Scotty McCreery Returns to ‘American Idol’ as Mentor

With the final season of American Idol underway, a number of previous ‘Idols’ are making their way back to the show to help mentor and encourage the last round of contestants.

Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery returned to the show to tape an episode for the show. For three days, he helped mentor two of the Top 24 contestants and shared what he learned from his experience. “I remember how important it was to me during my time on ‘Idol’ to meet and learn from all the great artists who visited the set and offered their advice,” said McCreery. “I was proud to be able to come back and offer whatever guidance I could to my two talented contestants. This is their season and their show. I was there to help them shine…and I believe they both did!”

The studio audience at the taping was also treated to duets between McCreery and the contestants he mentored.

The episode featuring McCreery and five other returning Idols will air on Thurday, Feb. 11 at 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT) on FOX.