One talented performer will enter the history books and join an elite club of “American Idol” winners on May 11, 2026, when host Ryan Seacrest announces the season 24 champion. After months of competition, it’s down to just three incredible singers — Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, and Keyla Richardson.
But first, we’ve got a three-hour grand finale that includes the Top 3’s final performances and hometown visits, their mentorship sessions with music legend Alicia Keys, appearances by a slew of celebrity guests, the return of many season 24 finalists, and performances by judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie.
It’s important to note that votes cast during the beginning of the show will determine which of the Top 3 will take third place, which Seacrest will announce midway through the show. For a reminder on the different ways you can vote, here’s our guide. Then, incoming votes will continue to be tabulated until the final commercial break. EntertainmentNow has you covered throughout it all, with our live recap and results…
Let’s Get This Party Started! ‘American Idol’ Finale Kicks Off
The show kicked off with a bang, as the judges took the stage and then the Top 3 appeared to sing Carrie Underwood’s “The Champion.” The audience cheered throughout, and Seacrest revealed that all three will perform in two rounds before the first person is eliminated. And right away, the first round began…
Hannah Harper’s 1st Round on ‘American Idol’ Finale
ROUND 1: Hannah was the first contestant to have her mentorship session with Alicia Keys, rehearsing her rendition of the R&B icon’s hit “No One.” Richie told her that she truly made it her own and how pleased he was to see her looking so “comfortable” on stage. Underwood said Hannah’s voice is so “tender” and Bryan added, “It’s like walking in the outdoors … in a beautiful garden.”
Keyla Richardson’s 1st Round on ‘American Idol’ Finale
ROUND 1: Keyla met with Keys and said she had chosen to sing her hit “Unthinkable” because she grew up listening to it and feels like it perfectly describes her journey on “American Idol” and she sang “I’m ready” over and over. Underwood totally agreed with her song choice, telling her that Keyla is indeed “ready” to take on the world. Bryan said it’s been a joy to watch her “seize every moment” while keeping her family and future at the forefront of her mind. Richie said he feels so proud and that she “has always been that shining star” for him.
Jordan McCullough’s 1st Round on ‘American Idol’ Finale
Round 1: Jordan chose to sing Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You,” a decision she loved, telling him that she was already a fan as he rehearsed. He told her he wants to win the competition “really bad” and she said he absolutely can. The crowd went insane after his performance. Bryan told him he’s “so proud of your confidence,” noting how hard he’s worked to gain “swagger and moxie” onstage. Richie agreed, and said when Keys called his performance “money,” she was right on. Underwood joked, “That career is gonna make him some money!” She also said Jordan has a “superpower” and that he’s “perfect … all the time, we’re so spoiled.”
Round 2: Hannah Harper’s Hometown Visit
Hannah was thrilled to go back home to Willow Springs, Missouri, with her husband and three boys, who have been with her in Los Angeles for the last eight weeks. They visited their church, First Baptist of Birch Tree, and sweetly renewed their vows as she cried.
From there, Hannah got a hero’s welcome as fans lined the small town streets while Hannah and her family drove by in a white carriage. A group of local moms also presented her with an incredible gift — a denim patchwork dress with their sweet notes written on the fabric. She wore it to perform at the local high school and as she sang “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” she was absolutely shocked when Jo Dee Messina surprised her onstage to sing the hit with her.
Back at the live finale, Hannah then sang and played acoustic guitar on an original country tune, “Married Into This Town,” as her dad teared up in the audience. Richie congratulated her on songwriting and being so authentic, telling her she did “fantastic.” Underwood was in tears, telling her she loved that she started and ended the competition with an original tune, telling her how “proud” she is of her. Bryan said how grateful he is that she trusted “American Idol” with her voice and musical future.
Round 2: Keyla Richardson’s Hometown Visit
Keyla’s return home to Pensacola, Florida, started with a day of fun with her nine-year-old son Drew, who’s been by her side throughout the competition. She then got to visit her students at the school where she’s a music teacher, with the kids swarming her as she exited her limo. She also read the touching notes they posted at the school for her.
Next, the streets were lined with fans as Keyla made her way through the city in a convertible, crying with gratitude. She later performed a concert for an estimated crowd of 11,000, with Drew by her side, adorably pumping up the crowd.
With each contestant tasked with singing a song in Round 2 that connects them to their hometown, Keyla chose to belt out “I Love The Lord” by Whitney Houston and the Georgia Mass Choir. “I love this show so, so much,” Underwood beamed as she told Keyla that her song choice “just shows your heart, girl — that was beautiful!” Bryan said he still remembers trying to pull more energy out of Keyla during her audition and that watching her bloom has been one of his favorite journeys on the show, ever. Richie told her that he believes God gave her the gift of her voice to “lift us up.” Drew got to come onstage with her and Seacrest to help him with his hosting duties, excitedly waving to the crowd.
Round 2: Jordan McCullough’s Hometown Visit
Jordan, who is from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, received a huge homecoming celebration from the congregation at Zeal Church, crying as he received prayers and encouragement from his pastor and the packed church.
He then headed in a giant limo to see people lined up in the streets — despite it being a very rainy day — and he visited kids at his former schools, including Oakland High School, where he was thrilled to see how “inspired” the kids were by his journey. Jordan then headed to his grandparents’ house for a family reunion, where his brothers and parents tearfully shared how much he means to him and how happy they are to see him shine. Before performing a concert at a packed stadium, he was also invited to make his Grand Ole Opry debut in June.
The song Jordan chose to sing back in the “American Idol” finale was “Dear God” by Smokie Norful. He got choked up during the praise song and clutched his heart at the end as the crowd chanted his name and the judges gave him a standing ovation. Bryan said he can’t wait to come see Jordan sing at his church, only 20 minutes away from where he lives. Richie said “I take so much pride in saying you are a teacher, you are a preacher, and you’re a helluva singer!” Underwood also said that she was “so proud of America” for voting Jordan, Keyla, and Hannah into the top 3 and told Jordan that he did so well.
Top 3 Perform With Alicia Keys Before the Top 2 is Revealed: Who Got 3rd Place?
After a commercial break, the Top 3 joined finale mentor Alicia Keys to perform a beautiful rendition of “Lovin U.” While she started out at the grand piano, she then joined Keyla, Jordan, and Hannah at center stage.
“I love all three of them so much,” she said after their performance, but it was time for Seacrest to reveal which contestant would take third place. Seacrest then revealed who made the Top 2 — announcing that Jordan and Hannah would continue on the competition, with Keyla taking third place.
Finale Continues With Star-Studded Performances & Return of Many Finalists
90s supergroup En Vogue took the stage for a performance of their hits and were joined by finalist Rae Boyd in matching black leather.
Next, there was an adorable pre-recorded competition, hosted by “The Price is Right” host Drew Carey, between Keyla’s son Drew and Underwood, who’s been called a “human jukebox” — but Drew gave her a run for her money, winning by knowing the lyrics to more songs than her.
Seacrest — standing next to finalists Philmon Lee, Julian Kalel, and Brooks Rosser — then introduced two more 90s bands, Gin Blossoms and Blues Traveler, joined by two additional recent finalists: Jesse Findling and Jake Thistle.
Following a commercial break, celebrity mentor Keke Palmer — who worked with the contestants in Hawaii alongside Brad Paisley — helped Seacrest introduce Paisley and finalist Lucas Leon, performing the country star’s song “I’m Gonna Miss Her.” After their performance, Paisley surprised Lucas by inviting him to join him at the Grand Ole Opry. Lucas was thrilled and cutely said, “Um, I accept!”
Next, in a collab we did not see coming, Top 5 finalist Chris Tungseth joined Nelly onstage to perform “Cruise,” his 2012 hit with Georgia Florida Line.
And then, in a collab we DID see coming, Underwood got to bring out her inner rocker to perform with Motley Crue, starting with the ballad “Home Sweet Home.” She changed into black leather chaps, an American flag tank top, and chunky black boots for the performance, so she was ready to rock on “Kickstart My Heart.”
Next up, “American Idol” alum Cameron Whitcomb, who has skyrocketed to fame since he appeared on the show in 2022, took the stage for a great performance of his song “Kingdom of Fear” with 2026 finalist Brooks Rosser.
Following another commercial break, finalist Philmon Lee got to perform “Searching” and “Second Chance” with Shinedown, as Underwood sang along to every word from the judges’ table.
That was followed by a stunning performance by Alicia Keys of “Fallin'” in honor of the 25th anniversary of her album “Songs in A Minor.” She was joined onstage by surprise guest RAYE.
Hour 3 of the ‘American Idol’ Finale
Bryan kicked off the third hour of the grand finale with his new song “Fish Hunt Golf Drink,” which will be on his new album “Signs,” which he announced will be released in September. After his fun performance, he was joined by finalist Julian Kalel for a duet of Dwight Yoakam’s “A Thousand Miles from Nowhere” and they sounded great together!
After that, Seacrest surprised Hannah and Jordan with the news that they’re both receiving a trip for four on a Disney Cruise to Alaska, news that bowled them over.
Following that announcement, season two runner-up Clay Aiken returned to the show to perform his first single in more than 12 years — “Rewind.” And then Top 5 finalist Braden Rumfelt on Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down.” The significance? Aiken performed it on “American Idol” on March 4, 2003 — the same day that Braden was born!
