Jordan McCullough has been shining bright all season long, so no doubt he brought his A-game for the “American Idol” Season 24 finale tonight. This was the final night for viewers to vote live for the winner of “American Idol” 2026, and Jordan wanted to win that title. The 27-year-old from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, showed off his amazing vocals tonight and showed us all why he deserved to be the winner.
⬇️ Watch his performances below! ⬇️
Top 3 Kick Things Off
The night starts with the Top 3 taking the stage to perform “The Champion” by Carrie Underwood. Seems fitting, as we will have a champion crowned tonight. A strong start to the night. This will be a night of special performances, so it’s nice that they started the night all about them. And a perfect song choice, right?
Alicia Keys’ Song Performance – Jordan McCullough
Jordan is so excited to see Alicia Keys. He will be singing “If I Ain’t Got You.” He sings for Alicia, and she is so excited. She said she is a fan. They work on some stage presence, but Alicia loves it. She said he’s got a real chance of winning this. God, his voice is just so good. He has such control of his voice.
For the judges, Luke said he is so proud of his confidence in that. That was great to watch him have so much swagger. Lionel said Alicia said it best: that was money. That was amazing. Carrie said he has a superpower. He knows what to do; that’s just enough. It’s all so perfect.
Jordan’s Hometown Visit
This one’s going to be an emotional one for me. He has always been a fan of the show, and then went home as a finalist on the show. He is getting a ton of love back in Tennessee. He said this is speaking to little Jordan, and now hoping these kids see him and are inspired by him. We see his family talk to him, so they all start crying. Very emotional family, but so nice to see.
For his performance, he sings “Dear God” by Smokie Norful. This was such a powerful performance. He sang with such emotion, and the lyrics were so fitting. He definitely fought through some emotions while singing that one, but still sounded flawless.
For the judges, Luke said he is coming to his church to hear him sing in his church. Congrats to your church and community for building him up to get to this point. Lionel said he takes so much pride in saying he is a teacher, he is a preacher, and he’s a hell of a singer. Let the congregation say, Amen! Carrie said she is so proud of America voting them three into the finale, but they have to keep voting. You should be so proud, you’re just so good.
Tori Kelly Performance
Another alum here, as Tori Kelly takes the stage and performs “Control.” Such a fun performance and song. Then she is joined on the stage by Jordan McCullough and Daniel Stallworth, as they sing “Confetti.” It’s so fun seeing Jordan have fun. You know he is loving this, and it shows.
One Final Performance
One final performance for Jordan, also, as he sings his audition song, “Goodness of God” by Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson. This was his first standing ovation of the season, and he definitely ended it with another. Such a powerful performance again.
Did Jordan win “American Idol 2026? Find out the Season 24 winner here!
