Jordan McCullough may not have won American Idol, but the Tennessee singer still walked away from the Season 24 finale feeling overwhelmed with gratitude — and maybe a little disbelief.
Moments after finishing as the season’s runner-up behind Hannah Harper, McCullough spoke with Gold Derby backstage to reflect on his emotional finale night, performing with Tori Kelly and Alicia Keys, and how the competition changed the way he sees himself as an artist.
Read our full Q&A below.
Gold Derby: You’ve been working toward this moment all season. What was going through your mind after Ryan announced Hannah Harper as the winner and you as the runner-up?
Jordan McCullough: It’s still blowing my mind. To me sometimes, even right now, I’m just thinking I’m the kid that walked in ready to audition for Luke, Lionel and Carrie. And you’re telling me I was the runner-up of American Idol? I’m waiting to wake up because that just can’t be the truth. I don’t know what’s happening, but I’m so grateful to be in this moment.
You got to perform with Tori Kelly and work with Alicia Keys during the finale. What was that experience like?
Goodness. It was incredible. Tori Kelly, I’ve been a fan of her since 2012, 2013. If I could be like any artist, I’ve always said that I would love to be like Tori Kelly. She’s so respected for her faith, but she’s also very versatile in music. She’s been in gospel records, pop records, and country even, and she could do it all. I feel like I’m kind of living in that lane right now, experiencing what I like to do.
But Alicia Keys, the greatness that she is, oh my goodness. I’m putting bugs in her ear. You can write me a song now. If you want to, I’ll sing it. But just incredible. I’m grateful to be one of the ones that got to do it.
Looking back on the season, was there one performance where you finally felt like, “OK, I really did that”?
Yeah. There’s a few that come to mind. Most recently, I believe my performance of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and even my duet with Elliott Yamin (“A Song For You”). That duet changed my life. That was the first moment where I was like — I felt the most free in what I was doing and my singing abilities. I went back and I was like, “That boy can sang.” I was really proud of that.
But then also “Somebody to Love” by Queen during Rock & Roll Hall of Fame week. I don’t even know who that was. I mean, I was spinning around on stage throwing glasses. It was wild.
What does life after American Idol look like for you right now?
I didn’t even know that this was in my future. It was always just a dream. Now that my dreams are coming true, I guess I better figure it out. But I definitely think that some music is on the way. I’m excited to keep performing live and who knows, maybe a tour with Lionel Richie or something. I don’t know. We’ll see what happens.
Who was your American Idol growing up?
So many. I definitely believe Brandy is my favorite singer of all time. A lot of my influences come from her, but probably my grandmother, truly. Honestly, she is the greatest singer alive and I’ve learned so much from her. And Carrie Underwood — I’ve been such a huge fan of Carrie Underwood since I was a little kid. They showed a video tonight of me saying “Before He Cheats” was my favorite song back in 2002. What was I doing listening to “Before He Cheats”? And why was it my favorite song? I don’t know, but it was and it still is.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
