American Idol has crowned a new winner. The star-studded finale on Monday, May 11, featured exciting performances from the judges, finalists and musical guests. Keep reading for a full recap of the finale, including which artist came out on top.
Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson made it to the Top 3 after last week’s semifinals, which saw the elimination of Chris Tungseth and Braden Rumfelt. At the start of the show, the three contestants took the stage together to perform “The Champion” by judge Carrie Underwood.
Seventeen-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys served as this week’s mentor. The first finalist to perform was Hannah, who sang a rendition of “No One” by Keys. Next, Keyla chose to perform Keys’ “Unthinkable.” Jordan was the last to perform in the first round, singing “If I Ain’t Got You,” also by Keys, which received a standing ovation from the crowd and judges.
In the second round, each contestant was shown visiting their hometown. Hannah sang her new original song “Married Into This Town,” a heartfelt ode to Willow Springs, Missouri. Keyla, from Pensacola, Florida, gave a powerful rendition of “I Love the Lord” by Whitney Houston feat. The Georgia Mass Choir. Tennessee native Jordan delivered an emotional performance of “Dear God” by Smokie Norful. The finalists also joined Keys on stage to sing “Lovin U” from the vocalist’s beloved debut album.
Which American Idol Top 3 Contestant Was Eliminated First?
In the middle of the broadcast, the first elimination narrowed the Top 3 down to the Top 2. Host Ryan Seacrest announced that, after the nationwide live vote, Jordan and Hannah had received the most votes, meaning Keyla was sent home.
Audiences were then treated to performances from past Idol contestants, the current judges and musicians like Brad Paisley, Blues Traveler, Cameron Whitcomb, Clay Aiken, En Vogue, Gin Blossoms, Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack, Nelly, Shinedown and Tori Kelly. The judges also came together to perform Richie’s ballad “Deep River Women.”
Before the winner was announced, the Top 2 contestants performed one final time, singing the songs that launched their American Idol journeys. Hannah performed her original audition song, “String Cheese,” while Jordan sang his audition song, Goodness of God by Bethel Music.
Who Was The American Idol Season 24 Runner-Up?
Jordan McCullough, the 27-year-old worship leader, came in second place during the American Idol Season 24 finale.
Who Won American Idol Season 24?
Hannah Harper was named the winner of American Idol Season 24 after receiving the highest number of votes during the finale.
The 26-year-old mother of three young boys joins a long list of American Idol winners, including Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Scotty McCreery, Jordin Sparks, Phillip Phillips and last year’s champion, Jamal Roberts.
The American Idol finale is streaming on Disney+. The three-hour episode will also be available to stream on Hulu beginning Tuesday, May 12.