American Idol season 21 finale: Pitbull, Clay Aiken X Ruben Studdard, and more guest performers to grace the stage

Popular reality competition series American Idol season 21 is all set to air a brand new episode on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 8 pm ET on ABC. It will document the Top 3 contestants performing one last time to earn a shot at the coveted title and the grand cash prize of $250,000. They will have to give it their all to impress the judges and a live audience, as well as viewers, to make enough votes a win.

The American Idol season 21 finale will not only see the top 3 contestants - Colin Stough, Megan Danielle, and William Tongi grace the stage but will also have several renowned artists who will add their bit of glitz and glamor as part of the finale episode.

From the iconic Pitbull to the legendary alums Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard from season 2, the list is surely bound to keep viewers hooked.

The hit ABC series has received a fair share of love and criticism over the past two decades. Viewers have religiously followed their fan-favorite contestants' journey and continue to do so until the latest installment. Many alumni have also shared their success stories on the show or have acted as mentors for the contestants. They have shared their wisdom and tips and tricks for getting through songs.

Season 21 of the competition saw the contestants perform in front of the iconic judge trio - pop princess Katy Perry, Oscar-winning singer/songwriter Lionel Richie, and country superstar Luke Bryan.

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American Idol season 21 finale will showcase many well-known artists

Season 21 of American Idol has seen a variety of participants from all walks of life audition and make it through to multiple rounds, including Hollywood Week and from the Top 26 to now the Top 3 finalists. They will now have to prove their mettle to earn the votes, the coveted title, and the grand cash prize.

The official synopsis of the episode, titled Season Finale, reads:

"The live coast-to-coast, three-hour season finale features special performances from music legends and today’s top artists, with the Top 3 contestants taking the stage for the final time as America decides who will become the next American Idol."

To inspire the top 3 contestants - Megan Danielle, Colin Stough, and William Tongi - in the last leg of their journey, will be a number of renowned artists as guest performers. While some will be American Idol alumni returning to their alma mater, others are popular singers and musicians.

The artists among the star-studded line-up for the American Idol season 21 finale are.

1. Kylie Minogue - Australian singer-songwriter
2. Clay Aiken & Ruben Studdard - American Idol season 2 finalists
3. Kevin Cronin - Lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and pianist for the rock band REO Speedwagon
4. Jazmine Sullivan - American R&B and soul singer
5. James Blunt - British singer, songwriter, and musician
6. TLC - American girl group
7. Jelly Roll - American singer, rapper, and songwriter
8. Lauren Daigle - American contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter
9. Lainey Wilson - American country music singer-songwriter
10. Ellie Goulding - English singer and songwriter
11. Pitbull - American rapper

Australian-American singer Keith Urban, who appeared on American Idol from seasons 12 to 15, will return to the grand finale as the guest mentor, guiding the finalists with his vision and suggesting ideas on how to make their last performance memorable and impressive.

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Season 21 of American Idol was an extremely successful season with a lot of talent and twists and turns. The network officially confirmed last week that the show will be returning for a brand-new installment. Don't forget to tune in to the season finale this Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 8 pm ET on ABC.