Kellie Pickler Returns to ‘American Idol’ 3 Years After Husband Kyle Jacobs’ Death
An American Idol reunion? It’s a yes from Randy Jackson, dawg.
The OG judge made a rare TV appearance on May 4, returning to the music competition to mentor season 24 contestants Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, Keyla Richardson, Braden Rumfelt and Chris Tungseth as part of the episode’s “Class of 2006” theme.
“As a guy that was a judge on this program a long time ago,” Randy told Chris, “I always ask the question, ‘Are you in it to win?'”
And the Minnesota native was ready to learn from the music veteran. As Chris put it, “I grew up watching American Idol, so I’m a little starstruck. I love you.”
But Randy, 69, wasn’t the only familiar face who made an Idol comeback that night. His fellow judge Paula Abdul also returned, as well as former contestants Kellie Pickler, Elliott Yamin, Paris Bennett, Bucky Covington and season five winner Taylor Hicks.