Who won American Idol 2026: A decisive moment has arrived on American Idol, as the Top 3 finalists Keyla Richardson, Jordan McCullough, and Hannah Harper were revealed on May 11 during Season 24.
This three-hour episode featured performances by judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, alongside a spectacular lineup of guest artists including Nelly, Brad Paisley, Lee Ann Womack, and Jason Mraz.
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After weeks of auditions, singing competitions, and eliminations, this long-running reality show is now set to crown its new winner. Keyla finished in third place.
Jordan was the runner-up, taking second place. Ryan Seacrest revealed the results of the fan votes and announced that Hannah has won this season of “American Idol.”
When will the ‘American Idol’ finale air on TV?
This three-hour ‘American Idol’ finale episode will air on May 11 at 8 PM ET on ABC and Disney+, and will be available for streaming on Hulu on May 12.
A special highlight is that fans can vote for their favorite winner via the ‘American Idol’ website, app, or social media channels.
It is also worth noting that last year’s finale saw a record-breaking 26 million votes cast, with Physical Education teacher Iam Tongi emerging as the winner.
Who will be performing during the ‘American Idol’ show?
According to sources, the show’s judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan will take the stage together to perform Richie’s 1986 hit song, “Deep River Woman.” Additionally, Bryan will perform solo to promote his new single, “Fish Hunt Golf Drink.”
He will also join former contestant Julian Kolel to perform a cover of Dwight Yoakam’s song, “A Thousand Miles from Nowhere.”
Who are the ‘American Idol’ finalists?
Keyla Richardson
keyla Richardson is a 29-year-old music teacher from Pensacola, Fla.The gospel singer has been a standout contestant on Season 24 since her audition, when she brought Bryan to tears with her cover of Pink’s “Glitter in the Air.”
Richie hailed her rendition of the Beatles’ “With a Little Help From My Friends” during Idol’s Top 20 show as “the greatest performance I have ever seen on this stage.”
She is no stranger to reality TV, having appeared on BET’s reality competition Sunday Best in 2019. She subsequently topped Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart with her single “So Good” and made her acting debut in the 2022 film Due Season.
Jordan McCullough
Jordan McCullough is a worship leader from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She first won the hearts of the Idol judges during her audition, when she performed Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson’s song “Goodness of God” in her melodious voice.
Her musical identity is firmly rooted in her faith. She told Parade that her Christianity would “always remain the foundation” of her career, adding that she is open to experimenting with different musical genres and releasing songs that “inspire.”
McCullough had previously auditioned for the 17th season of The Voice in 2019, but none of the coaches turned their chairs a setback that has made her journey to reaching such great heights on Idol all the more memorable.
Hannah Harper
Hannah Harper is a homemaker and mother of three, residing in Willow Springs, Missouri. Before participating in American Idol, she balanced her music with family life, working as a worship leader for seven years while raising her children.
She initially considered pursuing a career in physical therapy but chose to stay home instead, as she never expected to progress beyond performing with her family band.
Her life changed after she began posting videos on TikTok, where her followers encouraged her to focus on singing. She auditioned for American Idol with “String Cheese” an iconic bluegrass gospel song about postpartum depression which Underwood described as “the most relevant song I have ever heard.”
