Randy Jackson and Carrie Underwood reunited 20 years after they first met. On Monday, May 4, the American Idol legends came together for the "Class of 2006" episode, alongside Paula Abdul.
Before the episode aired, Carrie shared a throwback photo of her and Randy from the year she won the reality competition show to Instagram. In it, Carrie sported platinum blonde hair, wore a peach blouse and a sparkly mini skirt, while Randy wore an all black ensemble accessorized with a yellow button that read: "Yo."
"Flashing back with another one of my favorite people from @americanidol," Carrie wrote to her 13.3 million Instagram followers. "The one and only, @randyjackson returns this week as a guest mentor to our Top 5!"
© ABC20 years later, Carrie, 43, and Randy, 69, look unrecognizable. The "Before He Cheats" singer ditched her blonde hair for a light-brunette style, but she stuck with a similar sparkly outfit she wore in 2006.And while Randy didn't join Carrie and Paula, 63, during the live show, he mentored the contestants during the pre-taped sections of the show. The Grammy-winning producer sported shorter hair, wore a black t-shirt, and a brown jacket with his usual tinted sunglasses.
© Disney via Getty ImagesFan reactions to Carrie and Randy's reunion
American Idol fans couldn't wait to watch the Class of 2006 episode. After Carrie shared the throwback photo of her and Randy, fans flooded the comments with their excitement.
"Can't wait to see him and Paula Abdul on tonight's episode!" one person wrote, adding: "I've been looking forward to it all week!"
© Disney via Getty ImagesAnother commented: "Love this, Dog!!! So happy to see the gang back together tonight," playfully adding: "Now we just need Simon [Cowell]."
Why did Randy Jackson leave American Idol?
Randy was an original judge on the reality singing show, alongside Paula and Simon. The show premiered in 2001, launching the careers of singers like Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson. In 2013, Randy announced that he would depart the show after 12 years working as a judge.
"To put all of the speculation to rest, after 12 years of judging on American Idol, I have decided to leave after this season. I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry," he shared in a statement.
© ABCWhat did Randy Jackson do after American Idol?
Randy was a legend in the music industry long before joining American Idol as a judge, so he returned to those roots after leaving. The Grammy-winner continued his music career as a producer, manager, and bassist, and even joined the band Journey in 2020.
He also co-founded Unify Health Labs, a wellness brand focusing on gut health after he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Randy overhauled his life and focused on weight loss. In 2004, he told CBS News' The Early Show: "It's a life choice because you change and alter your complete life when you do this."
