Quentin Tarantino returns to 'American Idol'

Quentin Tarantino

Credit: Manu Fernandez/AP

Even as he races to finish "Inglourious Basterds" in time for the Cannes Film Festival, Quentin Tarantino was able to set aside precious moments in his schedule for the important things in life, things like "American Idol."

The Oscar-winning filmmaker will be the guest mentor for next Tuesday's (April 14) "American Idol," coaching the Top Seven for an Idols at the Movies theme. 

Tarantino is no stranger to "American Idol." This week's guest appearance will actually come on the five-year anniversary of his stint as guest judge  for a Movies Night in "Idol" Season Three.

Dedicated fans will vividly remember Tarantino calling Fantasia "da bomb," raving that Jennifer Hudson outsang Whitney Houston and, after Jon Peter Lewis' famously bad performance of "Jailhouse Rock," gushing "You are the geekiest rock singer since Freddie and the Dreamers, but when you get in your geek mode, there's no one quite like you."

In short, we can't wait to have QT back, though he won't be sitting on the already glutted judging panel. 

In keeping with the cinematic theme, next Wednesday's "Idol" will also feature the return of Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, who pre-taped a performance of her single "If This Isn't Love," plus an appearance by Miley Cyrus, who also appeared on last season's "Idol Gives Back" special.

Stay up to date with the latest breaking news in the worlds of movies, TV and music by signing up for HitFix E-mail Alerts.