American Idol’ Contestant Stuns with Emotional Duet Featuring Favorite Singer
Music legend Patti LaBelle and American Idol Season 23 contestant Kolbi Jordan shared a powerful moment onstage during the show’s grand finale. The two vocal powerhouses teamed up for a show-stopping duet of “Lady Marmalade,” creating one of the night’s most unforgettable performances.
The emotional collaboration marked a full-circle moment for Jordan, who had expressed her deep admiration for LaBelle from the very beginning of the competition. Their duet not only showcased their incredible vocal chemistry but also delivered a dream-come-true moment for the Top 10 finalist.
Captured live on the American Idol stage and aired by Disney, the performance was a standout highlight of the Season 23 finale, adding to an already memorable season.
‘American Idol’ Contestant Stuns with Emotional Duet Featuring Favorite Singer
Kolbi Jordan’s journey on American Idol reached a heartfelt and unforgettable high during the Season 23 finale on Sunday night. Although she was eliminated earlier in the competition, the Top 10 contestant returned to the stage to perform a powerful duet with her musical hero, R&B legend Patti LaBelle.
From her very first audition, Jordan made her admiration for LaBelle known. So strong was the connection that judge Lionel Richie phoned LaBelle during the audition, giving Jordan a brief but emotional introduction to her longtime idol.
“My dream is to have the two of you standing side by side,” Richie told Jordan after the call — a dream that ultimately came true.
Despite her earlier elimination during the “Ladies Night” round, where she performed Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” Jordan returned to perform the 1974 hit “Lady Marmalade” with LaBelle, who originally recorded the song as part of the group LaBelle. The duet was a standout moment of the night — a powerful, soulful performance that brought the crowd to its feet and fulfilled one of Jordan’s lifelong dreams.
The performance quickly became a highlight of the finale, showcasing Jordan’s vocal strength and stage presence. It capped off a memorable Idol run that also included her stunning rendition of “Over the Rainbow” and the honor of receiving one of the season’s exclusive platinum tickets.
Though she didn’t win the title, Jordan’s emotional return and once-in-a-lifetime duet left a lasting impact on both the audience and viewers at home.
The Season 23 finale ended with Jamal Roberts being crowned the newest American Idol champion.
