Previously unseen American Idol duet featuring Benson Boone finally airs

Boone performed a duet of the song 'You Say' by Lauren Daigle with contestant Mary Jo Young

Benson Boone appeared in previously unseen footage performing a duet with contestant Mary Jo Young during Season 19 of American Idol, giving fans a first look at a moment that was never broadcast at the time.

The performance aired during the February 16 episode of the competition series and took place during Hollywood Week in 2021, when Boone and Young sang “You Say” by Lauren Daigle together, footage that was filmed but never shown during his original run.

Boone, who advanced to Hollywood Week but ultimately withdrew from the show to focus on his burgeoning music career, has since become one of the most successful alumni who did not complete a full season. His 2024 single “Beautiful Things” became a global hit, reaching the top tier of the Billboard charts and remaining in heavy rotation on radio long after its release.

In the newly aired footage, Young laughed with judges about the performance, saying, “Me forgetting all the lyrics to ‘You Say.’” She later reflected on the growth she’s experienced since first appearing, explaining that stepping away from the stage then helped build her confidence and musical identity.

Young’s return also highlighted her current evolution as an artist; she advanced to Hollywood Week again with a performance of her original song “Don’t Call Me,” earning praise from judges who noted her improved presence and vocal personality.

The broadcast of Boone’s long‑lost duet offers a nostalgic glimpse into the early journey of an artist whose career has since expanded well beyond the show, illustrating how American Idol serves as both a launching pad and a cultural touchstone for future stars.