Fan-favorite American Idol contestants Caleb Lee Hutchinson and Maddie Poppe reprised one of country music’s most iconic duets during The Great Idol Reunion on Monday.
Prior to their performance, Hutchinson and Poppe opened up about their Idol journeys and recalled how their time on the show brought them together.
“Honestly, I’m so honored to be back,” Poppe admitted ahead of the show. “This show jumpstarted everything. I can’t believe it’s been four years man.”
“Maddie and I kind of live parallel lives even before meeting in a lot of ways,” Hutchinson added. “Going through the Idol thing together, we were pretty inseparable. There was so script on how I was going to tell the world about our love. Just the fact that it started here, it’s crazy.”
The real-life couple took to the American Idol stage to perform “Islands In The Stream,” a duet written by the Bee Gees and made famous by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.
Hutchinson and Poppe, who rose to fame on season 16 of Idol, effortlessly worked the stage while singing along to the chart-topping hit. Their chemistry was unmatched, making for a memorable rendition of the duet.
Poppe was the season 16 champion, while Hutchinson placed second. Throughout the season, the contestants performed duets such as “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” “What A Wonderful World,” and “A Whole New World” from Disney’s Aladdin.
After competing on American Idol, Poppe released her debut album, Whirlwind and a holiday release, Christmas From Home.” Her new single, “The One That Got Away,” is out now. Hutchinson released two EPs, including his latest project, Slot Machine Syndrome.
The pair also revealed recently that they are currently writing new music together.
The Great Idol Reunion featured a series of duets, where former Idol winners and contestants paired up with fellow Idol alum for one-of-a-kind collaborations.
In addition to Hutchinson and Poppe, Laci Kaye Booth, Laine Hardy, Jordin Sparks, Ruben Studdard, Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, David Cook, Kris Allen, Willie Spence, David Archuleta, William Hung, Justin Guarini, and Grace Kinstler also returned to the Idol stage for performances during the show.
Former Idol judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson also made special appearances during the special.
American Idol airs every Sunday and Monday at 8/7c on ABC
