American Idol 2026 Finale Season 24 Winner Revealed
American Idol 2026 crowns a season 24 winner tonight (May 11). The Top 3–Jordan McCullough, Keyla Richardson and Hannah Harper–sing one last time for America’s vote!
American Idol 2026 Poll Results, Winner Prediction
American Idol 2026 Top 3 Rankings, Vote for the Winner
Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan sit on the judges panel. Ryan Seacrest hosts.
VOTING FOR YOUR FAVORITES. No more American Idol phone app. Fans can vote on social media and by text message. Also, vote at AmericanIdol.com. The results will be revealed at the end of the live broadcast.
Guest stars
The finale special guest list includes: Alicia Keys serving as a guest mentor and performer (she performs with the Top 3) and a special group performance by judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood. Carrie also performs alongside Mötley Crüe. Also, watch for additional performances by Brad Paisley, Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms, Cameron Whitcomb, Clay Aiken, En Vogue, Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack, Luke Bryan, Nelly, Shinedown and Tori Kelly.
The show kicks off with the Top 3 singing Carrie Underwood’s song “The Champion.” They wind up standing on a table behind the judges.
After the first two performances, the Top 2 will be revealed midway through the show.
Alicia Keys tribute – Alicia mentors
Hannah Harper – No One by Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys mentors the contestants in this round. Hannah adds a bluegrass twist to the arrangement. Alicia suggests the background singers carry some of the song. Hannah dedicates the song to her husband. Hannah adds a pleasing twang to the song, which works quite well as a country song.
Lionel notes Hannah’s identifiable voice. Carrie is so excited! “I love how your voice sounds everything beautiful and tender.” Luke says, “Your voice is like walking out doors. You are a true artist.” Her dad is dressed in overalls. GOOD LORDT.
Keyla Richardson – Un-thinkable (I’m Ready) by Alicia Keys
Alicia demonstrates a call and response way to treat the phrasing. Alicia is excited she chose the song. Keyla begins her performance sitting on a stool. She looks absolutely beautiful tonight. Alicia is right in Keyla’s wheelhouse. She adds a few of her own vocal twists at the end.
Carrie calls Alicia Keys a wonderful mentor. “You are ready.” Luke says he watched Keyla focus witch drive and determination. Lionel feels like “a proud bird.” He calls Keyla a “shining star.”
Jordan McCullough – If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys
“I’m a fan,” Alicia gushes. She wants to see him out from behind the mic stand. She helps him stage his performance. Jordan confesses that he really wants to win “really bad.” It’s a good song choice for him. Jordan delivers a soulful and inventive rendition of the Alicia classic.
Luke is so proud of his confidence. “Swagger and moxie.” Lionel echos Alicia when he says, “That was money.” Carrie thinks he has a superpower, how he does just enough and not too much.
Hometown visits
Each contestant chooses a song dedicated to their home towns. As always the finalists visit their hometowns with a film crew in tow.
Hannah Harper – Willow Springs – MO – Married Into This Town by Hannah Harper
Hannah gets a parade in her tiny hometown. The attention makes Hannah kind of uncomfortable. The moms of her hometown present Hannah with a gift of special messages. The day ended with a concert. Jo Dee Messina joined her on stage. Hannah pulls out an original song at a crucial time. Smart move, but the song is kind of boring.
“You did fantastic,” says Lionel. Carrie gets teary speaking about Hannah, “I’m so proud of you.” Luke thanks her for pouring her heart out. FUN FACT. Jo Dee surprised another Top 3 contestant during his hometown visit…HER COUSIN season 13 3rd place finisher Alex Preston (I WAS THERE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE FOR IT).
Keyla Richardson – Pensacola, FL – I Love the Lord by Whitney Houston
The clip starts with Keyla’s young son praying for her. She calls him her “protector.” First stop is a trip to the school where she teaches. “Those are my babies.” Next, it’s the parade. Later 11,000 attend her concert. Her son is very grown up acting young man. Keyla chooses a gospel song by Whitney Houston, “I Love the Lord.” Keyla is first and foremost a gospel singer. She delivers a powerful performance.
Luke jokes again about how he tried to coach her through her audition. “Love you.” Carrie is moved that she chose to praise the Lord. Lionel says, “You are here to inspire us all, lift us all up.”
Jordan McCullough – Murfreesboro, TN – Dear God by Smokie Norful
He visited Belmont University where he received his Golden Ticket. He visited his church where his singing journey started. He visited his elementary school and high school. Then supper at his grandparent’s house. He and his brothers cry together. Mom calls him her “best friend.” The Grand Ole Opry invited him to perform in June! Jordan is the worship leader at his church, of course he chose a Christian song as his dedication. His magnificent voice soars to the heavens. Beautiful. He becomes emotional at the end of his performance. COULD HE WIN THIS THING? MAYBE HE COULD.
Luke promises to come to his church to listen to him sing. Lionel calls him a teacher, a preacher and a hell of a singer. “Let the congregation say Amen!” Carrie is so proud of America for voting the three into the finale. She begs America to vote.
Alicia Keys joins the Top 3 on stage
The Top 3 join Alicia for a performance of her song “Lovin You.” It’s the anniversary of her album, Songs in A Minor. Got to hand it to Hannah. She’s holding her own on an R&B song alongside Keyla and Jordan.
THE TOP 2 ARE REVEALED!
Top 2
Jordan McCullough
Hannah Harper
ELIMINATED
Keyla Richardson
Rae and En Vogue – My Lovin (Your Never Gonna Get It/Free Your Mind
It’s a perfect match up on stage as Rae struts on stage to sing “Free Your Mind” with the trio. Her brand of sass usually doesn’t work on American Idol. Voters HATE women with swag. That’s just how it goes
Jesse Findling and Jake Thistle – Blues Travelers and Gin Blossoms
Hee. I LOVE the Gin Blossoms. So much power pop goodness. The start off with the awesome song “Jealousy.” Next, they sing Blues Traveler’s “Hook.”
Lucas Leon and Brad Paisley – I’m Going to Miss Her
Lucas strums an electric guitar alongside Brad. He’s only 18, but is a talented musician. No doubt he’ll go on to succeed in the music industry despite toing out fairly early. Rae and boyfriend Brooks dance along. Brad invites Lucas to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
American Idol will be conducting Live Auditions on June 5 at CMA Fest!
Chris Tungseth and Nelly – Cruise (Remix)
Well, I hate this fricking song. Chris did not win the duet lottery, is all I’ll say. Ugh. This song is so annoying. Chris looks a little lost on stage. He seems to be having fun, though. I mean…Nelly totally sucks.
Carrie Underwood and Motley Crue – Home Sweet Home/Kickstart My Heart
The heavy metal country queen has performed this song live with the band on many occasions. Carrie loves her some heavy metal.
Brooks and Cameron Whitcomb – Kingdom of Fear
He was eliminated from the Top 24 on season 20and look at Cameron now. He’s got a real career going on right now after he signed with Atlantic. Good for him. His songs are pretty great. After the first verse, Brooks joins him on stage. Cameron reached out to Brooks a few years ago online!
Philmon Lee and Shinedown – Searchlight, Second Chance
Philmon had one of his best performances covering Shinedown during the competition. His raspy vocals are perfect for mainstream rock music.
Alicia Keys and RAYE – Fallin
Alicia performs her MASSIVE 7x Platinum hit, “Fallin” Fun fact: Alicia served three seasons as a coach on The Voice. She seemed happy to be done with it in the end. RAYE makes a surprise appearance to turn the song into a fabulous duet.
Luke Bryan – Fish, Hunt, Golf, Drink
Did ChatGPT write this song? Seriously a song called “Fish, Hunt, Golf, Drink” Hey, hit all of those obnoxious country cliches. Luke Bryan’s music sucks.
Julian Kalel and Luke Bryan – A Thousand Miles From Nowhere
I expected the talented singer/songwriter Julian Kalel to last longer in the competition. Interestingly and unfortunately, the contestants pretty much abandoned original songs after their auditions. If Julian could have competed with his own songs, he would have gone farther.
The Top 2 win a Disney Alaska Cruise, Ryan reveals to them. Remember when the Top 2 won Ford cars?
Braden Rumfelt and Clay Aiken – Rewind/Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me
Clay has released his first single in 18 years. His upper register sounds a little funky, hm. Then he introduces Braden Rumfelt to sing the Elton John classic. Braden was born March 4 2003, the very day Clay sang “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” for the wildcard. Wow.
Hannah Harper and Lee Ann Womack – I Hope You Dance
Hannah and Lee Ann perform a lovely rendition of the song. Afterward, Ryan talks to Hannah’s mom. Hannah watches a message from hre three kids.
Jordan McCullough and Daniel Stallworth and Tori Kelly – Control/Confetti
Jordan joins Tori for Confetti. And then Daniel joins for a trio. Three incredible performers on stage right now. One of the best matchups of the night. Remember when Tori didn’t make the Top 24 on season 9?
Kyndal and Lainey Grace – Honest
Lainey was also a hopeful who auditioned for the judges with Kyndal’s song “Honest.” The judges said no to the 16 year old. But look at her now singing on the finale with Kyndal. Speaking of which–like Julian, Kyndal would have benefitted from being able to sing more original songs.
Keyla Richardson and Jason Mraz – I Won’t Give Up
Keyla performed the song during the competition, noting that the message of the song inspired her. Now Jason joins her on stage to perform the tune as a duet. It’s a lovely performance.
Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan – Deep River Woman by Lionel Richie
Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan join for a group number. They harmonize beautifully.
The Final Round – Audition Songs
Hannah Harper – String Cheese (Original)
Interesting that no brand new original songs were recorded ahead of the finale. I guess it saves money? This song kicked off Hannah’s viral internet fame, so why not remind everyone where it all started?
Jordan McCullough – Goodness of God by Bethel Music and Jen Johnson
“Can we worship in here?” Jordan asks. The hands start waving, including the judges table. Oh boy. It’s Christian Idol. Nevertheless, Jordan is really great and I hope he wins.
AND THE WINNER of AMERICAN IDOL 2026 IS….Hannah Harper
TOM DIM THE LIGHTS. After a nationwide vote, the winner of American Idol 2026 is Hannah Harper. Oh well. No surprise there.
The new American Idol for season 24, Hannah Harper, She sings out with a reprise of At The Cross (Love Ran Red) by Chris Tomlin and she cries through the whole thing. The Top 14 and the judges join her on stage.
