Fan-Favorite ‘American Idol’ Contestant Returns For Final Season

Michael Becker/FOX

American Idol is pulling out all the stops for its final season, even inviting back some of its past contestants who have since gone on to become major superstars. 

Last week, one half of the Top 24 contestants were joined for duets with former Idol contestants, including Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina. This week, the other half of the Top 24 will perform with more stars from past seasons of Idol, including one fan-favorite country girl from Season 5.

That’s right, Kellie Pickler is returning to American Idol!

Along with other Idol stars such as Jordin Sparks and Chris Daughtry, Pickler is returning to the show to perform along with some of the remaining contestants. While visiting the contestants, Pickler also reflected on her own experience on the show and how it helped kickstart her career:

“It was so great to return to ‘American Idol’ and see some of my old friends and make a few new ones. I have always been so appreciative of the opportunity to be on Idol and of the doors that show opened for me. And, to be asked back to mentor and perform with a few of the final season’s contestants was a true honor.”

We wonder which of the remaining contestants Pickler will perform with on Idol

The second half of the Top 24 contestants will perform solos Wednesday (Feb. 17) before their duets with Pickler and the other former Idols air on Thursday (Feb. 18).

While you wait to see Pickler perform with this season’s contestants, tune in below to watch Pickler’s audition for her season of the show.

Best of luck to the 12 contestants competing this week!

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