American Idol season 21 is jam-packed with talented singers, and a few of them have previous experience with a reality singing competition show, as they appeared on The Voice. The American Idol judges (Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan) traveled to Las Vegas, Nashville, and New Orleans to choose the best singers from the auditions. Those contestants then moved on to Hollywood Week, during which they performed in three rounds of competition. Instead of the American Idol genre challenge, the first round of Hollywood Week allowed the contestants to choose one of three areas that they wanted to work on: confidence, songwriting, or stage presence.
Two American Idol alumni mentors worked with the contestants in each category: confidence (Clay Aiken and David Archuleta), songwriting (Catie Turner and Phillip Phillips), and stage presence (Jordin Sparks and Justin Guarini). Season 20 winner Noah Thompson also guided the contestants. The second round was duets, during which the contestants chose their partners. Finally, during the Showstopper round, the judges decided which contestants would make it into the Top 24, which became the Top 26, because there was so much talent. Five of those American Idol finalists have previously appeared on The Voice.
1 Malik Heard Chose Christina Aguilera’s Team During The Voice 10
Because Malik’s American Idol audition was not aired, he was first seen during Hollywood Week round one, when he worked on his confidence. He was next aired during the Showstopper round, in which he sang “Can We Talk” by Tevin Campbell. At the Final Judgment, Lionel, Katy, and Luke couldn’t decide between Malik and PJAE, so they asked them to participate in a sing-off. They decided to sing “Everything I Wanted” by Billie Eilish. In an unprecedented move, the judges advanced both Malik and PJAE to the Top 26.
Malik was a contestant on The Voice season 10 in 2016. The judges for that season were Adam Levine, Pharrell Williams, Christina Aguilera, and Blake Shelton. Christina and Pharrell both turned their chairs for Malik, during his performance of “Chains” by Nick Jonas, but he chose to be on Team Christina. All three coaches wanted to save him during The Battles, but he chose to join Team Pharrell. Malik was eventually eliminated at The Knockouts.
2 Wé Ani Competed On Alicia Keys’ Team On The Voice Season 11
At her American Idol audition, Wé shocked Lionel, Katy, and Luke, because her high-pitched speaking voice sounds nothing like her smooth, deep singing vocals. She sang “Anyone” by Demi Lovato, earning “yes: votes from all three judges, and a golden ticket to Hollywood. During the first Hollywood Week round, Wé decided to work on her stage presence. She sang an original song called “Good For,” and was brought to tears when the judges and the audience quickly learned the catchy lyrics (they continued to sing it while she was backstage).
For Wé’s duets round, she sang a unique version of “Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!)” by Blu Cantrell with PJAE, during which they blew the judges away with their creative arrangement, and confident scatting at the end. Her Showstopper song, “Ain’t No Way” by Aretha Franklin, was extraordinary. Wé easily earned her place in the Top 26.
Wé appeared on The Voice season 11 in 2016, under the name, Wé McDonald. All four coaches (Alicia Keys, Adam Levine, Miley Cyrus, and Blake Shelton) turned their chairs for her. As a member of Team Alicia, Wé placed third in the competition, behind runner-up Billy Gilman and winner Sundance Head, who appeared on American Idol season 6.
3 Marybeth Byrd Chose John Legend’s Team During The Voice Season 17
Marybeth wowed the American Idol judges with her stunning rendition of “If it Hadn’t Been for Love” by The SteelDrivers. She earned three “yes” votes and a golden ticket to Hollywood. During Hollywood Week round one, Marybeth chose to work on her stage presence. She sang “Something in the Orange” by Zach Bryan. Her duets round wasn’t shown, but she made it into the Top 26 after her powerful version of “Flat On the Floor” by Carrie Underwood. She sang that during the Showstoppers round.
During The Voice season 17 in 2019, Marybeth received a four-chair turn from the coaches, Kelly Clarkson, Gwen Stefani, John Legend, and Blake Shelton, for her rendition of “Angel from Montgomery” by Bonnie Raitt. Kelly blocked Blake from choosing Marybeth, but Marybeth chose to be on Team Legend. She finished the competition in the Top 8.
4 Megan Danielle Competed On Team Kelly Clarkson On The Voice Season 18
Megan had a very memorable American Idol audition when she tried out with “You Say” by Lauren Daigle. Lauren surprised her by entering the audition room, and singing along with her. Megan received “yes” from all three judges, and advanced to Hollywood with a golden ticket. During Hollywood Week round one, Megan chose to work on her confidence. She sang “Up to the Mountain (MLK Song)” by Patty Griffin. Her duets performance was not aired. During Megan’s Showstoppers performance, she sang “Always Remember Us This Way” by Lady Gaga.
During the Final Judgment, Lionel, Katy, and Luke couldn’t decide between Megan and Paige Anne. Therefore, they had them participate in a sing-off, during which they each performed “Easy on Me” by Adele. They decided to allow Megan to continue with the competition, and welcomed her into the Top 26.
In 2020, Megan appeared on The Voice season 18, singing “Remedy” by Adele in her audition. She was on Team Kelly Clarkson, and Kelly was the only coach who turned their chair for her, out of Kelly, Nick Jonas, John Legend, and Blake Shelton. Megan made it to the Top 9 before her elimination.
5 Michael Williams Was On Team Nick Jonas On The Voice 18
Michael’s audition aired on the American Idol season 21 premiere. He earned three “yes” voted (and a golden ticket to Hollywood) from the American Idol judges. They loved his impressive and sensitive rendition of “Talking to the Moon” by Bruno Mars. Although his first and second Hollywood Week rounds didn’t air, Michael’s performance of “Angels Like You” by Miley Cyrus during the Showstopper round was shown. At the Final Judgment, Lionel, Katy, and Luke told him that he would be in the Top 26.
Michael appeared on The Voice season 18 in 2020. He auditioned with “You Say” by Lauren Daigle. Nick Jonas was the only coach who turned for him, so he was on his team. During the Battles round, Michael went head-to-head with eventual American Idol season 20 Top 14 finalist Allegra Miles, singing Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know.” She mimicked Sam Smith’s style during the Battles round. He lost the Battle, but was saved by Nick. Michael made it to the Top 17 before he was eliminated. All of these former The Voice contestants now have second chances to showcase their immense talents on American Idol season 21.
American Idol airs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.
Sources: Usa ROBLOX/YouTube, The Voice Star/YouTube, All About Music/YouTube, Usa ROBLOX/YouTube, Calum Scott Brasil/YouTube