Kelly Clarkson - The 28-year-old pop singer Kelly Clarkson retuned to American Idol last night (14th April 2011), almost ten years since she stormed to victory on the reality singing contest, reports Billboard. Clarkson was among the special guests on an evening that saw rocker Paul Mcdonald eliminated.
Clarkson was joined by the American country singer Jason Aldean to perform a duet of their chart topping hit 'Don't You Want To Stay'. The 'original' American Idol was given a warm reception on her return to the show, but her performance was eclipsed by an energetic live appearance from R&B star Rihanna. The 23-year-old took to the stage to perform her latest hit 'California King Bed' and was given a standing ovation by the show's all-star panel of judges. After both performances, the Nashville-based rock singer Paul Mcdonald became the first male contestant to be eliminated from this year's show. MCDonald, who fronts the band Grand Magnolias, made a grand exit with the song 'Maggie May', telling the crowd, "C'mon, don't be sad about this!" Joining the singer in this week's bottom three were Haley Reinhart and Stefano Langone, both of whom have been up for elimination in previous weeks.
Kelly Clarkson recently took to her Facebook page to announce that her fifth studio album has been delayed. The singer revealed that the record will not hit shelves until September, despite being scheduled for a release in early 2011.