Laine Hardy and Laci Kaye Booth are among a variety of American Idol alums returning for the popular singing competition show’s Great Idol Reunion special on May 2.
The pair both competed on Season 17 of the show, with Booth making the top five and Hardy being crowned the winner.
Both country artists, Hardy and Booth performed a duet on the show during movie theme and Queen night back in 2019.
While both playing guitar, the pair sang a cover of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash’s song, “Jackson” from Walk The Line. Prior to that performance, Hardy and Booth also shared the stage during Hollywood Week to sing together.
“This is their second collaboration,” former Idol mentor Bobby Bones shared in a video package that aired before the performance. “I think [the song] is a fantastic fit for them,” he said.
“Their personalities are like Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash,” Bones later added. “The key is their connection.”
Hardy wore a blue suit and a black tie, while Booth opted for a sparkly multicolor dress and heels during the performance.
“Well now, we got married in a fever / Hotter than a pepper Sprout / We’ve been talkin’ ’bout Jackson / Ever since the fire went out / I’m goin’ to Jackson, and that’s a fact / Yeah, we’re goin’ to Jackson, ain’t never comin’ back,” the pair sang.
The pair received praise from all three judges, with Lionel Richie labeling the performance as “fantastic.”
Since the conclusion of their season on Idol, Hardy has gone on to release his debut album, Here’s to Anyone (2021). He’s also made his Grand Ole Opry debut and performed his song, “Memorize You” on The Bachelorette.
Meanwhile, Booth has released her self-titled debut EP via Big Machine Label Group (also in 2021), which features her debut single at Country Radio, “Shuffle.”
Hardy and Booth are just two Idol albums set to return to the Idol stage for the Great Idol Reunion special in honor of the show’s 20th season. They will be joined by other notable Idol contestants, including Ruben Studdard, Jordin Sparks, Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, David Cook, Kris Allen, Maddie Poppe, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, as well as Willie Spence and Grace Kinstler.
