Class is back in session on American Idol and this time, it’s a full-blown reunion.

At the American Idol 20th high school reunion, the Top 5 take the stage alongside returning fan-favorite contestants from the Class of 2006 as America votes live to determine which three singers will advance to next week’s finale.

It’s a milestone night for the franchise, with Season 5 standouts Taylor Hicks, Kellie Pickler, Paris Bennett, Bucky Covington, and Elliott Yamin all returning to duet with the remaining hopefuls: Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, Keyla Richardson, Braden Rumfelt, and Chris Tungseth. With the finish line in sight, every performance carries extra weight as the finalists fight to survive another live vote.

Adding to the nostalgia, original judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson are back in the building, mentoring the contestants as they prepare for one of the biggest nights of the season. Paula will also join Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan at the judges’ table, bringing the show full circle as two more contestants are eliminated ahead of the May 11 finale. Reigning American Idol winner Jamal Roberts will also return to perform during the live show.

The night will also feature a ballroom twist, as Dancing with the Stars pros bring some added flair to the performances, giving the singers yet another challenge as they balance vocals, stage presence, and live pressure.

Read on for our live recap of the American Idol “Class of 2006: Reunion” episode as the Top 5 perform, familiar faces return, and America decides who makes it into the finale.

Previously on American Idol

Last week’s “Taylor Swift Night” pushed the Top 7 through one of the most competitive rounds of the season, as the contestants tackled songs spanning the superstar’s entire catalog while America voted live.

By the end of the night, America’s vote narrowed the field to five finalists as Brooks and Daniel Stallworth were eliminated.

Who was eliminated?

The three artists with the most votes were: Hannah Harper, Keyla Richardson, and Jordan McCullough. That means these three singers will be competing in the May 11 finale for a chance to win Season 24.

The contestants in the bottom two were Chris Tungseth and Braden Rumfelt, which meant they were eliminated in the Semifinals.

Top 5 live performances (updating live beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT)

Keyla Richardson
Age: 29
Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
Performance: “River Deep — Mountain High”
Carrie’s comments: “You sound great, you look gorgeous — all good things.”
Luke’s comments: “You were the anchor of a crazy, entertaining moment.”
Lionel’s comments: “That’s the way you start a show! What I love the most is the attitude.”
Paula’s comments: “Your vocal range is like a weapon — you can go from a whisper to a thunderstorm.”

Chris Tungseth
Age: 27
Hometown: Fergus Falls, Minn.
Performance: “Northern Attitude”
Carrie’s comments: “When you find the right songs and the right notes…it fills the room.”
Luke’s comments: “You were hitting really big notes.”
Lionel’s comments: “Hold on to your ugly face as long as you can — and then let it go. Other than that you were on point.”
Paula’s comments: “You have a beautiful tender ache in your voice.”

Braden Rumfelt
Age: 22
Hometown: Murphy, N.C.
Performance: “Lose Control”
Carrie’s comments: N/A
Luke’s comments: “It’s too much for me, but I’m loving this night. Sensory overload!”
Lionel’s comments: “You can’t mess up. The crowd did not come to rehearsal. So just relax, enjoy it, and be in the moment. You’ve got the voice to do it.”
Paula’s comments: “I absolutely love your voice. It makes me feel like I’m wrapped in the coziest blanket. Just own the stage. I need you to believe in yourself.”

Hannah Harper
Age: 25
Hometown: Willow Springs, Mo.
Performance: “Fever”
Carrie’s comments: “I’m so proud of you. You’re growing more and more every single week. Keep bringin’ it.”
Luke’s comments: “It was incredible. It was sexy, it was sultry, it was not what we expected from you.”
Lionel’s comments: “That was exactly what was needed. Surprise us — you did just that.”
Paula’s comments: “There is nobody that sounds like you in this competition. It’s beautiful to see how America has become so invested in you.”

Jordan McCullough
Age: 27
Hometown: Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Performance: “Footprints in the Sand”
Carrie’s comments: “You are such a perfect of example of not overdoing it. You sing with your whole body and we feel that. It was perfect.”
Luke’s comments: “No one has made me as big of a believer as you. You’re one of the best singers we’ve ever had.”
Lionel’s comments: “Let the congregation say Amen!”
Paula’s comments: “Your gift, what you have, I don’t know where it comes from, but it’s not from here. It’s not normal. You make me question my own existence. I love you.”

Idol Duets

Keyla Richardson with Taylor Hicks
Age: 29
Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
Performance: “Living For the City”
Carrie’s comments: “I wouldn’t have put you guys together, but it worked! You sound incredible.”
Luke’s comments: “Taylor, your energy elevated Keyla’s game. I loved every second of it.”
Lionel’s comments: “That was stupid!”
Paula’s comments: “I’ve never seen you have so much fun. The two of you brought the house down.”

Chris Tungseth with Bucky Covington
Age: 27
Hometown: Fergus Falls, Minn.
Performance: “The Thunder Rolls”
Carrie’s comments: “You looked more comfortable than I have seen you look all season. Yes! More, more, more!”
Luke’s comments: “Battle of the hair. That was one of the best vocals I’ve heard you deliver.”
Lionel’s comments: “Your attitude was on point.”
Paula’s comments: “Another pairing that was perfection. Bucky, I miss you like my son!”

Braden Rumfelt with Paris Bennett
Age: 22
Hometown: Murphy, N.C.
Performance: “The Show Must Go On”
Carrie’s comments: “I wish that we had had this night earlier in the competition. It would have catapulted you even further. That was amazing.”
Luke’s comments: “Way to show up and stand toe-to-toe with her! Stank face!”
Lionel’s comments: “Whatever possessed you, you killed it. Unbelievable!”
Paula’s comments: “I just saw a different Braden. Thank you, Paris, for bringing this out of him.”

Hannah Harper with Kellie Pickler
Age: 25
Hometown: Willow Springs, Mo.
Performance: “Broken Wing”
Carrie’s comments: “We are all part of this special club. That was magical.”
Luke’s comments: “Look at Pickler up there!”
Lionel’s comments: “The perfect voice blend. The two of you together made one dynamic performance.”
Paula’s comments: “Another perfect pairing. What a beautiful job.”

Elimination

“Dim the lights!”

Ryan Seacrest revealed the Top 3 based on America’s vote. The two contestants who received the fewest votes and were eliminated from the competition were … Braden and Chris.

Next Week

The Top 3 return for one final night of performances as America votes to crown the Season 24 winner. Alicia Keys will mentor the finalists and take the stage herself.

The Season 24 finale is set for a three-hour live event on Monday, May 11 (8:00–11:00 p.m. ET), as the Top 3 finalists take the stage one last time for America’s vote — with the winner crowned the next American Idol. Alicia Keys will serve as both mentor and performer.

The finale is also stacked with guest performances from Blues Traveler, Cameron Whitcomb, Clay Aiken, En Vogue, Gin Blossoms, Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack, Mötley Crüe, Nelly, Shinedown, Tori Kelly, and Brad Paisley — a mix of music legends and current hitmakers closing out the season in style.