Laci Kaye Booth and Laine Hardy returned to American Idol on Monday, kicking off the much-anticipated Idol Reunion Show with a performance of “Stop Draggin My Heart Around” by Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Prior to their performance, the Season 17 alums reflected on their Idol journey and updates fans on what they’ve been doing since their time on the show.
“My name is Laci Kaye Booth, and I was a Top 5 finalist and this is Laine Hardy and he beat me,” Booth joked.
“I’m feeling so much emotion, I just feel so blessed that I got to be part of this journey. I’m absolutely living out the dream that I’ve always envisioned for myself… Writing, touring, and releasing music,” she added.
While Booth and Hardy may not see each other as much as they used to, she says they often bump into each other in Music City.
“Our paths get to cross quite a bit in Nashville, which is fun,” Booth said.
Booth kicked off their performance as she sang Nicks’ opening verse before Hardy joined her on stage to sing Petty’s part of the tune while playing electric guitar.
Their performance earned praise from the entire judges panel, including Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, who gushed over their superstar status and graciously thanked them for coming back to perform.
Booth signed with Big Machine Label Group and released her self-titled debut EP. The project features eight tracks, including “Shuffle,” her debut single to country radio.
After being crowned Idol champ in 2019, Hardy released his debut album, Here’s To Anyone, headlined his first tour and made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry.
Despite his recent arrest, Hardy’s performance on The Great Idol Reunion proceeded as planned as it was pre-taped.
Laine Hardy turned himself in to police on Friday, April 29 after a warrant was issued for his arrest by Louisiana State University Police.
The “Memorize You” singer was booked into prison on Friday (April 29) and has reportedly been released from prison.
The singer/songwriter allegedly planted a recording device in his ex-girlfriend’s residence on the LSU campus. According to LSU spokesman Ernie Ballard, Hardy faces a felony charge of interception and disclosure of wire, electronic or oral communication.
Prior to his arrest, Hardy spoke out on the allegations after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
“Earlier today, I received a warrant due to allegations made against me and have been fully cooperative with the Louisiana State University Police Department,” Hardy wrote on Thursday (April 28). “I understand that my career has thrust me into the public spotlight, and I embrace that wholeheartedly as my entire world belongs to my music and my fans.”
He continued, “However, due to the sensitive nature of this allegation, I humbly ask for privacy at this time. I have the utmost respect for the law and will assist in their investigation as needed moving forward.”
At the time of his warrant, Hardy’s attorney, C Frank Holthaus, confirmed that the singer is fully cooperative with the LSU Police.
“I can confirm that Mr. Hardy did receive a warrant for his arrest earlier today and has been and will continue to be completely cooperative with the Louisiana State University Police Department on this matter,” Holthaus said. “Due to the public nature of Mr. Hardy’s profession, we ask for privacy at this time.”
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 Booth and Hardy, Jordin Sparks, Ruben Studdard, Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, David Cook, Kris Allen, Maddie Poppe, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, 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.
