Carrie Underwood is no longer performing in the American Idol finale.
As Milestone Season 20 approaches with a star-studded finale, it was revealed by host Ryan Seacrest that Underwood was unable to appear.
"Carrie Underwood's group had a COVID risk, so following protocol she will no longer perform tonight," Seacrest said after Flo Rida's opening performance with the Top 10.
Underwood was set to debut "Denim and the Rhinestones" during the three-hour finale on Sunday, May 22.
The country superstar and Season 4 Idol winner first appeared in Season 20 to guide the Top 5 from her Las Vegas residence.
Underwood completed the 2022 performances of Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency at Resorts World Las Vegas on Saturday evening.
Underwood is gearing up to release her ninth studio album, Denim and the Rhinestones, which will feature a 12-track featuring the project's lead single "Ghost Story" as well as the title track and the recently released "Crazy Angels". " Will happen. Is.
"We cover a lot of ground on this album," Underwood shared in a press release. "We have a lot of songs that have a little 'throwback' feel, but they sound super fresh. I grew up listening to a variety of music and that's so evident in this body of work."
"These are musical influences that are in me and work in my own way, and I've decided not to get in their way this time around," said the Oklahoma native. "I think this whole album became a big reflection of me as a person and an artist."
Underwood will soon bring her upcoming new album to life on a 43-city tour, kicking off this fall.
Produced by AEG Presents, the trek will feature special guest Jimmy Allen on all dates. Beginning October 15 in Greenville, South Carolina, the tour will cover cities around the US, including New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, before ending in Seattle, Washington on March 17.
The three-hour Season 20 finale of American Idol featured performances from Idol judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, as well as Top 3 finalists Noah Thompson, Huntergirl and Leah Marlene.
Additionally, superstars Gabby Barrett, James Arthur, Sara Bareilles, Michael Bublé, Dinah Carter, Earth, Wind & Fire, Melissa Etheridge, Flo Rida, Ben Platt, Thomas Rhett, Tai Verdes and the star-studded will perform during the broadcast.
Several other Season 20 contestants will also return to the Idol stage, including Mike Parker, Christian Guardino, Jay Copeland, Nicolina Bozo, Fritz Hager, Emerson Flora and Lady K.
Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the American Idol finale airs live coast-to-coast on Sunday, May 22 at 8/7c on ABC. The finale also streams live on ABC.com and the ABC app and will be available to watch via Hulu on Monday (May 23).