“Price Is Right” contestant wins largest single-game prize in show's 54-year history

A contestant on Friday's episode of The Price Is Right set a new all-time high in winnings from a single pricing game.

Key Points

• Vanessa from Virginia walked away with $240,150 in cash and prizes after playing Lion's Share.

• This new record surpasses the last, set in 2010, by more than $30,000.

After more than five decades on the air,The Price Is Rightis still breaking records.

A contestant on Friday's episode of the long-running game show set a new all-time high in winnings from a single pricing game. After several wild rounds of the game Lion's Share, Vanessa from Virginia walked away with $240,150 in cash and prizes— the largest one-game haul a contestant has ever won in the CBS daytime show's 54-year history.

The retired veteran made her mark in a special Mother's Day-themed episode, with her daughter cheering her on from the sidelines.

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Lion's Share, an MGM-branded game that premiered last year as a replacement for Pay the Rent, revolves around grocery price guessing.

In the game, each contestant is able to win up to five balls depending on their number of correct guesses. Balls are then dropped into a wind tunnel, which reveal hidden prize amounts. But that's not all: HostDrew Careythen commands contestants to choose between walking away with the dollar value displayed on the screen or risking it all to grow their earnings further.

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That's exactly what Vanessa did, and after very little deliberation. Continued correct guesses yielded more prize balls, which revealed more earnings, eventually loading her up with $227,500 in cash. A luxury trip to Morocco valued at $12,650 ultimately brought her total up to $240,150.

Vanessa's win clears the previous record by a wide margin. In 2016, contestant Christen Freeman won $210,000 in the game Cliffhangers, and also walked away with a steam iron, portable heater, and drink mixer.

Vanessa may be the biggest winner when it comes to earnings from a single game, but her $240,150 total is no match for the overall killing that one contestant made in a 2019 episode.

Michael Stouber left the roller coaster ride of an episode with a grand total of $262,743 in cash and prizes. That included $202,000 from a game of Plinko, a nearly $30,000 Showcase win, an equivalent value Nissan Sentra S, a $1,475 diamond bracelet, and more.

The Price Is Rightairs weekdays on CBS and streams on Paramount+. Check your local cable provider for exact airtimes.

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byJastin Mags

in

May 10, 2026

“Price Is Right” contestant wins largest single-game prize in show's 54-year history

A contestant on Friday's episode of The Price Is Right set a new all-time high in winnings from a single pricing game. Key P...

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“Saturday Night Live” recap: Host Matt Damon returns as Brett Kavanaugh alongside Aziz Ansari's Kash Patel

Conehead Nation — it'sSNLin Review: the penultimate episode of season 51!

We haveMatt Damonback in 8H, folks — he first appeared onSaturday Night Livein 2001 with a smallMango-related cameo, then hosted for the first time in 2002 during the season premiere. He later made another brief appearance in a digital short back in season 37, before returning a few times in 2018, both as host and as Brett Kavanaugh.

I am joined tonight by former SNL cast memberVictoria Jackson. She has a new book out,now available on Amazon. She says she hasn't seen all of Damon's films "because I get bored during 'running fast/bullet shooting/minimal dialogue' movies, but my husband, the ex-cop, loves theBourneseries.Good Will Huntingwas too mathematical for me." She also adds regarding tonight that "Matt doesn't project 'funny,' but if the writers do a good job, he will be funny. He has the timing and the looks. I respect his moral lifestyle and family values."

Meanwhile, tomorrow, of course, is Mother's Day. We know the show loves a goodmom sketch! Jackson shares: "Mother's Day, when I was onSNL, was a wonderful experience because my mom was in a sketch with me. They dressed us as identical, blonde twins and gave us both ditzy lines. They shot our scene at 1 a.m., and my mom, who doesn't seek the spotlight anyway, was so tired and bored she almost left the building to go sleep in her hotel. It was funny to me because most people would die to be in anSNLsketch. She'd rather sleep! My dad was the showbiz guy."

Cold Open

We are back at a "sneaky bar" in Georgetown — the iconic Martin's Tavern — with Colin Jost's Pete Hegseth. He is joined by Brett Kavanaugh (Damon), who is just as wild. The Supreme Court Justice laments the male loneliness epidemic; he does not have many drinking pals in the administration to go out with…guys like William Cosby!

Kash Patel (Aziz Ansari), the FBI director, shows up to assure him, boasting about his bourbon. So, season 50 is ending with celeb cameos in the cold open. I don't love Jost's star turn here, but at least he's an actual cast member. Ah, SEO! The sketch ends with the three dumb, fun-loving friends performing Chumbawamba's "Tubthumping."

Jackson thinks this cold open "was funny for people who closely follow politics! And Matt Damon was funny, and the casting was spot on! The Kash Patel face with the eyes was perfect!" Yes!

Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with ourEW Dispatch newsletter.

Monologue

Damon is here to promote a movie coming out in nine weeks! Christopher Nolan'sThe Odyssey!

Damon acknowledges it is almost Mother's Day. With Spirit Airlines now gone, it turns out the show couldn't spring for the cast moms to fly in. Nice appearance by Jack Bensinger here, inquiring about Marcello's mom! Instead, Damon makes a "personal" video gift message for the moms out there, teasing the chance to see his new movie in theaters… in nine weeks. Jackson agrees, this was "funny! Marcello's mom!"

"Godzilla Movie"

We are watching the Movie Channel, one of the many Godzilla movies. The description of the monster's size and actions across the ocean is causing the ship's commander (Damon) to spit-take at his subordinate, Officer Harris (Mikey Day)... multiple times. "Lock in people," he says, requesting lumpy yogurt. He gets it and begins chowing down, as Harris confirms the authenticity of a video showing Godzilla's destruction.

The admiral wants everyone hydrated, just in time for the entire crew to sip water when a high-stakes message is translated from Japan. Oh boy! Jackson says, "Good ending. Godzilla spit take!! Usually, deadpan ex-cop husband said, 'Ya see, that was a good skit. That was actually funny. There was nothing political in there.'"

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"Mom Movie Trailer"

A movie devoid of conflict or dramatic tension! Moms have enough stress, so this movie has dialogue and a clean house… and Matt Damon as the husband. This movie trailer spoof was fun! Check it out.

Jackson has the same verdict: "FUNNY. Damon saying 'I noticed your massive necklace from the stage' and her ripping off her shoulder fabric and revealing her shoulder skin!"

"Tough Guys"

Three neighborhood tough guys are barbecuing with beers at a block party. They share stories about their toughness… with the punchline: they get their ass kicked. Pretty funny: each one unwittingly laments that everyone wants to be a tough guy, then tells a story to illustrate it, only to show the opposite. Their priest, their wives, their kids, elderly men in wheelchairs — all trying to be tough, successfully kicking their ass. Great work by Damon, Kenan Thompson, and even Marcello. Might be some of Marcello's best sketch work, honestly. Reminds me of the Billy Crystal-Christopher Guest "I hate when that happens" guys.

Jackson's "husband likes these tough guy sketches. He never watchesSNL,and he's laughing out loud… 'Gummy bear in the dog cage in the basement' — funny."

"Tidy Care Crystals"

It's Tidy Care Kitty Litter! Ever want to know how your cat is feeling? This cat litter product has color-changing powers, the "helpful" omniscient narrator voice explains. But is the human son peeing in the litter box? The voice keeps intruding, turning the seemingly happy married couple against each other. This is increasingly intense and brilliant. Jackson concurs: "FUNNY. Love it. Smart."

Noah Kahan performs "The Great Divide"

Through windows, Noah Kahan plays this single off his new album, which marked Kahan's solo comeback after nearly three years out of the spotlight.

The music video premiered in partnership with Mastercard during a commercial break at the Grammys in February. We are midway through the show, and Jackson thinks, "This is the best show since Nate Bargatze's show! Maybe even better!"

Weekend Update

Marco - Rubio! Kash - Patel! Jeffrey! Jokes include hantavirus, teacher appreciation week, WNBA, Patel's homemade whiskey, and Little Rascals.

TheMet Gala happened this week. It's a night of fashion and fun. Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson returns to comment on the outfits. Nice to see Jeremy Culhane back at the Update desk. I believe he was cut recently in a previous episode. "What are we doing?" indeed! Jackson says Culhane's "Tucker Carlson was pretty good, he got his high tremulous laugh down and calling Heidi Klum's Met Gala outfit the 'Statue of Liberty in a Burka' was funny." Overall, she notes, "Update was refreshingly light on the Trump-bashing".

Next, military officials recently refused to confirm the use of kamikaze dolphins in Iran. To comment: two dolphins (Day, Hernandez). Jost is shocked that this is real. He asks what they do before they get deployed. The answer? Deep ocean kinks. Water sex puns commence. "Let's shift gears…" says Jost, before shifting tothe ferry he owns with Pete Davidson.

Jane Wickline also comes out to comment on common tardiness. She has a song dedicated to everyone who's waited on her. It's less an apology than her doubling down — looking at her phone matters more than other people's time! "40 minutes with an ice cream cone!"

Story developing...

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byJastin Mags

in

May 10, 2026

“Saturday Night Live” recap: Host Matt Damon returns as Brett Kavanaugh alongside Aziz Ansari's Kash Patel

Conehead Nation — it'sSNLin Review: the penultimate episode of season 51! We haveMatt Damonback in 8H, folks — he first appea...

Read More

Taylor Swift rocks lacy silk top and skirt for romantic date night with Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift stepped out in style for herLondon date nightwith Travis Kelce on Friday night.

The pop star, 36, sizzled in a steamy all black-ensemble featuring theSTAUD Evangeline Silk Top($325) and theJuliet Skirt from Fleur du Mal($298).

For accessories, she paired the set with theToteme Slim Leather Coat,which retails for $4000, theRabanne 1969 Leather Shoulder Bag(which is on sale for $989), and a pair ofCeline Ava Sandals($1,050).

She wore a vintage Chanel necklace for jewelry along with hermassive mine cut diamond engagement ring.

Her NFL star fiancé, 36, was photographed walking at her side in a brown two piece set. He finished his look with a pair of plaid patterned shoes and sunglasses.

Photos showed the lovebirds holding hands as they made their way to visit Gordon Ramsay’s new restaurant, Lucky Cat.

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The Friday night outing was only the most recent stop on their London tour.

On Thursday night, the stars were seenleaving Harold Pinter Theatrewith British cinematographer and long-time collaborator of the singer, Rina Yang.

The pair was pictured holding hands as they made their departure through a back door of the theater after they caught a stage performance of “Romeo & Juliet.”

The Grammy winner sported a stunning floral midi dress with strappy black heels and a long black coat, while Kelce matched in a black tee paired with a Louis Vuitton gray suit jacket and slacks.

Prior to their night on the town, the couple was spotted leaving Indian cuisine hotspot Gymkhana.

They reportedly ended their night at the Bo Tree hotel where they joined Poppy Delevigne for her 40th birthday celebration.

byJastin Mags

in

May 10, 2026

Taylor Swift rocks lacy silk top and skirt for romantic date night with Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift stepped out in style for herLondon date nightwith Travis Kelce on Friday night. The pop star, 36, sizzled in a steam...

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Bafta TV awards 2026: A titanically tepid ceremony

After controversy at thefilm Baftasover the broadcasting of a racial slur, the last thing the BBC needed was another flashpoint at the television awards. All involved can rest easy because not only was the ceremony lacking in contentious moments – for long stretches it seemed to be missing a pulse altogether.

Taskmaster’s Greg Davies was the new host, taking over from Alan Cumming, who has vowed to never again helm the Baftas following the fall-out over the film awards (which he also presented). Davies was off to a respectable start with a funny pre-recorded sketch in which he introduced an eye-rolling teenager to the joys of British television down the decades – the elephant pooing on Blue Peter, people shouting at each other onEastEndersand so forth.

But it was a different story once he stepped on stage for the live broadcast (not actually live, of course – the BBC was airing it with a delay and with new protocols to ensure there was no repeat of the shambles at the film Baftas). Nervous throughout, Davies had the air of someone happy to simply get through the evening. His jitteriness deprived the two-hour ceremony of the one essential for an awards show: a sense of fun.

Instead of fun, there was lots of silliness. Too much, it quickly became clear. Many of the celebrities dragged up to dole out awards had decided to seize the spotlight with less than hilarious results. Comic actresses Lucy Punch and Philippa Dunne seemed to be improvising a scene from their seriesAmandalandon the spot – to tepid guffaws from a generally stony room. Next camenew Harry Potteractor Paapa Essiedu, who thought it would be hilarious to refer to his co-star Nick Frost by the name of his Rowling-verse character, Hagrid – with a pay-off about as funny as a real-life game of Quidditch.

Hollywood glamourwas sprinkled courtesy ofSeverance’s Adam Scott and rapper-turned-actress Awkwafina, who turned up to present awards. They were mere warm-ups for Tinsel Town comedian Seth Rogen, who won Best International Show forThe Studioand approached the Bafta podium like someone who had tumbled through the back of a wardrobe into a parallel dimension.

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“This award show is so cool,” he said, before pointing to Davies, who was watching from a corner of the stage. “I love that this guy sits there in a little chair.” Rogen then gestured towards veteran actress Celia Imrie, whoseflatulence onThe Celebrity Traitorsprovided the evening with one of its running gags. “I assume this woman is very skilled and talented. All I know is she farted on a reality show.”

It was not the last time the Traitors was name-dropped. The Claudia Winkleman backstabbing festival was one of the evening’s duo of big winners (it scooped two awards). The other wasAdolescence, which continued the victory lap which it has seemingly been on since the invention of television itself.

Ethereal pop star Aurora provided the evening with one of its emotive high points as she performed her haunting ballad,Through the Eyes of a Child– from the score to, yes,Adolescence. She was soundtracking an in memoriam section which marked the passing of Prunella Scales, Desmond Morris, James Van Der Beek and others – though there was no mention ofSchitt’s CreekstarCatherine O’Hara, to whom Studio co-star Rogen had paid tribute.

The tone was often jarring. Amid all the wackiness and bantering, rapper-turned-DIY expert Tinie Tempah was the rare award presenter to maintain a straight face – just as well as he was about to hand Simon Schama an accolade for a documentary about the Holocaust. Meanwhile, a skit in which news presenter Kirsty Wark was rude to Davies landed oddly – her “fake” annoyance containing flashes of genuine irritation.

Tellingly, many of the more serious awards were relegated to a highlights section. They included the current affairs category, which was won byGaza: Doctors Under Attack, broadcast by Channel 4 after the BBC declined to air it. “Given you dropped our film, will you drop us from the Bafta screening later tonight?”, wondered Ben de Pear, the founder of the production company that made the film. He got his answer – the comments were broadcast but during a montage that was over almost before it began.

The message repeated from the podium was that television has no rival when it comes to the shared viewing experience. It’s a fair point. How ironic that it was made during a titanically tepid ceremony that would have had many viewers reach for their phones and scrolling furiously.

byJastin Mags

in

May 10, 2026

Bafta TV awards 2026: A titanically tepid ceremony

After controversy at thefilm Baftasover the broadcasting of a racial slur, the last thing the BBC needed was another flashpoint at the ...

Read More

David Allan Coe, maverick country star known for his wild life and working-class anthems

David Allan Coe, who has died aged 86, was a maverick country music singer known for his wild tales of prison life and working-class anthems You Never Even Called Me by My Name and Take This Job and Shove It; he was a pioneer of the “outlaw” movement which bristled against Nashville’s conservatism and conformism.

A broad, physically intimidating man who could often rub people up the wrong way, Coe arrived in the Tennessee city in 1967, keen to make it as a country music star despite being a self-declared “long-haired redneck” (though the flowing mane that was a feature of his later stage shows was a 3ft-long blonde wig).

He lived for a time in a hearse, perpetually parked outside the Ryman Auditorium, where he would don elaborate rhinestone outfits and a Lone Ranger-style mask and busk for gullible passers-by who believed he had just come off stage.

Six years after arriving in Music City, Coe hit the big time thanks to Tanya Tucker’s cover of Would You Lay With Me (in a Field of Stone), which went to No 1 in the country charts. Coe signed with Columbia and released his major-label debut, The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy, in 1974. It included I Still Sing the Old Songs, and a cover ofGuy Clark’s country staple Desperados Waiting for the Train (later popularised by the Highwaymen supergroup consisting of Coe’s fellow outlawsWaylon Jennings, Willie Nelson,Johnny CashandKris Kristofferson).

But it was the album Once Upon a Rhyme, released a year later, that gave Coe his imperishable hit, You Never Even Called Me by My Name. Written by Steve Goodman andJohn Prine, it was a self-knowing send-up of honky tonk stereotypes involving trucks, beer and dysfunctional families: “I was drunk the day my mom got out of prison/ And I went to pick her up in the rain/ But before I could get to the station in my pick-up truck/ She got runned over by a damned old train”. The song remains a jukebox staple in bars across the Southern US, and lived up to its cocky, spoken-word interlude declaring it the “perfect country and Western song”.

That bristling self-assuredness inflected all of Coe’s music, from his Hank Williams-inspired journeyman epic The Ride in 1983 to Son of the South (1986), in which he reels off a list of his all-time favourite artists – Hank Williams Jr, the Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and “David Allan Coe” himself – and, finally, Willie, Waylon and Me (1987), in which he muscled in on Nelson and Jennings’s famous friendship.

It was a pointed dig at his fellow outlaws whom he considered more a part of the country music establishment; those peers, for their part, often suggested that Coe had a tendency to self-mythologise – and at points he claimed to have more than 300 tattoos, and be a practising Mormon and a polygamist.

Jennings in particular struggled with Coe’s abrasive, confrontational edge, and once said he would “stab you in the back and then ride off your name like he’s your best friend.”Shelby Singleton, the producer who discovered Coe, told Rolling Stone in 1976 that “Ninety per cent of what he tells you is probably bulls***t.”

Coe took issue with those who refused to acknowledge his influence: he was the first mainstream country artist to have an all-female backing band, Ladysmith (a milestone which was later wrongly attributed to Dolly Parton’s early collaborator Porter Wagoner).

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David Allan Coe was born on September 6 1939 to Donald Coe and Dorothy, née Wilson, in Akron, Ohio, an industrial city then known as the Rubber Capital of the World. His childhood was impoverished and unhappy, ruled by his violent, drunken father, who worked at Goodyear Tires, and he was sent to a reform facility aged nine.

Two decades in correctional facilities followed, including three years at the Ohio State Penitentiary in Youngstown, where he faced charges for grand theft auto and possession of burglary tools. He later claimed that, while incarcerated, he killed a fellow inmate with a mop bucket after the inmate made homosexual advances in the communal showers, but this was later debunked; he also met the shock-rock pioneer Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, of I Put A Spell on You fame, who encouraged him to start singing.

Prison left its mark on Coe: his first album, Penitentiary Blues, was released in 1970. Five years later, he reflected on how he had found solace in the system: “There were a lot of times when I would actually be in the county jail after being busted and I’d wake up the next morning and say to myself: ‘Oh I’m glad it’s over; I’m glad I’m going back to prison now, where I know I’ll be safe, where I’ll be out of society.’”

It was a fellow outlaw pioneer who earned Coe his most lucrative hit. In 1977, the aptly namedJohnny Paycheckhad a No 1 with a cover of Coe’s blue-collar anthem Take This Job and Shove It, which inspired the 1981 film of the same name, starring Robert Hays andArt Carney.

Coe’s commercial success began to plateau following his controversial albums Nothing Sacred (1978) and Underground Album (1982) – later reissued together as 18 X-Rated Hits – which were criticised for containing racist slurs and sexist stereotypes. Coe addressed the controversy in 2004, telling the website Swampland: “Anyone that would look at me and say I was a racist would have to be out of their mind.” It was not until his 1983 album Castles in the Sand – which contained The Ride – that Coe was welcomed back into the fold in Nashville.

Decades of obscure albums and purposely uncommercial projects ensued, including a pornographic novel. Late-life Coe was known mostly for his wizened, plaited beard and angry stage presence, as well as collaborations with the metal band Pantera and fellow country controversy-magnet, Kid Rock.

His final two decades were marred by financial struggles. In 2007, there were reports that he owed more than $290,000 in child support to his ex-wife Jody Lynn Coe (he was married six times), with whom he shares four children, including the country music podcaster Tyler Mahan Coe. Coe pleaded guilty to tax evasion in 2015 and was sentenced to three years’ probation and ordered to repay almost $1 million to the authorities.

He is survived by his sixth wife, Kimberley.

David Allan Coe, born September 6 1939, died April 29 2026

byJastin Mags

in

May 10, 2026

David Allan Coe, maverick country star known for his wild life and working-class anthems

David Allan Coe, who has died aged 86, was a maverick country music singer known for his wild tales of prison life and working-class an...

Read More

PepsiCo Just Brought Back a Beloved Limited-Edition Soda for Summer

A fan-favorite soda flavor is returning this summer with a fresh look and a seasonal twist.

Key Takeaways

• The limited-edition drink celebrates a popular reality show and features fruity flavors perfect for warm days.

The soda aisle has expanded in numerous ways over the past few years, especially when it comes to better-for-you varieties. And there is no shortage of options: Poppi,Olipop, Culture Pop,Slice, and evenPepsihave new prebiotic offerings.

Poppi has set the standard for the "healthier" soda industry since its founders' 2018 appearance on "Shark Tank," steadily growing before beingacquired by PepsiCo in 2025 for $1.65 billion. Since its debut, Poppi has released fan-loved soda copycats includingDoc Pop,Alpine Blast, and even aShirley Temple flavor. It's also come out with its own unique brand flavors, such as Strawberry Lemon, Ginger Lime, andBerries & Cream.

Now, the brand is bringing back a fan-favorite flavor in a new can that celebrates the upcoming season of "Love Island USA"—and it couldn’t be more perfect for summer.

Poppi Debuts 'Love Island USA'-Themed Punch Pop

Poppi is joining forces with the über-popular reality series "Love Island USA" to kick off summer in the best way possible: with a limited-edition Punch Pop x "Love Island USA" can.

While each sip of the soda tastes like summer, the most exciting part about the limited-edition drink might be the can. It features the iconic "Love Island" heart and palm trees in vibrant, multicolored shades fit for a summer of love.

Punch Popfirst emerged on the scene last year for a limited time, and is back just in time for warm days and long nights watching the new "Love Island USA" season. And you don't have to be an "Islander" to enjoy the fruit punch flavors with notes of apple, orange, lemon, and cherry juice.

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This isn’t the first time the duo has worked together. Last year, Poppi teamed up with the popular dating show to launchAmaya’s Island Colada, named after fan-favorite cast member and winner of season seven of "Love Island USA," Amaya Espinal. The soda was an instant hit and sold out twice in under 24 hours, prompting Poppi torerelease the popular pop in Januaryfor a limited time.

Poppi shared the news of the new can design onInstagram, and fans are thrilled for its arrival. "Our Punch Pop bombshell is BACK! Same delicious taste with a bit of a different look," the brand wrote on Instagram. "We’re here to make all of your summer dreams come true with this one!"

One fan wrote, "Punch Pop, I missed you!!!"

Another commented, "THE SODA OF SUMMER IS BACK!"

"My prayers were answered," someone else added.

Poppi's Punch Pop flavor is available in single cans and 4-packs. You can buy it at major retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Kroger, and others, while supplies last. Looking at the Instagram comments, it’s safe to say that fans are rushing to get theirs, so I wouldn’t wait too long to snag some if you want to sip on it while you watch the "Love Island USA" premiere on June 2.

Read the original article onAllrecipes

byJastin Mags

in

May 09, 2026

PepsiCo Just Brought Back a Beloved Limited-Edition Soda for Summer

A fan-favorite soda flavor is returning this summer with a fresh look and a seasonal twist. Key Takeaways The limi...

Read More

Here's What the Judges Are Performing at the Season 24 “American Idol” Finale (Exclusive)

The season 24 finale will feature performances by judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie

NEED TO KNOW

• Alicia Keys will serve as the guest mentor and performer alongside a star-studded lineup of musical guests

• The finale will air on Monday, May 11

The season 24 finale ofAmerican Idolis officially stacked with exciting performances.

The episode, which will air on Monday, May 11, will feature performances by judgesCarrie Underwood,Luke BryanandLionel Richie, PEOPLE can exclusively reveal.

Bryan, 49, Richie, 76, and Underwood, 43, will perform "Deep River Woman" by Richie.

Bryan will take the stage solo to perform his new song "Fish Hunt Golf Drink" — and then again with finalist Julián Kalel to perform "A Thousand Miles from Nowhere" by Dwight Yoakam.

Underwood will also take the stage once more for an exciting performance withMötley Crüe.

Idol previously announced its star-studded lineup of finale performers, includingBrad Paisley, Blues Traveler,Cameron Whitcomb,Clay Aiken, En Vogue, Gin Blossoms,Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack,Nelly,ShinedownandTori Kelly.

In addition,Alicia Keyswill serve as the guest mentor and performer.

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On May 4, contestants Chris Tungseth and Braden Rumfelt were sent home, leaving Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson as the Top 3 in the finale.

Elsewhere in the episode, which hosted a Class of 2006 Reunion, Paris Bennett,Kellie Pickler, Elliott Yamin, Bucky Covington and winnerTaylor Hicksreturned to the show to honor the 20th anniversary of their season.

The show also welcomed original judgesRandy JacksonandPaula Abdul. Both served as mentors for the Top 5 — and Abdul joined Underwood, Bryan and Richie as a guest judge.

"I'm just so happy to be at my old home and to see some of my children that are now grown and have kids, and meeting the new hopefuls," Abdul said, according toEntertainment Weekly. "I hope all of you have the best time ever and leave your heart out there."

Ahead of the finale, Underwood wasmoved to tearsby Harper's audition to an original song about postpartum depression. Meanwhile, Richardsonmoved guest judge Jennifer Hudson— in addition to the rest of the judges — when she performed "Circle of Life" on Disney night. On Taylor Swift night, McCullough was praised by Richie — who said he has the ability to turn everything he sings into "a religious experience."

The season 24 finale of the singing competition show will air on Monday, May 11 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Read the original article onPeople

byJastin Mags

in

May 09, 2026

Here's What the Judges Are Performing at the Season 24 “American Idol” Finale (Exclusive)

The season 24 finale will feature performances by judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie NEED TO KNOW ...

Read More