Anthony Behar

Katharine McPhee returning to 'American Idol' alongside Tori Kelly and more for All-Star Duets

By Megan Armstrong | Last updated 3/29/21

It's getting down to it on American Idol.

Judges Katy Perry, Lionel Ritchie and Luke Bryan began the daunting task of cutting the field from 64 to 24 Sunday night, with the first 12 solidified. The remaining 12 will be locked in during Monday night's final "Showstopper" episode.

That will set the stage for the Top 24 to be paired with a visiting surprise celebrity guests to perform "All-Star Duets." Billboard exclusively reported the line-up Monday morning, and American Idol confirmed soon after:

These are celeb duets you WON'T want to miss #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/1uBnYkJXCs
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) March 29, 2021

Each of those artists have name recognition to a certain degree, but Idol fans may especially raise an eyebrow at Katharine McPhee. The Broadway star finished as the runner-up to Taylor Hicks on Season 5 in 2006.

Other notable stars include Tori Kelly (newly featured on Justin Bieber deluxe track "Name") and three-time Grammy-winning songwriter extraordinaire Ryan Tedder.

The visiting artists, as explained by Billboard, will each be paired with two vying contestants but duet separately with both. The two episodes featuring the All-Star Duets and solo performances will air next Sunday (April 4) and Monday (April 5)—marking the first time viewers will be allowed to vote for their favorite contestants this season.

American Idol airs every Sunday and Monday beginning at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

Catch up on the action by watching the latest performances by a few of the Top 24's first 12.