American Idol Reunites Five Season 5 Contestants for 20-Year Anniversary Special

American Idol is taking viewers back to 2006 with its May 4 episode, which spotlights the singing competition's fifth season through a 20-year anniversary reunion.

The ABC series has assembled five contestants from that memorable year to make special appearances during the episode, performing and appearing with the current season's Top 5 competitors.

Season 5 proved to be a launchpad for several notable careers. Taylor Hicks claimed the crown that year, while runner-up Katharine McPhee went on to star in television series including Scorpion and Smash, plus multiple Broadway runs in Waitress. Chris Daughtry finished in fourth place and later achieved significant success fronting his rock band Daughtry. Kellie Pickler, who placed sixth, became an established country music performer and actress. Mandisa, who came in ninth, became a Grammy-winning gospel artist before her passing in 2024.

The five returning contestants for the reunion are: season winner Taylor Hicks, third-place finisher Elliott Yamin, fifth-place contestant Paris Bennett, sixth-place finisher Kellie Pickler, and eighth-place competitor Bucky Covington.