Viewers shocked as American Idol contestant appears with her 80s music legend dad

American Idol viewers have flocked to social media in surprise after a contestant brought on their famous dad.

Judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan of the ABC singing competition were left stunned during its latest episode (Sunday, 26 March) after a familiar face took to the audition room to accompany aspiring pop singer Kaya Stewart.

Prepare to squint hard to uncover the man concealed behind a pair of sunglasses and hat:

Not only did Kaya go the extra mile by performing some of her own original music in front of the American Idol judges, but she also brought her father - Dave Stewart - along to provide some back-up guitar music.

Kaya's dad is one half of pop duo Eurythmics - in which, alongside Annie Lennox, he released songs such as 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)' and 'There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart)'.

Upon introducing her father to the judges, all three remained wide-eyed in shock, before Perry exclaimed: "Oh my god. Blast from the past."

"We were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame together and to have you with your daughter I think is so cool," Richie added.

ABC

Viewers have since flocked to social media in surprise over Dave Stewart's appearance on the show.

One wrote: "OMG Dave Stewart #AmericanIdol."

"I see Dave Stewart! #AmericanIdol," a second said.

Another commented: "This is incredible!! 80s flashbacks! Hall Of Fame-ers!! Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics and @LionelRichie. They just have to bring Dave Stewart back in the finale to do Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) with a contestant singing it!"

ABC

However, others were left conflicted by Kaya bringing her famous father along.

One said: "@AmericanIdol nepotism much? If Dave Stewart's kid was any good wouldn't she have broken big by now? Isn't she preventing someone who really needed the chance? She's not talented."

"No idea who Dave Stewart is but since he's a big name in Lionel Richie's era it's a good thing he showed up with his daughter because... I don't think she'd get a yes if she was a random with that performance #AmericanIdol," another wrote.

A third said: "I bet the judges had to say yes because she was the daughter of Dave Stewart. Not saying the girl can’t sing but it’s like the judges couldn’t say anything bad that could’ve helped her in the long run because he was there."

Although a final added: "I just watched it on YouTube. (I actually haven't watched American Idol in many, many years.) Kaya Stewart did a great job. She definitely has an advantage being the daughter of Dave Stewart, so I'm sure she'll do well. I wish her all the best."

UNILAD has contacted American Idol for comment.