David Archuleta, who was runner-up to David Cook on Season 7 of American Idol, returned to Idol for The Great Reunion special on Monday evening (May 2) to surprise viral fans.
Back in 2008, a video surfaced online of four young girls, who were big Archuleta fans, hysterically crying and screaming after witness Archuleta’s Idol loss during the Season 7 finale. Well, in honor of the popular singing competition show’s 20th Anniversary, Idol producers brought the four women to the show for the surprise of a lifetime.
“Yeah, we still listen to his music, and keep up with him online and everything,” they said collectively before host Ryan Seacrest told them, “well, I have a surprise for you as Archuleta enters the stage to surprise them.
Upon seeing Archuleta, who is currently recovering from vocal surgery, the four women were all smiles and overcome with joy.
“Hi Ryan, it’s great to see you and everyone again! I have been using my phone to talk for the last two months,” Archuleta said via a virtual voice on his phone. “Thanks for creating such a fun and memorable moment for me and for everyone else. Sorry I didn’t win.”
Seacrest then gushed over Archuleta, “you were so much fun and you’ve blessed us with so much great music, thank you once again and congratulations.”
Watch the special moment unfold in the below clip.
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 Archuleta’s surprise, Laci Kaye Booth, Laine Hardy, Jordin Sparks, Ruben Studdard, Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, David Cook, Kris Allen, Maddie Poppe, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Willie Spence, 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.
