the latest american idol The winner has been revealed.
During the season 24 finale on Monday, May 11, host Ryan Seacrest announced that hanna harper received the most votes from viewers. Jordan McCullough was revealed as the runner-up, with Keyla Richardson coming in third place.
“After a nationwide vote and an incredible season, the winner of american idol 2026 is Hannah Harper,” Seacrest announced at the climax of the finale.
He Idol The finale began with the three finalists each singing a song in honor of the guest mentor. Alice Keys. Harper performed Keys’ 2007 hit “No One,” while Richardson performed 2009’s “Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready)” and McCullough performed the 2003 song “If I Ain’t Got You.”
Carrie Underwood/Instagram Carrie Underwood shares the good, the bad, and the ugly of farm life. “My goal is to do as much as I can for myself,” Underwood, 43, exclusively told Us Weekly at American Idol’s Taylor Swift Night on Monday, April 27. “I love it. It’s challenging and frustrating. […]
“Your voice sounds beautiful and tender and like a lullaby,” judge Luke Bryan Harper said. “Your voice is like walking outdoors. It’s like walking through a beautiful garden. You are a true artist.”
The second round was a tribute to each finalist’s hometown, with Harper opting for the original song “Married Into This Town.”
“Congratulations on writing songs, congratulations on being that authentic person,” judge Lionel Richie he told him.
The local round continued with Richardson’s performance of “I Love The Lord” and McCullough’s version of “Dear God.” At the conclusion of the second round, Seacrest revealed that Keyla finished in third place overall.
The stage was set for a dramatic showdown between the two finalists, as each had the opportunity to perform their potential winner’s single: Harper’s “String Cheese” and McCullough’s “Goodness of God.” When the votes were added up, it was revealed that Harper was 2026. Idol winner.
Harper, 25, is a homemaker with three children and is originally from Willow Springs, Missouri. The singer has captivated american idol fans since she auditioned with an original song titled “String Cheese,” which explores postpartum depression.
McCullough, 27, is worship director at Zeal Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, which is less than an hour from Nashville. Previously auditioned for The Voice in 2019 but did not receive any chair turn.
Richardson, 29, is a gospel singer born and raised in Pensacola, Florida. Her single “So Good” became her first number one on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart in 2021.
After making it to the Top 5 during the April 27 episode, Harper and Richardson exclusively told Us weekly who were grateful to be able to share their faith with America throughout the season.
“We both grew up in the church and had the opportunity to share our testimony, and it was nice to be able to have it on this platform,” Harper said. “It was an honor.”
American Idol paved the way for reality shows to help everyday people achieve their dreams of music stardom. The series premiered in 2002 on Fox with a star-studded judging panel of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. The first season of American Idol introduced Kelly Clarkson, who would become the show’s first breakout star. […]
Richardson added, “I grew up in church. I know a lot of songs, so it was a little difficult to choose them, but I wanted to choose something that everyone could relate to. I wanted everyone to worship with me. That’s my heart. That’s where I find myself in worship a lot of times. When they said ‘faith songs,’ that’s what I needed.”
The musician continued, “I’m glad we can be open about our faith. I’m glad everyone agrees with it and we agree with it… I love God, and it’s him I love.”
Harper, McCullough and Richardson were chosen for the Top 3 during last week’s semi-finals.
On Monday night’s three-hour season finale, Keys served as a guest judge alongside Carrie UnderwoodRichie and Bryan. The evening was also filled with musical performances by Brad Paisleyblues traveler, Cameron Whitcomb, Clay AikenIn Vogue, Gin Flowers, Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack, Nellie, glow, Tori Kelly and more.
Braden Rumfelt and Chris Tungsethwho were eliminated in the Top 5, also performed again.