Kolbi Jordan’s journey on “American Idol” came full circle during Sunday night’s finale, as the Top 10 contestant took the stage with her favorite singer, Patti LaBelle.
From the moment that judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan met Jordan, her love for LaBelle was apparent — so much so, that Richie called the R&B icon during her audition to briefly connect the two singers.
“My dream is to have the two of you standing side by side,” Richie said after the call.
Even though Jordan was eliminated from the competition earlier this month, the Top 10 “Idol” hopeful was able to fulfill a different goal when she performed “Lady Marmalade” with LaBelle during the Season 23 finale. LaBelle originally recorded the song in 1974 as a member of the R&B group LaBelle.
The powerhouse duet is a highlight — if not the peak — of Jordan’s time on “American Idol.” Other notable moments include her soaring rendition of “Over The Rainbow” (from “The Wizard of Oz”) and earning one of the season’s coveted three platinum tickets.
Jordan was eliminated during the “Ladies Night” round, during which she performed “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac.
The end of Sunday’s episode revealed Jamal Roberts as the Season 23 champion and newest “American Idol.”