Five years after his brief run on American Idol, previously unseen footage of Benson Boone performing on the show has finally aired.
During the Feb. 16 episode of the ABC competition series, producers broadcast an unaired duet between Boone and returning contestant Mary Jo Young from season 19.
The two had performed “You Say” by Lauren Daigle during Hollywood Week in 2021, though the pairing did not make it to air at the time.
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Young, now 24, previously reached the Top 24 during season 19 of the ABC competition series, while Boone advanced to Hollywood Week that season but later withdrew from the competition.
In the years since, he has emerged as one of the show’s most commercially successful alumni who did not complete a full season run. His 2024 single “Beautiful Things” became a breakout global hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts internationally.
Reflecting on that moment, Young joked to the judges, “Me forgetting all the lyrics to ‘You Say.’” She added, “When it came to an end, it was a good, kick the baby bird out of its nest because I needed to go and grow.”
Since her initial appearance on Idol, Young has toured as an opening act for Alex Warren and Jesse Murph. She told the judges that her confidence has grown in the years since her first audition.
For her return performance, Young sang her original song “Don’t Call Me.” Underwood praised both the material and the delivery, telling her, “I liked it a lot. I liked the song a lot. Your voice has a different tone to it. It’s got some power under it when you start going for the higher stuff. [There is] a lot of personality in you and your voice as well.”
Richie offered broader career advice, saying, “I tell people who try to get in the business, it ain’t about singing, it’s about surviving. If you can get through that, that’s the key. You’re doing quite well at surviving. It sounds great.”
Bryan noted a shift in her stage presence: “There is a different air of confidence to you that’s totally new. We’re glad you came back around.”
Young received three yes votes, sending her to Hollywood Week. Despite the name, this season’s Hollywood phase is taking place in Nashville, with episodes scheduled to air Feb. 23 and March 2 on ABC.
Following her Golden Ticket moment, Young reflected on her return to the show: “I wanted to come back to American Idol because I learned the most from the show than I have on any tour. I’m going to Hollywood Week much more prepared. This ticket shows me it’s always good to get up and try again, and I’m proud of myself for it.”