Colton Dixon American Idol Performance of New Single 'Love Has Come For Me': Inspires, Gives Encouragement to Top 8 [VIDEO]

Colton Dixon came back onto the American Idol 2013 stage, not as a contestant, but as a performing artist. He introduced his new single "Love Has Come For Me" from his debut album A Messenger to millions of American Idol viewers on Thursday night's show.

Season 5 's Katharine McPhee and OneRepublic performed "If I Lose Myself." The American Idol judge Keith Urban also wowed the crowds with his smooth performance of "Long Hot Summer."

According to BREATHEcast, Dixon encouraged the current finalists by saying, "I definitely encourage those who are still on. I mean I was seventh and I have an album out. You've got Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry–none of these people won, but they're doing so well. So I just want those who are still on to get ready to start working–as soon as they're eliminated or when they start working."

Prior to his appearance on Thursday night, his other single "Never Gone" was introduced one of American Idol's fan favorites Angie Miller. Miller's recent performance may have been her worse, but her internet fan base is still strong enough to carry her forward.

Since her performance of "Never Gone," Dixon has seen a drastic increase in the sale of his album and singles "Never Gone" and even "You Are,"

"Angela Miller, who's on 'Idol' right now, killed 'Never Gone.' It was so good, man it was awesome. (I) might have gotten a little teary-eyed," Dixon was reported saying.

Watch his performance of "Love Has Come For Me" on American Idol in the video below:

Colton Dixon - Love Has Come For Me - American... by IdolxMuzic