“American Idol” has crowned its newest winner.
Going into the May 11 finale, Keyla Richardson, Jordan McCullough and Hannah Harper were the Top 3 finalists vying to win season 24. After a three-hour episode featuring a performance by judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan and a starry lineup of guest performers including Nelly, Brad Paisley, Lee Ann Womack and Jason Mraz, the ABC show unveiled its 2026 winner.
Here’s who won “American Idol” season 24.
Who won ‘American Idol’ 2026?
Hannah Harper won the popular vote to become the “American Idol” season 24 champion during Monday night’s finale.
Who is Hannah Harper?
Willow Springs, Missouri, singer Hannah Harper came out the gate strong with an original song about postpartum depression, “String Cheese,” which reportedly skyrocketed in social media views to become one of the show’s most-watched videos.
“Knowing that I could connect with other women who were feeling the same as me – women and men, really – that meant everything to me,” she tells USA TODAY. “And that I had the opportunity to share my ministry, basically, and my relationship with the Lord, all of those things are precious to me. So every step of the way has been awesome.”
The 25-year-old mom of three was a favorite of Underwood’s, with the “Before He Cheats” singer declaring, “You might be my favorite person that’s walked through those doors in the past three days. You’re gorgeous. You look famous already.”
In Episode 8, Underwood – who won season 4 of the show – drew parallels between herself and Hannah, saying, “You remind me of myself when I was on the show.”
What does the ‘American Idol’ winner get?
According to Distractify, “American Idol” winners receive $250,000 and a recording contract with Hollywood Records/19 Recordings.
What did the ‘American Idol’ finalists sing?
Hannah Harper
Keyla Richardson
Jordan McCullough
Who was in the ‘American Idol’ Top 12 on season 24?
USA TODAY’s KiMi Robinson contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Who won ‘American Idol’? Season 24 winner crowned after viral audition
Reporting by Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
