American Idol Season 24 Finale: Hannah Harper Crowned Winner

The American Idol Season 24 finale was a three-hour live event broadcast on ABC and Disney+. The competition came down to the Top 3 finalists: Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, and Keyla Richardson. After fans cast up to 30 votes each via text messaging, the official app, and the voting website, Hannah Harper was crowned the winner of American Idol 2026. Jordan McCullough finished as the runner-up, while Keyla Richardson placed third.Throughout the night, the finalists delivered multiple powerful performances. The show opened with the Top 3 singing Carrie Underwood’s "The Champion". Under the guidance of guest mentor Alicia Keys, the contestants performed her hit songs: Hannah sang "No One," Keyla sang "Unthinkable," and Jordan performed "If I Ain't Got You".During the hometown tribute round, each singer showcased their roots. Hannah Harper performed an original song titled "Married Into This Town", celebrating her hometown of Willow Springs, Missouri. Keyla Richardson brought judge Carrie Underwood to tears with her deeply emotional rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Love the Lord" to honor Pensacola, Florida. Jordan McCullough, a worship leader from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, delivered a standout gospel performance of Smokie Norful's "Dear God" that resonated deeply with the audience and judges.After Keyla's elimination midway through the show, the final two contestants took the stage for their last chance to win over voters. Jordan McCullough sang "Goodness of God", while Hannah Harper revisited "String Cheese," the viral original audition song she wrote about her personal struggle with postpartum depression. After the final voting results were announced, Hannah closed the night in tears with a victorious performance of Chris Tomlin’s "At the Cross (Love Ran Red)" alongside her fellow contestants.The star-studded finale was also a massive celebration featuring numerous celebrity guest performers, including Brad Paisley, Jason Mraz, Tori Kelly, Lee Ann Womack, Shinedown, and Mötley Crüe. The judging panel—Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood—also took the stage for individual performances and a collaborative group cover of Lionel Richie’s "Deep River Woman".Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-world-between-us--6886561/support.