Luke Bryan To Sing With Trailblazing Contestant On 'American Idol' Finale

Photo: Getty Images/ABC

Now that the American Idol Season 20 finalists have been revealed, the Top 3 contestants have been paired up with iconic artists to perform during the finale on Sunday night (May 22) — including some of the celebrity judges. Country hitmaker Luke Bryan will perform with Huntergirl, the singer who quickly earned Bryan’s praise as “my favorite female country voice I’ve heard in five years,” of judging on the hit competition series.

Hunter Wolkonowski dropped her jaw when Bryan told her thee two would sing together during the finale. They’ll take on “I Told You So,” by the legendary Randy Travis. “It’s gonna be insane,” Huntergirl gushed, high-fiving the “One Margarita” singer. Likewise, Leah Marlene will sing with fellow Idol judge Katy Perry (marking a full-circle moment, after sharing a video of her “Firework” cover at 9 years old), and Noah Thompson will sing with Melissa Etheridge. Watch the reveal here:

Earlier this week, Huntergirl could hardly contain her excitement on Instagram: “I MADE IT TO THE FINALE!!! I have cried so hard. Thank you guys so much for believing in me. I LOVE YOU. 💕 THANK YOU SO MUCH! ✨.” In a separate post, she wrote: “I still can’t believe I’m in the Top 3. This journey has been so surreal. Thank you guys for believing in and supporting me always. I love and appreciate everyone so much. Y’all are the reason I get to chase after my dream. THANK YOU! ✨ I’m about to hop on a plane to Tennessee. Can’t wait to see my hometown folks soon! 💕” Crowds applauded and cheered as Huntergirl returned home to Winchester, Tennessee. Watch the heartwarming welcome here:

Huntergirl, who previously worked in music therapy with veterans coping with PTSD, made history after her first American Idol audition, during which she covered “Riot” by Rascal Flatts. Huntergirl was the first recipient of the platinum ticket, making American Idol history. The ticket allowed her to bypass the first round of Hollywood week, host Ryan Seacrest explained at the time. Only three contestants can earn a platinum ticket throughout the entire season.

From Day 1, Bryan predicted that Huntergirl would compete in the Top 10, and deemed her a “new age Miranda Lambert.” Other judges have also cast bold predictions about Huntergirl’s success in the competition, including Perry, who said if Huntergirl plays her cards right, “she could win it.

“When you start singing, it just sounds like the dad-gum country radio,” Bryan previously tolf Huntergirl. “It’s a real serious dad-gum.”

Relive Huntergirl’s audition here:


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