It all came to Monday night’s three-hour season 24 finale of American Idol, where finalists Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, or Keyla Richardson belted out tunes, wowed the audience, judges, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, and of course, America. who controlled the voting to pick the next music superstar.

After two rounds of competition on the May 11 episode, Keyla Richardson came in third place and was eliminated leaving it down to two: stay-at-home Missouri mom, Hannah Harper, or worship director/leader Jordan McCullough from Tennessee.

The evening was filled with music superstars performance as well including guest mentor Alicia Key, even Luke, Lionel and Carrie performed to Richie’s tune. Mötley Crüe also joined Underwood for renditions of their classics “Home Sweet Home” and “Kickstart My Heart.”

Photo: ABC

In addition, Brad Paisley Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms,  En Vogue, Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack, Nelly, Shinedown and Tori Kelly also performed with contestants that were eliminated earlier in the season. American Idol alums, Clay Aiken and Cameron Whitcomb also took to the stage.

Before the winner was revealed, both Harper and McCullough took to the stage and performed for America’s vote one last time. Hannah chose her own song “String Cheese” which became all the rage on social media about her personal struggle with postpartum depressions after she first performed it in the auditions round, and McCullough reprised, “Goodness of God,” and took everyone to church one last time.

Finally, it was time to find out the winner. Host Ryan Seacrest set the tone, dimmed the lights one last time for the season, gathered Jordan and Hannah  centerstage, opened the results envelope and revealed that the winner of American Idol season 24 was… Hannah Harper.

Photo: ABC

After she was crowned the winner, she had to perform a song with all the raw emotions coursing through her veins that she just won the whole competition. She attempted to reprise Chris Tomlin’s “At the Cross (Love Ran Red).” However, tears overcame her and she was joined onstage by all the contestants and the judges who helped her finish the song.

You can watch Harper’s winning moment below.

Now let us know, do you think America chose right? Would you have chosen Hannah over Jordan? Share your picks via the comment section.

The April 27 episode of American Idol featured the contestants vying to make it to the top 5 singing songs from the catalog of Taylor Swift in round one, and then paying tribute to the “spirit of California” in round two with song choices somehow tied to the state.

Enter, comedian Nikki Glaser who was an unexpected choice for a guest judge who does have a penchant for Swift and is a self-proclaimed Swiftie.

On this important night of the competition, the top 7 belted out their tunes or delivered the subtleties in their vocals in front of Glaser and series hosts: Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie.

After the smoke cleared, here is who America voted into the top five, and who next Monday will be competing for the top three and a trip to the American Idol finals. Take a look at their round one Taylor Swift song choices and performances.

Jordan McCullough

McCullough performed Taylor Swift’s 2006 song “Tim McGraw” and followed it up with Bonnie Raitt’s classic “I Can’t Make You Love Me” was his second song of the night. McCullough brings gospel, country, R&B and pure excellence to every thing he performs and has been a favorite since the season began.

Chris Tungseth

Tungseth performed two haunting tracks. First, Taylor Swift’s duet with Bon Iver, “Exile” which is our favorite song on her Grammy Award-winning album, Folklore, and later, Billie Eilish’s Oscar and Grammy winning song from Barbie, “What Was I Made For?” Tungseth, the former college football player, showcased a more sensitive side to his vocals throughout the show.

Hannah Harper

Harper has the makings of all the past American Idol winners, especially since she is the pure-bred country artist reminiscent of the great Allison Krause. She performed Taylor Swift’s 2010 tune, “Mean” and later Merle Haggard’s “That’s the Way Love Goes.”

Keyla Richardson

Richardson delivered Taylor Swift’s 2019 balled “Lover” in her own style, and later a rendition of Etta James, “I’d Rather Go Blind.” Richardson had the ability to make her performances unique on to herself and not like the originals from Swift or James.

Braeden Rumfelt

Rumfelt made an excellent song choice in Taylor Swift’s “Cardigan” from the album Folklore. He was able to go from soft and tender to building the dramatic moments of the tune. Later, he performed Maroon 5’s “This Love” and gave us some Adam Levine vibes. For our money from the very start of the competition, Braeden should be the one to beat, but America may feel differently.

So, who do you think should move on to the Top 3 next Monday? Jordan, Chris, Hannah, Keyla, or Braeden? Let us know via the comment section below.

This week, ABC announced that all three American Idol music superstar judges, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood would be returning for its upcoming season, ending speculation that Underwood may be replaced after some viewer backlash in her freshman season behind the judges chair.

Now with all three judges signed on and awaiting confirmation that host, Ryan Seacrest will be back to, American Idol is revving up its ninth season on ABC and Hulu and 24th overall, when it returns in 2026. The first stage is finding the singers around the country will compete to be your next “American Idol.”

According to ABC, American Idol has ranked as a top unscripted series during its eight seasons on ABC, ending on a high note with last season’s finale ranking No. 1 on the night, No. 1 for the week in primetime, and earning the best Total Viewer audience in two years. The series continues to dominate on social media as the No. 1 Most Social Reality Series across TV so far in 2025, collecting 1.65-plus billion social video views this year. Season eight winner Jamal Roberts’ first single Heal also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel chart in May 2025.”

Photo: ABC

Season nine auditions kick off today on Tuesday, Aug. 26, with the return of “Idol Across America,” the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar, taking place across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. Those auditioning will be given the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an “American Idol” producer, from anywhere in America, across any official audition date for a chance to proceed to the judge auditions. Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.

Photo: ABC

For information on how to sign up for “Idol Across America” and to register to virtually audition in front of an “American Idol” producer, please visit their website americanidol.com/auditions. Contenders may audition on any “Idol Across America” date, regardless of location. Full eligibility requirements, details on specific dates, submission forms, and terms and conditions, are included on the website.

Now below, watch the official video announcement that Luke, Lionel and Carrie are back for the upcoming season of American Idol.

So, were you happy with the threesome’s chemistry during season 8 on ABC, or were you hoping for a change in the judges chair, and if so, who would you prefer to see? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GXlQGH_YQlI

Now below, watch the official announcement that Luke, Lionel and Carrie are back for the upcoming season of American Idol. So, were you happy with the threesome’s chemistry during season 8 on ABC, or were you hoping for a change in the judges chair, and if so, who would you prefer to see? Share your thoughts in the comment section.