The latest American Idol the winner has been revealed.
Monday, May 11, season 24 finale, host Ryan Seacrest he announced that Hannah Harper got the most votes from the viewers. Jordan McCullough it is revealed that he is second in line, with Kayla Richardson coming from third place.
“After a nationwide vote and an amazing season, the winner American Idol 2026 is Hannah Harper,” Seacrest announced during the finale.
I Idol the finale began with the final three each singing a song in honor of the guest mentor Alicia Keys. Harper covered Keys’ 2007 hit “Akekho,” while Richardson covered 2009’s “Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready)” and McCullough covered 2003’s “If I Ain’t You.”
“Your voice sounds beautiful and soft and like a lullaby,” the judge said Luke Bryan he told Harper. “Your voice is like walking outside. It’s like walking in a beautiful garden. You are a true artist.”
The second round was a tribute to each finalist’s hometown, with Harper choosing the first song “Married In This Town.”
“Congratulations on writing songs, congratulations on being that real person,” the judge said Lionel Richie he told him.
The hometown tour continued with Richardson’s version of “I Love The Lord” and McCullough’s version of “Dear God.” At the end of the second round, Seacrest revealed that Keyla finished in third place overall.
The stage was set for a dramatic showdown between the two finalists, as each got a chance to sing a song for the potential winners — Harper’s “String Cheese” and McCullough’s “Goodness of God.” When the votes were tallied, Harper was revealed as the 2026 winner Idol the winner.
Harper, 25, is a stay-at-home mom of three from Willow Springs, Missouri. This artist has taken American Idol fans as she interviews an original track titled “String Cheese,” which explores postpartum depression.
McCullough, 27, is the worship director at Zeal Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, which is less than an hour from Nashville. You have done an interview before Voice in 2019 but he did not get a chair turn.
Richardson, 29, is a gospel singer born and raised in Pensacola, Florida. His song “So Good” became his first No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart in 2021.
After making the Top 5 during the April 27 episode, Harper and Richardson spoke exclusively Us Weekly that they are very grateful to be able to share their faith with America throughout the season.
“We both grew up in the church and had the opportunity to share our testimonies, and it was great to be able to have them on this platform,” said Harper. “It was an honor.”
American Idol paved the way for reality competition shows to help everyday people achieve their dreams of music stardom. The series debuted in 2002 on Fox with a star-studded judging panel including Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. The new season of American Idol introduced Kelly Clarkson, who would become the first star of the show. […]
Richardson added, “I grew up in church. I know so many songs, so it was hard to pick them, but I wanted to pick something that everyone could relate to. I wanted everyone to pray with me. That’s where my heart is. That’s where I find myself in prayer a lot of times. When they say ‘songs of faith,’ it meant that.”
The singer continued, “I’m glad we can be open about our faith. I’m glad everyone is okay with it, and we’re okay with it. … I love God, and he’s the one I love.”
Harper, McCullough and Richardson were voted into the Top 3 during last week’s semi final.
Monday night’s three-hour season finale saw Keys serve as a guest judge alongside him Carrie UnderwoodRichie and Bryan. The evening is also full of musical performances Brad PaisleyBlues Traveler, Cameron Whitcomb, Clay AikenEn Vogue, Gin Blossoms, Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack, Nelly, Shinedown, Tori Kelly and more.
Braden Rumfelt again Chris Tungsethwho were eliminated from the Top 5, came back to sing.
