Fantasia to Mentor Contestants on Upcoming American Idol Episode

LOS ANGELES, CA — Fantasia Barrino, the Season 3 winner of “American Idol,” will return as a guest mentor and performer during the competition’s upcoming episode on April 27. Host Ryan Seacrest announced the news during Monday’s episode.

Seacrest described the next episode as a celebration of iconic moments from the show. “On tap to mentor this historic show will be Fantasia,” he told the stunned contestants. He also teased an “epic, not-to-miss performance” from the R&B singer.

Since winning “American Idol” in 2004, Fantasia has released seven albums, including her hit single “I Believe,” which reached No. 1. She is also a Grammy Award winner for her song “Bittersweet” and has made a name for herself on Broadway, notably playing Celie Johnson in “The Color Purple.”

Other guest mentors in Season 23 include Ashanti and Josh Groban, who guided the Top 24 contestants earlier in the season. Next Sunday, James Taylor, a celebrated singer-songwriter, will also appear as a mentor for a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-themed night.

American Idol fans expressed excitement on social media about Taylor’s involvement. Many commented on his long-standing influence in the music industry, calling him a perfect mentor. Taylor, a six-time Grammy Award winner, is famous for numerous hits and has been active in the music scene for over 50 years.

Alongside the performances, viewers are anticipating the announcement of the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, adding more excitement to the episode.

Following the recent elimination round, the show has narrowed down the contestants to the Top 12. This season has featured singers from across America, including finalists from Canada and the U.K. Recent episodes have maintained the supportive environment fans expect, with judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie providing honest feedback.

Many viewers are eager to see how the remaining contestants perform in the upcoming episodes, which will lead to the grand finale on May 18.