American Idol Top 5 Season 5 duet spoilers plus Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson come home
American Idol 2026 is barreling toward its finale. The upcoming episode on Monday, May 4 will cut the Top 5 down to the Top 3, setting the stage for the May 11 finale. This episode features a two-part theme that blends nostalgia with cross-show entertainment: Class of 2006: Reunion and Idol x DWTS.
The Class of 2006 reunion is a heartfelt highlight. This year marks two decades since Season 5 — a fan-favorite era that produced memorable finalists and one-time winner Taylor Hicks. For longtime viewers, the reunion is a chance to revisit iconic performances and celebrate the impact Season 5 had on the Idol legacy.
Alongside the reunion, the episode leans into a Dancing with the Stars crossover. That second portion pairs the Top 5 with professional dancers, creating duet-style performances that combine vocal and choreographic showmanship. Together, the two themes promise variety and emotional resonance as contestants fight for their spot in the finale.
Top 5 Idol Reunion Song Spoilers!
The current Top 5 — Chris Tungseth, Braden Rumfelt, Hannah Harper, Keyla Richardson, and Jordan McCullough — will each duet with an alum from Season 5, taking on one of the alumni’s signature competition songs. The announced pairings and song choices are designed to honor those original performances while giving the current contestants a chance to shine in fresh arrangements:
- Keyla Richardson with Taylor Hicks (winner) — “Living for the City” (Stevie Wonder)
- Jordan McCullough with Elliott Yamin (third place) — “A Song for You” (Donny Hathaway)
- Braden Rumfelt with Paris Bennett (fifth place) — “The Show Must Go On” (Queen)
- Hannah Harper with Kellie Pickler (sixth place) — “A Broken Wing” (Martina McBride)
- Chris Tungseth with Bucky Covington (eighth place) — “The Thunder Rolls” (Garth Brooks)
These duets pair contemporary contestants with alumni whose performances left lasting impressions on viewers. The reimagined numbers are likely to strike a balance between honoring the originals and showcasing each Top 5 singer’s individuality.
A sensitive note: this appearance marks Kellie Pickler’s first time back on Idol since the death of her husband, Kyle Jacobs, in 2023. Her return is expected to be emotional; she has also been involved in ongoing estate litigation related to that loss.
Dancing with the Stars pros will perform with the Top 5
For the second half of the episode, professionals from Dancing with the Stars will join the Top 5, adding choreography and stagecraft to the vocal performances. The announced DWTS pros scheduled to perform alongside the contestants include:
- Jan Ravnik
- Gleb Savchenko
- Rylee Arnold
- Witney Carson
These collaborations are intended to elevate the production value of each performance, blending live singing with dynamic movement. Crossovers like Idol x DWTS are designed to broaden appeal, drawing fans of both shows and emphasizing the theatrical side of pop competition.
Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson return home to American Idol
Adding to the reunion atmosphere, original Idol figures Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson will return for the episode. Paula will appear as a guest judge, offering commentary and guidance from her early-Idol perspective. Randy Jackson will serve as a guest mentor, working directly with contestants behind the scenes.
Both are familiar faces to the Idol franchise: Paula was a judge in the show’s early years, while Randy served for many seasons in varying capacities, including judge and mentor. Their return taps into the show’s history and provides emotional continuity as the current class competes under heightened pressure.
The episode will also feature a performance by last year’s winner, Jamal Roberts, offering viewers a reminder of the winner’s spotlight and the trajectory contestants aspire to follow.
American Idol airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with episodes available on Disney+ and streaming the next day on Hulu.
With the Top 5 vying for the final three spots, the mix of Season 5 alumni, Dancing with the Stars professionals, and returning Idol icons makes this episode one of the most talked-about installments of the season. Expect emotional reunions, ambitious duets, and high-stakes performances as the competition moves toward its finale.