The American Idol finalists, Noah Thompson, Leah Marlene, and HunterGirl, will soon share the stage with special duet partners during the season finale of the popular singing competition show.
Luke Bryan and Katy Perry surprised the Top 3 contestants with finale duet partners following the latest Idol episode.
On Wednesday (May 18), American Idol shared a video of Bryan and Perry with Thompson, Marlene and Huntergirl showcasing the moment the superstar judges revealed the news to the fan-favorite contestants.
After seeing a video of Marlene singing her 2010 hit, “Firework,” on the internet, Perry decided to have Marlene join her for a duet of the chart-topping hit on the final episode.
“They asked us ‘what do you want to do?’ and I was like ‘well, you know, I did see a video of Leah Marlene singing ‘Firework’ when she was like 9 years old.’ I watched that video and was like ‘how powerful would that be if we sang that together on the finale,” Perry said to Marlene as she quickly became overcome with emotion. ”Listen, I only save that song for inaugural events and Leah Marlene.”
“Yes, Please,” Marlene, who was all smiles, shouted.
Following Marlene’s surprise from Perry, Luke Bryan then surprised HunterGirl with an invitation to sing a classic country hit with him during the finale.
“I don’t have a single to promote or anything that’s about helping my career. You and I are going to perform ‘I Told You So’ by Randy Travis on the finale. Picked by me,” Bryan revealed to HunterGirl.
“Oh my God that’s going to be insane,” HunterGirl gushed.
After Marlene and HunterGirl’s duet partners were revealed, it was Noah Thompson’s turn.
“Noah, our friend reached out and wanted to sing with you. Her name is Melissa Etheridge,” Perry told Thompson, who replied, “Sounds good!”
After Perry and Bryan, exited the room, Marlene, Thompson and HunterGirl shared their excitement.
“This is crazy!” Thompson admitted, before Marlene said, “I’m gonna sing with Katy Perry! Oh my God, it just gets crazier and crazier.”
HunterGirl added, “This is wild!”
The Top 3 Idol finalists will face off during the season finale of Idol singing Bruce Springsteen covers and their debut singles for America’s vote for a chance to be crowned the next American Idol.
The three-hour season finale of Idol will feature a star-studded list of performances from the Idol judges as well as Idol alums Carrie Underwood and Gabby Barrett, who previously appeared during season 20 to mentor contestants.
Deana Carter, Ben Platt, James Arthur, Sara Bareilles, Earth, Wind & Fire, Melissa Etheridge, Flo Rida and Tai Verdes will also take the stage during American Idol’s final episode of Season 20.
Top 7 contestant Christian Guardino will also return to the Idol stage for a duet alongside Michael Bublé.
Additionally, Perry will join Thomas Rhett later in the show to deliver the live debut of their duet, “Where We Started,” a track from Rhett’s latest project of the same name.
American Idol’s Season finale will air live coast-to-coast on ABC beginning at 8/7c.
