‘American Idol’ Crowns Season 24 Winner

Three hopefuls made it to the May 11 finale, before one was officially named this year’s American Idol.

After an “American Idol” season filled with extraordinary talent, only one was crowned the winner.

Season 24 of the hit ABC singing competition came to its conclusion on May 11, with one singer named this year’s American Idol.

Heading into the finale, the top three contestants competing for the title were Keyla Richardson, Hannah Harper and Jordan McCullough. The trio opened the show by singing judge Carrie Underwood’s song “The Champion.”

It was then a star-studded finale with Underwood and fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie also taking the stage, while guest mentor Alicia Keys also entertained the audience with a couple of performances.

Read on to see what happened during the Season 24 finale and who won this season of “American Idol.”

What Did the Top 3 Perform During the ‘American Idol’ Finale?

Hannah Harper kicked off the night by singing “No One” by Alicia Keys, who helped her prepare for the performance.

The 26-year-old stay-at-home mom then performed her own song, “Married Into This Town,” which made her father, who was in the audience, and Underwood emotional.

Keyla Richardson went second and impressed the judges with Keys’ “Unthinkable.” For her second song, the 29-year-old music teacher performed “I Love the Lord” by Whitney Houston feat. The Georgia Mass Choir.

Up next was Jordan McCullough, who belted out a powerful rendition of “If I Ain’t Got You.” After viewers saw his hometown visit, the 27-year-old worship director sang “Dear God” by Smokie Norful.

The first round concluded with all three singers performing “Lovin’ U” with Keys.

Who Was Eliminated First in the ‘American Idol’ Finale?

Unfortunately, though all talented, one contestant had to be eliminated halfway through the episode. After the nationwide vote, Keyla Richardson was eliminated.

That meant that Jordan McCullough and Hannah Harper were in the Top 2.

Who Won ‘American Idol’ Season 24?

Jordan McCullough Hannah Harper returned for more performances before one was named the Season 24 American Idol.

Harper did a duet with Lee Ann Womack to “I Hope You Dance” and McCullough sang “Confetti” with Tori Kelly and former contestant Daniel Stallworth.

To close out the competition, Harper performed the song that got her to Hollywood, “Strong Cheese,” while McCullough sang the song that got him a standing ovation, “Goodness of God.”

When it came down to it, Hannah Harper was named the new American Idol. She ended the show singing “At the Cross (Love Ran Red)” by Chris Tomlin.

Who Else Performed During the ‘American Idol’ Season 24 Finale?

The three-hour finale included a slew of performances including En Vogue singing “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” before Rae joined them for a rendition of “Free Your Mind.”

Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms also pumped up the crowd, followed by Brad Paisley, Nelly, Cameron Whitcomb, Shinedown and Clay Aiken, who performed with past “American Idol” contestants.

Viewers also got to witness Underwood go full rock star with Mötley Crüe. Keys returned to the stage to sing her Grammy-winning song “Fallin’” and was joined by Raye. Bryan also performed his new song “Fish Hunt Golf Drink.”

Rounding out the final performances included Kyndal and Lainey Grace, who were past “American Idol” contestants, Jason Mraz singing “I Won’t Give Up” with Richardson and the three judges singing Richie’s 1986 song “Deep River Woman.”