Christian Guardino is still on cloud nine after performing alongside Michael Bublé during the Season 20 finale of American Idol.
The Top 7 American Idol finalist took to the Idol stage on Sunday (May 22) for a performance of “Smile,” a track co-written by Charlie Chaplin, Geoffrey Parsons and John Turner that appears on Bublé’s eleventh studio album, Higher. The song, which also appears on Bublé’s 2005 live album, Caught In The Act, was first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1954 and is based on an instrumental theme used in the soundtrack for Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 film, Modern Times.
Bublé and the 21-year-old singer from Long Island, Guardino, delivered an out of this world, impressive performance of “Smile,” a moment that Guardino called “a special moment in my life.”
Following his performance with Bublé, Guardino recalled performing alongside the superstar, a moment that will go down as a highlight of Guardino’s career.
“THIS is how you wrap up your American Idol journey. Getting to perform with THE Michael Bublé has been one of the greatest honors of my LIFE.” Guardino shared. “Being a part of such a historic season of idol was a full circle moment for me, it’s been such an unforgettable journey And I can’t wait for what the future holds!!!!!!”
Earlier this month, Guardino released his debut single, “Higher,” which was produced by DannyBoyStyles (Belly, The Weeknd, BANKS).
“As soon as I first heard the song ‘Higher’ I knew instantly that that was gonna be the song I chose. I fell in love with the melody, the lyrics, and everything about the song,” Guardino explained at the time of the song’s release.
The America’s Got Talent alum and New York native previously released “Waiting” in 2019, which is a collaboration with country singer Hunter Hayes.
The three-hour Season 20 finale of American Idol also featured performances from the Idol judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, as well as the Top 3 finalists Noah Thompson, HunterGirl, and Leah Marlene.
Additionally, superstars Carrie Underwood, Gabby Barrett, James Arthur, Sara Bareilles, Michael Bublé, Deana Carter, Earth, Wind & Fire, Melissa Etheridge, Flo Rida, Ben Platt, Thomas Rhett, Tai Verdes, and more also performed during the star-studded broadcast.
Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the American Idol finale aired live coast-to-coast on Sunday, May 22, at 8/7c on ABC. The finale also streamed live on ABC.com and the ABC app and will be available to watch via Hulu on Monday (May 23).