All the former contestants who returned for American Idol Season 24 reunion episode

The May 4 episode of American Idol brought a nostalgic twist as it reunited contestants from the 2006 season to mark their 20-year anniversary. Among those returning was Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks, who has stayed active in entertainment through theater, television, and touring productions over the years. During the episode, Hicks teamed up with contestant Keyla Richardson for a duet of Stevie Wonder’s Living for the City in the second round. Richardson impressed judges and viewers alike, ultimately securing her place among the Top 3 finalists of season 24.

The latest episode also welcomed back Elliott Yamin, who originally finished third in Season 5. Since his time on the show, Yamin has stayed active in music, performing as a vocalist with the Lao Tizer Band, known for its jazz-influenced sound and live performances. He has also released multiple solo albums over the years, with his latest arriving in 2015, and previously sang with the group Philthy. Despite being 90% deaf in his right ear due to childhood infections, he has continued to perform. During the episode, Yamin teamed up with Jordan McCullough for A Song for You by Donny Hathaway, helping McCullough secure a spot in the Top 3.

The reunion episode also featured a return from Paris Bennett, who originally placed fifth back in 2006 at just 17. She has continued working in music over the years, sharing new tracks with fans online, including her latest 2024 single Why Is That. Alongside singing, Bennett has explored acting, appearing in an episode of Sistas in 2022 and later taking on a role in the short film The Coworker in 2025. During the latest American Idol installment, she performed The Show Must Go On by Queen with Braden Rumfelt, who was later eliminated from the competition.

The installment also saw the return of Kellie Pickler, who placed sixth in Season 5. After the show, she built a country music career and released four studio albums, later marrying fellow musician Kyle Jacobs in 2011. Following Jacobs’ death in 2023, Pickler largely stayed out of the spotlight, with her first public appearance coming in April 2024 at Ryman Auditorium during a tribute to Patsy Cline. On the reunion episode, she performed A Broken Wing by Martina McBride with Hannah Harper, who later secured a place in the Top 3.

Another familiar face, Bucky Covington, made an appearance during the May 4 episode. He originally finished in eighth place in Season 5. Covington has stayed active in country music over the years, sharing new releases and promoting upcoming shows with fans online. After Idol, Covington signed with Lyric Street Records and released his debut album in 2007, followed by Good Guys in 2012 after moving to another label. His most recent larger project was the 2015 EP Happy Man. During the episode, he performed Garth Brooks' The Thunder Rolls with Chris Tungseth, who was later eliminated from the competition.