On the final night of auditions for the class ofAmerican Idol2026, judgesLionel RichieandLuke Bryanwere surprised by a familiar face:Mary Jo Young, who made it to the Top 24 in Season 19, returned for another shot at winning the talent competition. Of course, that was back in theKaty Perryera, soCarrie Underwoodwas hearing Mary Jo for the first time.
What made her audition even more special is thatIdolaired never-before-seen footage of the 24-year-old from Cleveland, Ohio, dueting withBenson Boone. Boone famously made it to Hollywood Week in Season 19 but withdrew from the competition to focus on his career, so their pairing never made it to air.
"Me forgetting all the lyrics to "You Say" [byLauren Daigle]," Mary Jo laughed with the judges about the song that she and Benson sang. Then she added, "When it came to an end, it was a good, kick the babybirdout of its nest because I needed to go and grow," which she has.
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Mary Jo has been touring, opening forAlex WarrenandJesse Murph. "I think myconfidencehas definitely grown, too."
Giving her encouragement before she sang, Luke said, "I remember loving your voice."
For her audition this time around, Mary Jo will perform an original "Don't Call Me."
"I liked it a lot," Carrie said. "I liked the song a lot. Your voice has a different tone to it. It's got some power under it when you start going for the higher stuff. [There is] a lot of personality in you and your voice as well."
Lionel said, "I tell people who try to get in the business, it ain't about singing, it's about surviving. If you can get through that, that's the key. You're doing quite well at surviving. It sounds great."
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And Luke wrapped it up, saying, "Life's been getting you a little bit, but that's going to happen in themusicbusiness, but there is a different air of confidence to you that's totally new. We're glad you came back around, and we're glad to see your face again because I was a real big fan of yours."
Mary Jo got three yeses, so she's going to Hollywood Week!
"I wanted to come back toAmerican Idolbecause I learned the most from the show than I have on any tour," Mary Jo said. "I'm going to Hollywood Week much more prepared. This ticket shows me it's always good to get up and try again, and I'm proud of myself for it."
Next,American IdolReturns in 2026 with Three Game-Changing Shake-Ups
This story was originally published byParadeon Feb 17, 2026, where it first appeared in theTVsection. Add Parade as aPreferred Source by clicking here.
