that he’s pumped for the reunion with Jackson and Abdul, as they both will mentor the Top 5 contestants. Abdul will also serve as a guest judge.
“I have so many great memories, fond memories, of when this show was unknown at first, when we all worked together,” Seacrest said. “And then seeing the mega-hit it became while we were all doing it together. So I think that having them back will be special.”
“They deserve the homecoming,” Seacrest added. “And they’ll work with the contestants to get ’em ready for next week’s performances.”
Current Judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan & Lionel Richie Weigh In on Past Judges Returning to ‘American Idol’
GettyThe three original judges — Abdul, Jackson, and Cowell — have periodically appeared on the show since they all departed after nearly a decade on the show. Abdul returned to the judges’ panel for one episode in 2021, filling in for Bryan when he tested positive for COVID.
But it’s been a very long time since they shared the “American Idol” stage with Underwood, who won in 2005.
She told On the Red Carpet, “I’m really looking forward to Paula and Randy being back. Obviously, they were judges back when I was on the show all those years ago. They have a lot of insight to share, I think.”
Bryan also weighed in, “When you look at the overall life of the show, the fact that they’re gonna be here is fun. It’s just pretty amazing stuff.”
Richie also chimed in, sweetly saying of Abdul and Jackson, “To us that’s like the First Family. For years, before I even got near being in the judge’s chair, you know, I would always listen to Randy tell stories about ‘American Idol.’ These are the originators. It’s always great to have them here.”
“American Idol” will narrow down the Top 5 of 2026 to the Top 3 on May 2, starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time on ABC or via Disney+.
