The Buzz with CCX - Season 20 Episode 17

[ScarletDevilCCX]

Spent much of the day hung over, and while I probably could get away with having a drink, I think I'll pass since there's obviously not going to be any performances from this year's contestants. Yesterday I said I wouldn't put it past them, since they are down to just 7 contestants and could easily squeeze a single performance from each into a celebration of Idol's history. But that's before I learned that tonight's show was only one hour long, which honestly isn't long enough even if the S20 contestants weren't even brought out on stage, and probably wouldn't be long enough if they locked Katy, Luke, and Lionel away somewhere too. Which honestly would be a good plan for this episode even if it were longer, but I guess this is their fifth season here so they've got enough of a place in Idol's history to belong. ...On second thought, I'll take that drink. Golden Road Brewing Company's Golden State Cerveza. ...Ah, we've got six duets, including a couple of ABC-era season-mates. I nearly forgot about Laci Kaye Booth, but seeing her name alongside Laine Hardy jogged my memory. Which is unfortunate because they did a duet that season and I didn't like it. They're doing "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" by Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty. Okay, that'll do. Both of them looking much better than they did on the show, but I guess actually having fame lets you do that. Sounding damn good, too; I wasn't exactly the biggest Laci Kaye fan while she was on the show. Katy's already getting emotional. Also, everything here is prerecorded--well, of course it is, Laine got arrested last week. As we go to break, our next collaboration isn't a pair of season-mates, but a pair of winners: Ruben Studdard and Jordin Sparks.

 

Luke and Lionel have been kicked out of their chairs as we come back, replaced by Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. Ruben says Jordin's like a little sister to him...apparently he performed with her at the finale in her own season? They're performing "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" by George Michael and Aretha Franklin. And apparently Lionel made a guest appearance on Idol in Season 2, so he was there for Ruben's big break, too. Coming up third is Season 16's top duo, apparently still a couple four years later. Maddie's dyed her hair black! I don't think I like this decision but I'm glad that Maddie's not getting ignored in favor of Gabby for once.

 

William Hung is here, singing his signature song. He's a motivational speaker now, and I guess that makes sense--he wasn't a good singer, but he didn't let that stop him. And now it's Caleb and Maddie, still as much fun as ever. They're singing "Islands In the Stream" by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. They fist-bump at the end of the song--so adorable.

 

David Archuleta's here, but he can't sing or even speak right now because of recent vocal surgery. David Cook, on the other hand, is able to sing, and is dueting with his successor as champion, Kris Allen. They're performing "Dreams" by The Cranberries--oh my God! They keep cutting to people in the audience who they showed at the beginning when talking about "Idol favorites". I wonder if they are past contestants; I can think of a few possibilities. David and Kris have been touring together.

 

Up fifth is last year's second- and third-place finishers, because they have to represent the most recent season without using anyone who got to perform solo on another episode, which rules out the champion. This is...problematic for me, because it probably means a song choice I'll dislike--Willie was great, but very gospel, and Grace was...well, I wasn't really a Grace fan. But nope, it's "Rather Be" by...I've already forgotten the artist, but this is a current pop song and one I absolutely love. Clear Ticket or something? Featuring Jessie Glynne, which I probably misspelled. Who cares. I did not expect this duet to do something twerkable.

 

Closing out the show are Season 10's top two, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina. Not surprised they saved this duo for last; they're both big stars. But first, it's Ryan Seacrest, dressed up as Season 1 Ryan Seacrest and introducing Justin Guarini, who then introduces Lauren and Scotty while Ryan changes out of his wig and bad suit. They're singing "When You Say Nothing at All" by Allison Krauss and Union Station. Ryan's still in the wig, and we're done. Yeah, I'm seeing a bunch of other old favorites.