Jon Bon Jovi returns to American Idol as a guest mentor, here's more on his history with the show!

It's been 17 years (woah!) since the iconic Jon Bon Jovi was on American Idol, and now he's coming back as a guest mentor on season 22. He'll be lending some expertise and advice to whoever makes it into the Top 3 of the 2024 season, per Deadline. This will mark the final episode, which is scheduled for May 19, 2024 on ABC. So how is the artist connected to the show?

Back in 2007 on American Idol season 6, Bon Jovi also served as a guest mentor at that time. He was around to mentor the Top 6 with his rock band's (Bon Jovi) keyboard player David Bryan. The contestants were tasked with performing one song of the artist's. These are the following contestants who were in the Top 6 of the season and which tune they chose:

• Phil Stacey: "Blaze of Glory"
• Jordin Sparks: "Livin' on a Prayer"
• LaKisha Jones: "This Ain't a Love Song"
• Blake Lewis: "You Give Love a Bad Name"
• Chris Richardson: "Wanted Dead or Alive"
• Melinda Doolittle: "Have a Nice Day"

That night, the rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist also performed his song "(You Want to) Make a Memory." It was a very memorable time, and of course we all remember that the very talented and deserving Jordin Sparks won that season of American Idol! I think her song choice was perfect, and really suited her. And Bon Jovi himself of course was impressed by her rendition of his tune as well.

The frontman formed the group in 1983. Since then, he's released 15 studio albums with his band, and two of those have been solo albums. His career is very impressive and he's one of the most well-known artists. He has been married to his high school sweetheart Dorothea Hurley since 1989, and the couple has four children together. That includes Jake Bongiovi who is currently engaged to Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown.

Who could make the Top 3 on American Idol?

Right now, it's so hard to think who could make it into the Top 3 of American Idol 2024. We currently have the Top 10 of season 22, and they're all so talented. I can't imagine saying goodbye to any of them, but it's going to happen sooner than we'd like.

If I had to take a guess, and honestly based on which contestants are my personal favorites, I think Platinum Ticket winner Abi Carter, Florida native Kayko, and 15-year-old Triston Harper really have a good shot of being the final three finalists. Abi has been a fan-favorite since her rendition of "What Was I Made For?" by Billie Eilish, and Triston has managed to capture our hearts with his sweet personality. And Kayko? Honestly he surprises me every time he takes the stage and does something unexpected.

Some other standouts for me are McKenna Breinholt, Kabrienne Richins, and Jack Blocker. I think they also have a good chance of making it far this season. It's like American Idol judge Lionel Richie likes to say - vote, vote, vote. That's the name of the game and all we can do for our favorites. Whoever gets to make it into the Top 3 not only has an amazing opportunity when it comes to their Idol journey, but they get to be mentored by one of the biggest singers in the world - Jon Bon Jovi! And that makes them very lucky indeed. Now I'm doubly excited to see the finale.

Stay tuned to Hidden Remote as we keep you updated with news about American Idol! The season 22 finale airs Sunday, May 19, 2024 on ABC and streams on Hulu the next day.