May 22, 2023
Eric McCandless/ABC
Jazmine Sullivan made an appearance on the Season 21 finale of 'American Idol' Sunday night to perform a duet of her hit single 'Bust Your Windows' with former contestant Wé Ani.
As "American Idol" wrapped up its 21st season Sunday night, Jazmine Sullivan teamed up with former contestant Wé Ani to perform a spirited duet of the R&B singer's 2008 hit single, "Bust Your Windows."
The violin-laden performance showcased the singers' soulful harmonies and was met with roaring applause and a standing ovation from celebrity judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. The response prompting an excited hug between the two singers.
Ani, who was raised in New Jersey but now lives in New York, was eliminated from the ABC show during its Disney Night episode on Mother's Day. She finished in the top five and became a favorite among the judges.
Ani covered hit songs on the show while simultaneously releasing original music as an independent artist, NorthJersey reported. Her performances of Aretha Franklin's "Ain't No Way," Adele's "Skyfall" and Blu Cantrell's "Hit 'Em Up Style" brought her close to the "American Idol" finish line, though she failed to garner enough support from viewers to win it all. Ani also finished in the top 3 on NBC's "The Voice" in 2016.
Ani has released four singles and one EP this year, including "Won't Take Me Alive," a duet with fellow "American Idol" contestant PJAE. On Friday, just days after her elimination, Ani released "175 Lbs," a collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Oak Felder, who previously worked with Demi Lovato and Usher.
Hawaii-based singer Iam Tongi was named the winner of Season 21. Megan Danielle and Colin Stough came in second and third place, respectively.
Sullivan has never graced the "Idol" stage before, though her music has become a fixture of singing competition shows, with performers eager to prove their vocal ranges by attempting Sullivan's low register and soulful riffs. Sullivan previously appeared as a mentor during Season 22 of "The Voice" alongside judge John Legend.
Sullivan, who was raised in Strawberry Mansion, spent her earliest days performing at the St. Andrews Fellowship Baptist Church in Germantown before attending the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts. She has named Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige and Erykah Badu as major influences on her tone and ability to riff and run, which have become mainstays of her performances.
Since Sullivan's musical debut with "Need U Bad," "Bust Your Windows" and "Lions, Tigers & Bears" in 2008, she released four studio albums. She has earned two Grammy Awards for her work on 2021's "Heaux Tales."
Earlier this year, Sullivan made the Academy Awards' shortlist for her performance of "Rise Up" from the "Till" soundtrack, though she ultimately was not nominated for best original song. Rolling Stone has named Sullivan one of the greatest singers of all time, ranking her at No. 182.
Sullivan will appear alongside Jhene Aiko, Queen Naija and Ebony Riley as part of the North to Shore Festival in Atlantic City on June 10. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.
The three-hour finale of "American Idol" is available to stream on Hulu, though fans only looking to catch the performances can check out the show's YouTube channel for more than a dozen clips from the live show. Other guest performers included Keith Urban, Clay Aiken, Kylie Minogue and TLC.
Listen to Sullivan and Ani's performance of "Bust Your Windows" below.
