According to On Camera Audiences, at 12:3o pt Monday April 4th, a taping will take place in Los Angeles for performances by judge Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Hudson (S3), Fantasia (S3 winner), and Latoya London (S3) that will air on the American Idol finale, set for April 7. I smell a Season 3 divas performance! Don’t you? SIGN ME UP. Obviously, any group number including Jennifer would have to be taped on a Monday, when Broadway theaters are dark, as she’s currently starring as Shug in the Broadway revival of Color Purple.
A performance for the finale by original Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson was taped earlier this month. She sang a medley of her greatest hits, and by all accounts, cried A LOT. Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood is set to perform live.
Season 8 winner Kris Allen told PopDust that he’s not singing his iconic Top 3 performance “Heartless” but would be involved in a “group performance” of some kind. There are tons of alums returning for the finale. You can click here to check out the full list, including details.
And for more American Idol series finale clues, Nigel Lythgoe, who produced the series for most seasons except 8, 9, 13, 14 and 15, is BACK to help executive produce finale week. He tells the Associated Press that the last shows WON’T be about big celebrities.
“It isn’t about big stars coming on and singing their record. American Idol was never about that. It was about the young stars we created,” he insisted.
“It’s going to be a rather spectacular show,” said Nigel. “It’s about the American Idols, about reminding people of 15 seasons,” but he promises the winner will get his or her share of the spotlight.
Nigel also hints at “other surprises” and jokes that season 12 judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj are welcome to come back.
“I’ve invited them back to the finale to sing ‘That’s What Friends Are For,'” he quipped.
The American Idol series finale is a 3 night extravaganza featuring the 90 minute “American Dreams” special on Tuesday April 5, The Top 3 performances on Wednesday April 6 and the crowning of the season 15 winner plus a slew of Idol alum performances on Thursday April 7.
