The season 24 finale of “American Idol” airs Monday night with a live three-hour event that will crown the show’s newest champion.
The remaining finalists — Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, and Keyla Richardson — will compete one final time before viewers decide the winner through live voting.
According to Vegas Insider, Harper currently leads the field by a wide margin heading into the finale.
Harper, who is from Willow Springs, Missouri, reportedly holds a 78% chance of winning season 24. McCullough, from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, follows at 17%, while Richardson, from Pensacola, Florida, sits at 6%.
A Vegas Insider sports data analyst explained how entertainment betting markets are increasingly reflecting audience engagement during live television competitions.
“Entertainment prediction markets are becoming a real-time way to track audience sentiment around major cultural moments, from reality TV finales to award shows and music events,” the analyst said.
“For American Idol, these odds show how traders are reacting to performances, fan momentum, public voting expectations and online conversation before the final result is announced.”
The analyst added, “Hannah Harper’s 73% chance makes her the clear market favorite, but live TV competitions can move quickly. A standout performance, viral moment or late shift in fan support could still change the picture.
‘American Idol’ Top 3 Celebrated With Hometown Visits Before Finale
Immediately after advancing to the Top 3, all three finalists returned home.
Richardson’s hometown visit featured several recognizable Pensacola landmarks, including appearances tied to the Blue Angels, the Blue Wahoos, and the Pensacola Beach water tower.
Her celebration also included a Mardi Gras-style parade, a second line performance, and an outdoor concert at Hunter Amphitheater outside Maritime Park.
Richardson’s son, Drew, joined her throughout the day and even appeared onstage during the concert festivities.
Meanwhile, Harper and McCullough also returned home for hometown parades and performances ahead of the live finale broadcast.
Viewers will see footage from all three celebrations during Monday night’s episode.
Paula Abdul & Randy Jackson Returned During ‘American Idol’ Season 24
The May 4 episode of “American Idol” featured the return of former judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson as the Top 5 contestants celebrated the show’s legacy.
Season 5 finalists Taylor Hicks, Elliott Yamin, Paris Bennett, Kellie Pickler, and Bucky Covington also returned to perform alongside the season 24 contestants.
Last season’s winner, Jamal Roberts, came back to perform his new song, “Perfect For Me.”
Richardson teamed up with Hicks for a performance of “Living for the City” before also performing “River Deep – Mountain High.”
Abdul praised Richardson’s vocal performance after the duet.
“I have to tell you—your vocal range is like a weapon,” Abdul said. “You can go from a whisper to a thunderstorm, and it feels like every moment is inevitable, and that’s the mark of a true performer, and your confidence is blooming so beautifully.”
Abdul added, “I only have one little bit of criticism, and it’s constructive. And it’s this—remember that your whisper has to be equally as dangerous as your top note. That’s it. You’re beautiful.”
‘American Idol’ Finale: How to Watch, Vote, Special Guest Appearances
Alicia Keys will appear as a guest judge during the finale alongside judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan.
According to People, the finale will also feature performances from Brad Paisley, Blues Traveler, Cameron Whitcomb, Clay Aiken, En Vogue, Gin Blossoms, Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack, Nelly, Shinedown, and Tori Kelly.
Bryan is also expected to perform his new song, “Fish Hunt Golf Drink.”
Eliminated contestants Braden Rumfelt and Chris Tungseth are also set to return.
Voting for the winner opens at the start of the finale broadcast through the “American Idol” website, text messaging, and social media voting on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
The season 24 winner of “American Idol” will be announced live during the finale on Monday, May 11, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT on ABC.
