Unseen Benson Boone Footage Emerges as Mary Jo Young Returns to the ‘Idol’ Stage
Half a decade after his brief but memorable stint on American Idol, fans have finally been treated to archived footage of Benson Boone’s time on the show. During the February 16 broadcast of the ABC singing competition, producers unveiled a previously vaulted duet featuring Boone and Season 19 standout Mary Jo Young.
The duo’s rendition of Lauren Daigle’s “You Say” was originally filmed during Hollywood Week in 2021. Although the performance never made it to air during the initial run, it has now resurfaced as part of Young’s journey back to the spotlight.
Young, now 24, famously reached the Top 24 during her first appearance. Boone, meanwhile, advanced through the early stages of the competition before choosing to withdraw. In the years following his departure, he has transformed into a global pop sensation. His 2024 smash hit, “Beautiful Things,” dominated the Billboard Hot 100 and solidified his status as one of the most successful alumni in the show’s history, despite never reaching the live finals.
Looking back at the archival clip, Young joked with the judging panel about her nerves back then, specifically recalling how she blanked on the lyrics. She described the experience as a necessary “kick the baby bird out of its nest” moment that forced her to evolve as a musician. Since her first run on Idol, Young has built a professional resume by opening for artists such as Jesse Murph and Alex Warren.
For her high-stakes return, Young opted to perform an original song titled “Don’t Call Me.” The judges were quick to notice her growth. Carrie Underwood highlighted the “power” and unique “tone” of her voice, noting that she now possesses a distinctive personality that shines through her vocals.
Lionel Richie offered some veteran wisdom, telling her, “It ain’t about singing, it’s about surviving. You’re doing quite well at surviving.” Luke Bryan also chimed in, pointing out that she carried herself with a “totally new” air of confidence that wasn’t there during her teenage years.
With a clean sweep of three “yes” votes, Young secured a Golden Ticket to Hollywood Week. This season, the “Hollywood” phase will transition to Nashville, with episodes set to air on February 23 and March 2.
Reflecting on her second chance, Young expressed gratitude for the platform. “I wanted to come back because I learned the most from this show,” she said. “I’m going to Hollywood Week much more prepared. This ticket proves it’s always worth it to try again.”
