American Idol has announced a special episode dedicated to Taylor Swift. The show will air its first-ever “Taylor Swift Night” on 27 April during its current season.
The episode will feature the top seven contestants performing songs from Swift’s catalogue. Producers said the night will celebrate her “chart-topping hits and defining eras”.
Comedian Nikki Glaser will appear as a guest judge. She is known as a long-time fan of Swift and is expected to bring a strong focus on the singer’s music and storytelling.
This marks the first time in the programme’s 24 seasons that an entire episode has been dedicated to Swift. The show first aired in 2002 and has featured many themed nights over the years.
Although Swift has never appeared on the show as a performer or judge, her songs have been covered by contestants in past seasons. Several performances this year have already included her music.
The announcement came during a recent episode, where contestants performed songs from Disney films. Jennifer Hudson appeared as a guest mentor and judge for that episode.
Following the Taylor Swift-themed night, the competition will narrow down the remaining contestants. Only seven singers will continue in the contest after the episode airs.
Further details about song choices and performances are expected to be revealed closer to the broadcast date.