Fan-favorite NC ‘American Idol’ contestants are returning. Here’s how to watch
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kellie Pickler and Bucky Covington will return May 4 for a Season 26 reunion.
- Season 5 finalists, including winner Taylor Hicks, will join the reunion episode.
- The episode airs 8:00–10:00 p.m. EDT on ABC and streams May 5 on Disney+ and Hulu.
North Carolinians Kellie Pickler and Bucky Covington will return to “American Idol” Monday, May 4, for a reunion as the audience narrows down the top three contestants for Season 26.
Pickler and Covington competed on Season 5 of “American Idol” in 2006, with both landing in the Top 10. The pair will be joined by other finalists from Season 5, Taylor Hicks as well as finalists Paris Bennett and Elliott Yamin. Hicks won the season.
The reunion was announced on American Idol’s official podcast, hosted by “Boy Meets World” star Danielle Fishel. The show’s original judges, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, will also be on Monday’s episode.
The Season 5 contestants will keep the nostalgia going with a joint performance with the finalists of Season 26. The five finalists this season are Hannah Harper, Chris Tungseth, Braden Rumfelt, Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson.
Who are Pickler and Covington?
Pickler and Covington appeared on “American Idol” during a successful run of North Carolina singers. Their season also featured Chris Daughtry, a frontrunner from McLeansville, whose elimination toward the end of the season shocked viewers.
Pickler is from Albemarle and graduated from North Stanly High School. “Idol” judges, and particularly then-judge Simon Cowell, were entertained by her Southern charm and her work as a roller skating waitress at a local Sonic Drive-In. She finished in sixth place.
Following her stint on the show, Pickler went on to put out several albums, win “Dancing With The Stars” and host a talk show. She has had fewer public appearances in recent years, following the death of her husband, songwriter Kyle Jacobs.
Pickler won’t be the only mirrorball winner in the episode; “Dancing With The Stars” cast members will “bring some ballroom flair to the celebration,” according to an ABC press release.
Covington is from Rockingham. His twin, Rocky Covington, also tried out for Season 6. Following his stint on the show, he went on to debut an album No. 1 on Billboard Top Country Albums, with his brother in the band. After the label he was signed to shut down, Covington eventually released another album in 2012.
Where can I watch the reunion?
The episode will air 8-10 p.m. on ABC. The episode will be available on Disney+ and Hulu Tuesday, May 5.
This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 3:21 PM with the headline "Fan-favorite NC ‘American Idol’ contestants are returning. Here’s how to watch."
