Hannah Harper made history May 11 during the “American Idol” Season 24 finale as the first female country singer to win the competition show since former contestant-turned-judge Carrie Underwood, according to USA TODAY.
The finale was jam-packed with performances by the show’s Top 3 finalists Jordan McCullough and Florida’s Keyla Richardson, judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Underwood, the season’s eliminated contestants and celebrity singers Alicia Keys, Jason Mraz, Nelly Nikki Sixx and more.
“American Idol” reportedly awards a recording contract and cash prize to the winner of each season, although the amount has fluctuated throughout the show’s decades-long run.
Here’s what we know about Season 24 winner Hannah Harper.
Who won ‘American Idol’ 2026?
Hannah Harper was announced as the winner of Season 24 of “American Idol” in the show’s three-hour finale on Monday, May 11, 2026.
Runner-up was Jordan McCullough and Pensacola native Keyla Richardson’s journey ended as a Top 3 finalist.
Where is Hannah Harper from?
Hannah Harper grew up in Southeast Missouri, according to her official website.
In her “American Idol” hometown celebration, Harper returned to Willow Springs, Missouri.
How old is Hannah Harper? ‘American Idol’ winner’s age
“American Idol” Season 24’s Hannah Harper is a 25-year-old stay-at-home mother of three.
See Hannah Harper’s ‘American Idol’ audition
Hannah Harper songs performed by week on ‘American Idol’
What is the prize for winning ‘American Idol?’
“American Idol” awards a recording contract and cash prize to the winner of each season, although the amount has fluctuated throughout the show’s decades-long run.
Kelly Clarkson, the competition show’s first-ever winner, reportedly earned a $1 million recording contract with RCA Records, according to Parade. However, on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” in March 2026, over 20 years after her “Idol” win in 2002, the three-time Grammy-winning singer set the record straight.
“…I was literally on the show and they were like ‘Oh, you win a million dollars or whatever.’ No you didn’t. They lied, you did not. It was like a million dollars worth of investment in you,” Clarkson said.
Since the show’s 2018 reboot, winners reportedly receive $250,000.
Season 16 winner Maddie Poppe told Business Insider in 2022 that the cash prize doesn’t exactly amount to that number, though.
“You do get $250,000, but not really because of taxes,” Poppe said. “And you get half of it before you complete your record, and then the second half you get after you complete the record. So it’s just like an advance from the record deal, but I’m pretty sure I have to recoup it.”
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Hannah Harper wins ‘American Idol’ in star-studded three-hour finale
Reporting by Ashley Ferrer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
