Mary Jo Young Returns to American Idol, Revisits Notorious Duet with Benson Boone
Mary Jo Young made a deliberate return to the show that first introduced her to millions, delivering an original song and earning another shot at advancement while revisiting a painful Season 19 duet with Benson Boone. The 24-year-old contestant entered the room to warm recognition from the judges and left with a Golden Ticket to Hollywood Week.
A second audition and a new voice
Young walked into the judges’ panel greeted by familiar faces and a clear mandate: show growth. She chose to sing an original called "Don't Call Me, " a move that underscored how much she has developed as an artist since her first run on the competition. Judges smiled through the performance and praised the maturity and personality in her delivery.
"I wanted to come back because I learned the most from being on the show than I have on any tour, " Young said in a candid moment following the audition. She described the years since her first appearance as a period of steady progress—touring, opening for contemporary acts, and building confidence onstage. That experience appeared to pay off; the judges awarded her three yeses and a Golden Ticket to Hollywood Week.
The Benson Boone duet moment that lingered
One of the more talked-about items in Young’s audition narrative was a duet from her earlier run in Season 19 with Benson Boone, during which she blanked on lyrics. The performance became a defining moment for her early career on the show: it was awkward in the moment, but it did not end her progress. She still advanced to Hollywood Week and ultimately reached the Top 24 before being eliminated.
That stumble has since been reframed by Young as part of the growth process. "When it came to an end, it was a good kicking the baby bird out of its nest because I needed to go and grow, " she reflected. The misstep with Boone is now a reference point rather than an albatross—evidence that a high-profile slip can coexist with continued artistic development.
Judges’ feedback and what comes next
Feedback from the panel emphasized resilience and a new level of readiness. One judge offered blunt career advice about the ups and downs of the business: "You're going to get knocked down and you might get knocked out. Don't take it personal. Just come back in the ring. That's what it's all about. " Another praised the change in Young’s presence and confidence, calling the return a welcome and impressive follow-up to her earlier run.
The Golden Ticket guarantees Young another chance at Hollywood Week, and she framed that moment as validation of the work she’s put in since her first time on the show. "This Golden Ticket shows me it's always good to get back up and try again. I'm really proud of myself for it, " she said.
Viewers will see whether Young can translate this renewed momentum into sustained success during the next stage of the competition. The final night of auditions and the early rounds of Hollywood Week will be revealed on the Monday, February 16 episode, airing at 8 p. m. ET.
