He’ll show them who’s Boss.
Sunday night’s season finale of American Idol is set to include a Bruce Springsteen–themed round.
As part of the tribute to the iconic New Jersey rocker, the show’s three remaining contestants are each slated to sing a Springsteen tune. The music competition series, now in its 20th season, is down to Tennessee’s HunterGirl (Hunter Wolkonowski), Illinois’ Leah Marlene and Kentucky’s Noah Thompson. One will be crowned the next American Idol, joining a list that includes Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks and Jordin Sparks.
Springsteen, 72, wasn’t always willing to approve his songs for shows like American Idol in the past, but the E Street frontman sold the rights to his entire catalog to Sony Music Entertainment last year for $550 million. So such decisions are no longer in his hands.
Unfortunately, Springsteen will not make an appearance at the season finale, a rep for the show confirmed to New Jersey Monthly, but a superstar lineup is set to perform alongside the finalists. Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie are expected to take the stage, in addition to stars including Underwood, Melissa Etheridge, Flo Rida, Ben Platt, Sara Bareilles, Michael Bublé, Gabby Barrett, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
Ryan Seacrest is the show’s longtime host.
Sunday will not be the first time a New Jersey singer influenced Idol’s 20th season. Manasquan’s Cole Hallman—a former barback at the Stony Pony—and Lumberton’s Camryn Champion appeared as contestants earlier this year.
The live season finale airs on Sunday, May 22, from 8–11 pm on ABC.