After months of auditions, emotional eliminations, surprise saves, and live voting blunders, it all comes down to this.
The American Idol Season 24 finale airs live Monday night as finalists Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, and Keyla Richardson battle for America’s final vote and the chance to become the next champion of the long-running singing competition.
The three-hour event promises a packed night of superstar collaborations and nostalgic performances, with Alicia Keys serving as both mentor and performer ahead of Ryan Seacrest’s final results reveal. Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood will also take the stage together for a special group performance, while Underwood teams up with legendary rock band Mötley Crüe for one of the night’s most unexpected pairings.
Additional performances throughout the finale include Brad Paisley, Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, Clay Aiken, En Vogue, Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack, Nelly, Shinedown, Tori Kelly, and viral breakout star Cameron Whitcomb.
Read on for our full American Idol Season 24 finale recap, including all of tonight’s performances and the live winner reveal.
Top 3 live performances (updating live beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT)
Tribute to Alicia Keys
Hannah Harper
Age: 25
Hometown: Willow Springs, Mo.
Performance: “No One”
Carrie’s comments: “I love how your voice makes everything sound beautiful and tender and like a lullaby.”
Luke’s comments: “Your voice is like walking in the outdoors. It’s like walking in a beautiful garden.”
Lionel’s comments: “You’ve taken an Alicia Keys song and turned it into your song so fast only because you have that identifiable voice that we’ve all come to love… you look so comfortable.”
Keyla Richardson
Age: 29
Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
Performance: “Un-thinkable (I’m Ready)”
Carrie’s comments: “I think that was just a wonderful choice of song for you because you are ready.”
Luke’s comments: “This whole year I just watched you focus with drive and determination… you’ve won in our eyes.”
Lionel’s comments: “You have always just been that shining star to take us on that amazing adventure.”
Jordan McCullough
Age: 27
Hometown: Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Performance: “If I Ain’t Got You”
Carrie’s comments: “You have a superpower and it’s knowing what to do that is just enough. You don’t overdo it, you don’t underdo it.”
Luke’s comments: “I’m so proud of your confidence on that… you were like, this is my stage, I’m this confident, I’ve come this far, I’ve worked so hard.”
Lionel’s comments: “I think Alicia said it best, that was money… that was not only money, but your career, my friend.”
Hometown Dedications
Hannah Harper
Age: 25
Hometown: Willow Springs, Mo.
Performance: “Married Into This Town”
Carrie’s comments: “I love that you started your journey on Idol with an original song and I love that you’re ending this way as well.”
Luke’s comments: “The fact that you dedicated your life to music and we see your family… thank you for pouring your heart out week after week.”
Lionel’s comments: “Congratulations on songwriting. Congratulations on being that authentic person; the fact that you’re real about this.”
Keyla Richardson
Age: 29
Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
Performance: “I Love the Lord”
Carrie’s comments: “I love that you took this opportunity to sing to the Lord.”
Luke’s comments: “I’ll never forget working with you and trying to pull more energy out of you. And the fact that I’ve watched you do it just week to week is one of my best journeys I’ve ever experienced on this show.”
Lionel’s comments: “You’re here to inspire us all. To lift us up and you’re doing such an amazing job.”
Jordan McCullough
Age: 27
Hometown: Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Performance: “Dear God”
Carrie’s comments: “Can we just have a three-way tie, is that possible?”
Luke’s comments: “I’m comin’ to your church to hear you sing in your church.”
Lionel’s comments: “I take so much pride in saying, you are a teacher, you are a preacher, and you’re a helluva singer.”
Special Performances
Check out the night’s buzzy performances from guest mentor Alicia Keys, the judges, and many more special guests.
The winner revealed
“Dim the lights!”
Ryan Seacrest reveals the final results based on America’s live vote. The contestant finishing in third place is… Keyla Richardson. The runner-up is… And your 2026 American Idol is…
‘American Idol’ winners list: All seasons
