Paula Abdul returns to ‘American Idol’ as guest judge

Reality singing competition American Idol has tapped a familiar face to return to the famous judges’ table. Original Idol judge, singer, and dancer Paula Abdul will come in as guest judge on Monday, April 12 (US time), after regular judge Luke Bryan tested positive for COVID-19.

“I’m sad to say I won’t be a part of tonight’s first live @AmericanIdol show.  I tested positive for COVID but I’m doing well and look forward to being back at it soon,” Bryan tweeted on Monday.

I’m sad to say I won’t be a part of tonight’s first live @AmericanIdol show.  I tested positive for COVID but I’m doing well and look forward to being back at it soon.

— Luke Bryan (@lukebryan) April 12, 2021

“We’ll miss you tonight,” Abdul, 58, tweeted, tagging Bryan. “Thank you for trusting me with your judge’s seat!”

We’ll miss you tonight @LukeBryanOnline ‼️ Thank you for trusting me with your judge’s seat! 😉♥️ Tune in at 8|7c on @abcnetwork for my Idol return 😱 #AmericanIdol #PaulasBack https://t.co/1Hp8C65x0F

— Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) April 12, 2021

Abdul joined Katy Perry and Lionel Richie for Tuesday’s episode, which revealed the 10 season 19 contestants with the most votes. 

Casey Bishop, Deshawn Goncalves, Cassandra Coleman, Caleb Kennedy, Ava August, Chayce Beckham, Alyssa Wray, Willie Spence, Grace Kinstler and Hunter Metts secured their spots in the top 12.

To complete the 12 finalists, the judges decided to save wedding singer Beane and hair model Madison Watkins.

Abdul was part of the original judging panel of the popular show, along with Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. She appeared on the first 8 seasons when it was still premiering on Fox.

The live show marked Abdul’s first appearance on American Idol after it moved from Fox to ABC in 2018. – with reports from Jewel Camacho/Rappler.com

Jewel Camacho is a Rappler intern.