The newest season of “American Idol” is well underway with a fresh batch of musical hopefuls vying for a shot at fame.

But the most buzz-worthy performance Sunday night came not from one of those up-and-comers, but from Ashanti, an R&B darling who treated audience members to a medley of her greatest hits.

In a shimmering floor-length gold gown, Ashanti kicked off the performance with a rendition of “The Way That I Love You,” as judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan danced along in their seats.

She then moved into “Foolish,” which brought the judges out of their seats for a two-step.

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Underwood, with a tropical flower in her hair to signal the show’s mid-season voyage from California to Hawaii, swayed back and forth and whooped a few times as Ashanti hit the high notes.

A gaggle of hula dancers joined Ashanti during “Foolish,” no doubt part of the Disney Aulani resort extravaganza that serves as the backdrop for a portion of the show. ABC, which broadcasts “American Idol,” is owned by Disney.

Earlier in the night’s show, Jelly Roll, the singing competition’s artist-in-residence and a mentor during last week’s episode was blown away by another performance − a contestant covering his song.

Contestant Jamal Roberts brought Jelly Roll’s “Liar” to the stage in dramatic fashion with a stool kick, an uncompromising attitude and grit to his voice. 

“I would feel disrespectful to call this my song in this moment,” Jelly Roll said after Jamal’s performance. “This is now Jamal’s song. I was singing Jamal’s song tonight.”

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Ashanti served as a guest coach during this week’s episode and told host Ryan Seacrest after her performance that she had been particularly impressed with the contestants.

“All of their stories all of their passion and where they come from, the talent is just through the roof,” she said. “And they have a purpose.”

Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY