An emotional and performance-packed finale brought Season 24 of American Idol to a close on May 11, as viewers across the United States voted to crown a new winner after a night filled with powerhouse vocals, celebrity appearances, and high-stakes competition.

The final showdown featured three standout contestants—Keyla Richardson, Hannah Harper, and Jordan McCullough—each of whom had carved a distinct path through the season. The finale opened with all three joining the judges to perform Carrie Underwood’s anthem “The Champion,” setting a celebratory but tense tone for the evening.


From there, the competition quickly shifted into solo performances designed to showcase artistry, growth, and versatility. Harper, a 26-year-old stay-at-home mother, opened the individual rounds with Alicia Keys’ “No One,” a performance shaped with input from Keys herself. She followed it with an original song, “Married Into This Town,” which visibly moved both the audience and judge Carrie Underwood.

Richardson, a 29-year-old music teacher, delivered a stirring version of “Unthinkable” before taking on Whitney Houston’s gospel-infused “I Love the Lord,” a performance that highlighted her vocal control and emotional depth.


McCullough, a 27-year-old worship director, responded with a commanding rendition of “If I Ain’t Got You,” followed by “Dear God” by Smokie Norful, both of which underscored his gospel-rooted style and earned strong reactions from the judges.

Bnnnn

The first round concluded with all three finalists collaborating with Alicia Keys on “Lovin’ U,” blending their styles in a final shared moment before eliminations began.

First Elimination Changes the Race

After nationwide voting results were revealed, Keyla Richardson became the first finalist eliminated, narrowing the competition to Harper and McCullough. The announcement marked a turning point in the finale, shifting the focus to a direct head-to-head battle for the title.

Final Two Deliver Emotional Closing Performances

Both remaining finalists returned to the stage with special collaborations and defining performances. Harper performed “I Hope You Dance” alongside country star Lee Ann Womack, while McCullough teamed up with Tori Kelly and former contestant Daniel Stallworth for “Confetti.”

Each contestant then revisited the songs that helped define their journey to the finale—Harper with “Strong Cheese” and McCullough with “Goodness of God,” both earning standing ovations from the audience.

When the final votes were tallied, Hannah Harper was declared the winner of Season 24 of American Idol. Her victory was sealed with a final performance of “At the Cross (Love Ran Red)” by Chris Tomlin, closing out the season on a reflective and emotional note.

A Finale Packed With Star Power

Beyond the competition, the three-hour broadcast featured an array of guest performances and musical collaborations. Artists such as En Vogue, Brad Paisley, Nelly, Shinedown, Blues Traveler, and Gin Blossoms all took the stage, alongside returning favorites and past contestants.

Judge Carrie Underwood delivered one of the night’s most talked-about moments, performing with Mötley Crüe in a surprising genre crossover, while Alicia Keys returned for additional performances including her hit “Fallin’.” Fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie also joined in with their own musical segments, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

The finale ultimately served as both a culmination of individual journeys and a showcase of the show’s continued influence in launching and spotlighting new musical talent.