🔥 HALF THE INTERNET STOPPED WATCHING… AND NOW THEY DON’T EVEN RECOGNIZE THE TOP 3.

Between shocking eliminations, breakout performances, and one contestant suddenly taking over the season, American Idol changed fast in just a few weeks.

Now fans who tuned out midway are scrambling to catch up before the finale — especially after the latest momentum shift nobody saw coming.

We broke down every major moment, every surprise exit, and the exact reason one finalist suddenly looks impossible to stop.

👇 The finale story makes a LOT more sense now

Who Won American Idol Tonight? Season 24 Finale Recap, Live Updates

Find out who won American Idol as Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson battle it out! Get a full recap with live updates and grades for each performance.

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It all comes down to this, as American Idol returns Monday for the Season 24 finale! This article will update live throughout the episode, grading each artist’s performances and ultimately revealing who won American Idol Season 24. If you need to catch up, watch the songs from last week’s episode here.

Who Went Home Last Week on American Idol?

Braden Rumfelt and Chris Tungseth were eliminated after their Class of 2006 x DWTS Night performances.

Who Won American Idol? Season 24 Finale Live Updates & Recap

Heading into the finale, only three artists remain. Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson will battle it out to earn the title of Season 24 champion. Stay tuned for live updates throughout the episode, grading each contestant’s performances before finally revealing who won American Idol.

Refresh for live updates and scroll to the bottom! The American Idol Season 24 champion will be crowned at the end of tonight’s episode.

Who’s Joining Tonight’s Episode?

Superstar artist Alicia Keys will serve as a guest mentor for the Top 3 in the American Idol Season 24 finale! Keys will also perform during the episode.

Hannah Harper: No One by Alicia Keys

The perceived frontrunner kicked off tonight’s finale with an Alicia Keys classic (mentored by the mastermind herself). Hannah didn’t push her vocal range to its limit by any means, but she flashed multiple delicate runs and really put her own spin on the number. It was a strong start to her bid at the title.

Grade: A–

Keyla Richardson: Un-Thinkable by Alicia Keys

Some initial nerves from Keyla were shrugged off when she was able to showcase those trademark powerful vocals. Once she started calling out to the crowd and picking up the energy, it resulted in an effective finish. Hopefully she carries that momentum through to her next song, as I was admittedly left wanting more.

Grade: B+

Jordan McCullough: If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys

I have been very vocal (no pun intended) declaring Jordan as the top artist on this season, and that remains the case. At his best, McCullough simply reaches another level that the other contestants can’t match. In his first song of the night, Jordan delivered the strongest performance thus far. He received a long standing ovation from a clearly supportive audience.

Grade: A

Hannah Harper: Married Into This Town (Original Song)

Hannah’s getting stronger as the night goes on, delivering a fantastic performance of her original song, Married Into This Town. When she’s able to live within her natural country lane, it doesn’t get much better. Carrie Underwood was left very emotional following the number.

Grade: A

Keyla Richardson: I Love the Lord by Whitney Houston

The momentum did indeed carry over! Keyla came out of the gates hot with her second number, delivering a significantly stronger performance that felt much more up her alley. All three of the judges were out of their seats before her final note finished ringing through the air.

Grade: A

Jordan McCullough: Dear God by Smokie Norful

It’s hard to describe Jordan’s stage presence as anything other than masterful and commanding. An impeccable finish after a string of runs left the judges standing and the crowd chanting his name. Luke Bryan declared that he would come to Jordan’s church just to listen to him sing after the show.

Grade: A+

Keyla Richardson Eliminated

Keyla was eliminated following the first round of live voting. Jordan and Hannah have moved on to the Final 2 and will compete for the Season 24 title. Stay tuned to find out who won American Idol!

Former Idol Contestants Take The Stage

Rae became an unofficial member of En Vogue, Jesse Findling and Jake Thistle joined Gin Blossoms for a few songs, Lucas Leon belted with Brad Paisley, while Chris Tungseth and Nelly crushed Cruise. Season 24 boasts one of the more talented casts in recent American Idol memory, and we were reminded of that before the Final 2 returned to battle it out.

Alicia Keys Sets The Tone

Ahead of the final third of the American Idol Season 24 finale, Alicia Keys performed her hit song Fallin’, bringing out surprise guest Raye to join her.

Refresh for updates to find out who won American Idol Season 24!

Hannah Harper: I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack

It was an extended break for Harper before taking the stage again, this time for a duet with Lee Ann Womack. The two performed her song, I Hope You Dance. Hannah’s voice was tailor-made for this chorus, as Harper gave us another fantastic outing.

Grade: A-

Jordan McCullough: Confetti by Tori Kelly

Jordan got to float on this beat a little more than his typical powerful performances, contrasting Daniel Stallworth’s vocals very well. The two of them put on quite the show alongside Tori Kelly.

Grade: A-

Hannah Harper: String Cheese (Original Song)

Fittingly, Hannah went back to what got her American Idol dream rolling with String Cheese for her final song of the competition. As one would expect for an original number, she delivered a monumental, touching performance. Time will tell if America believes it’s enough to grant her the title of Season 24 champion.

Grade: A

Jordan McCullough: Goodness Of God by Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson

From start to finish, McCullough has been one of the best talents that American Idol will ever produce. That remained the case for his final performance of the season. Regardless of the impending vote’s result, his future is incredibly bright.

Grade: A

American Idol Season 24 Finale Voting Results

Who won American Idol?

Hannah Harper won American Idol Season 24, beating Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson.

American Idol Finale FAQ

Who won American Idol Season 24?

Hannah Harper was crowned the winner of American Idol Season 24 on Monday, May 11.

When will American Idol return?

American Idol is expected to come back for Season 25 in early 2027.