Who won American Idol Season 24? Meet Hannah Harper

latest american idol The winner has been announced.

During the Season 24 finale on Monday, May 11, hosts Ryan Seacrest Announce Hannah Harper Received the most votes from viewers. Jordan McCullough was announced as the runner-up, Kayla Richardson Ranked third.

“After nationwide voting and an incredible season, the winner american idol 2026 is Hannah Harper,” Seacrest declared in the finale’s climactic moment.

this Idol At the beginning of the finals, the final three each sing a song in honor of the guest mentor Alicia Keys. Harper sang Keys’ 2007 hit “No One,” Richardson covered 2009’s “Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready),” and McCullough sang 2003’s “If I Don’t Get You.”

“Your voice sounded beautiful and gentle, like a lullaby,” the judge Luke Bryan Tell Harper. “Your voice sounds like walking outdoors. Like walking through a beautiful garden. You are a true artist.”

The second round was a tribute to each finalist’s hometown, with Harper choosing an original song, “Married Into This Town.”

“Congratulations on writing the song, congratulations on becoming that real person,” the judge Lionel Richie Tell her.

The home game continued with Richardson performing “I Love God” and McCullough performing “Dear God.” At the end of the second round, Seacrest revealed that Kayla ended up in third place.

The stage is set for a dramatic final showdown between the two, as each gets a chance to perform their potential number one singles – Harper’s “String Cheese” and McCullough’s “Goodness of God.” After the votes were tallied, Harper was revealed as the candidate for the 2026 election. Idol winner.

Harper, 25, is a stay-at-home mom of three from Willow Springs, Missouri. The singer is already smitten american idol She has fans since she started Audition for an original song called “String Cheese,” Exploring postpartum depression.

McCullough, 27, is the worship director at Passion Church in Murfreesboro, Tenn., less than an hour outside of Nashville. He has auditioned before sound 2019, but did not receive any chair rotation.

Richardson, 29, is a gospel singer born and raised in Pensacola, Florida. Her single “So Good” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Music Chart in 2021.

After making it to the Top 5 on the April 27 show, Harper and Richardson exclusively revealed US Weekly they are Happy to be able to share their faith Been with Team USA all season.

“We both grew up in the church and have the opportunity to share our testimonies and are excited to do so on this platform,” Harper said. “It’s an honor.”

Richardson added, “I grew up in church. I know a lot of songs, so it’s hard to pick, but I wanted to pick something that everyone can relate to. I want everyone to worship with me. That’s just my heart. I find myself worshiping a lot of times. When they say ‘songs of faith,’ that’s right up my alley.”

The musician continued, “I’m glad that we can be open about our faith. I’m glad that everyone agrees with it and we agree with it. … I love God and that’s who I love.”

Harper, McCullough and Richardson were selected as the top three in last week’s semifinals.

Keys serves as guest judge on Monday night’s three-hour season finale Carrie UnderwoodRichie and Brian. There was also a wonderful musical performance that night Brad Paisleyblues traveler, Cameron Whitcomb, Clay Aiken,En Vogue,Gin, Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack, Nelly, shine, Tori Kelly etc.

Braden Rumfeldt and Chris TunsethThe top 5 eliminated also returned to perform.