The season 24 finale will feature performances by judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie
NEED TO KNOW
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Alicia Keys will serve as the guest mentor and performer alongside a star-studded lineup of musical guests
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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