Last year, the world of entertainment was turned upside down with the breakout of the Covid-19 pandemic that locked down businesses all over the world including music, concerts, and television production.  Just as “American Idol” was preparing for the live shows, all in person productions were brought to a halt. 

Idol finished out the season by providing all of the finalists with lighting and cameras to stream their performances live with the judges commenting on the performances from their homes.

Since they missed out on any of the live shows last season, Idol has brought back some of those finalists to perform on the Idol stage.  Fans cast their votes for the singer they like the best with the winner moving on to fill out the top 10 for season four on ABC of “American Idol”.

Kicking of the Comeback Show performances is Cyniah Elise who sang “Edge of Midnight”.  Noting the plot twist, Katy loved the runs at the end; adding that Cyniah did a good job.  Luke said that it was fun to see Cyniah’s stage presence.  Lionel was happy to see Cyniah on the stage.

Next up was Nick Merico singing his original song “City Lights”.  Luke said that it showed who Nick wanted to be as an artist; adding that for him Nick didn’t knock it out of the park.  Lionel loved the dancing and how Nick commanded the stage.  Katy noted that Nick has taken the time to find his own personality on stage.

Aliana Jester sang the Lady Gaga song “I’ll Never Love Again”.  Lionel said that Aliana handled it with grace and poise.  Katy said that she didn’t recognize Aliana; adding it was like watching a Divas show.  Luke called the performance elegant and beautiful.

School of Rock teacher Franklin Boone rocked the house with “Meant to Live” by Switchfoot.  Katy noted that Franklin threw them a curve ball.  Luke noted that the big stage and lights are bringing out different things.  Lionel commended Franklin on taking a chance. 

Faith Becnel takes on Janis Joplin with “Cry Baby” – a song she sang last season but messed up and forgot some of the lyrics.  Luke noted that he was a fan of her; adding that it was a great song choice.  Lionel noted to all of the singers that coming back, they were all winners.  Katy noted that one of the biggest remarks from last season was a lack of balance; adding that what she saw tonight was balance.

Taking a break from the competition, Idol alum and Jazz legend Harry Connick Jr returns with a medley of songs from his album “Alone with My Faith” – an album he wrote and recorded during the lock down; performing every instrument including percussion, keyboards, tuba, and trumpet.

Last season runner up and Nepal native Arthur Gunn returns to perform the Goo Goo Dolls song “Iris”.  Lionel said that Arthur stuck the right chords with him; adding that his voice is immediately recognizable.  Katy loves that Arthur goes his own way; adding that he is authentic.  Luke said that in a room where everybody is overstated, Arthur can walk out and be recognized.  The song choice was a last minute decision for Arthur.

DeWayne Crocker Jr returned with a performance of “Voice of God”.  DeWayne said that faith is a big part of his life.  Katy said that DeWayne looked like an artist; adding that he connected with the audience.  Luke said that it was great seeing DeWayne again; adding it was a solid vocal and a great song choice.  Lionel said that DeWayne has clearly stepped into the light; adding that DeWayne had their attention from the beginning.

Last season’s judge’s save Makayla Phillips sang “Anyone” by Demi Lovato.   Luke called it a wonderful performance.  Lionel said that Makayla has a signature high end to her voice; adding they felt the performance.  Katy noted how Makayla kept building in the song.

Idol alum and award winning Christian singer Lauren Daigle returns to perform “Look Up Child”.

Olivia Ximines promises a dance break during her performance of “Say Yes”.  Lionel said that Olivia danced into their lives last year; adding that she has the ability to make everyone smile.  He called her performance amazing.  Katy called the performance the complete package; adding that she was meant for the stage.  Luke said that Olivia makes everyone feel comfortable in her world; adding that she has show business dialed in.

Closing out the night of comeback music is Louis Knight who as a songwriter, chose one of his own songs – “Maybe That” – for his comeback performance.  Katy said that Louis came out and bared his soul; adding that she felt the song.  Luke noted that Louis showed tremendous growth; adding it felt like a real show.  Lionel commended Louis on becoming a great songwriter.  Louis called the performance a dream come true.  Louis began writing the song during the auditions last year.

Idol fans have the rest of the week to cast their votes as to which one of the 10 comeback singers will join the season four top 10.

Idol returns on May 2 to reveal the top 10 who will sing songs from the Disney songbook.