Tonight’s episode of “American Idol” will decide whether Pensacola, Florida will go through with its tentative plans of a hometown hero parade and concert featuring contestant Keyla Richardson.
Richardson made the show’s Top 5 last week during Taylor Swift/California Night, Monday, April 27, tackling Swift’s song “Lover” for the first round of the evening, and “I’d Rather Go Blind” by California-native Etta James in the second half.
Now, America must vote the Pensacola native into the Top 3 tonight, Monday, May 4, for the free concert at Hunter Amphitheater in Community Maritime Park to take place Wednesday, May 6. Only the remaining three finalists will be filmed making a hometown appearance.
How to vote for Keyla Richardson on American Idol
There are three ways to vote on American Idol — on the American Idol website, over text message, and on social media using Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Each week, voters may vote 10 times per contestant per method, so each person could cast 50 votes for Richardson across all methods.
For voting on the American Idol website, visit AmericanIdol.com/Vote once the voting window opens at 7 p.m. CT..
For text message voting, text the number of the finalist you would like to vote for to “21523.” Richardson’s voting number is 20.
How to watch American Idol at home
ABC airs “American Idol” at 7 p.m. CT every Monday. If you don’t have cable, paid streaming platforms also show episodes in real time, such as YouTube TV, DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, Hulu + Live TV and more. If you miss it, the episode is available to stream on Hulu the next day.
Watch past Keyla Richardson performances
Here are all of Richardson’s powerhouse performances from her “American Idol” audition to last Monday’s soulful Swift rendition.
Keyla Richardson ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’ – Taylor Swift/California Night
Keyla Richardson ‘Lover’ – Taylor Swift/California Night
Keyla Richardson ‘Circle of Life’ – Disney Night
Keyla Richardson ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’ – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night
Keyla Richardson ‘Zombie” – 90s Judges’ Song Contest
Keyla Richardson ‘Jireh’ – Songs of Faith Night
Keyla Richardson ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ – Disney Aulani Night
Keyla Richardson ‘A Thousand Years’ – Ohana Round
Keyla Richardson ‘I Won’t Give Up’ – Hollywood Week
Keyla Richardson American Idol 2026 audition – ‘Glitter In The Air’
When is the next episode of ‘American Idol’ 2026?
The next episode of “American Idol” airs at 7 p.m. CT/8 p.m. ET on Monday, May 4.
ABC airs “American Idol” at 7 p.m. CDT every Monday. If you don’t have cable, paid streaming platforms also show episodes in real time, such as YouTube TV, DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, Hulu + Live TV and more.
Watch “American Idol” on Disney+
If you miss it, the episode is available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu the next day.
How to vote for Keyla Richardson on American Idol
There are three ways to vote on American Idol: on the American Idol website, via text message, and the newly introduced social media voting method, using Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
For voting on the American Idol website, visit AmericanIdol.com/Vote once the voting window opens.
For text message voting, text the number of the finalist you would like to vote for to “21523.” Richardson’s voting number will be 20.
When is ‘American Idol’ finale 2026?
The Season 24 finale of “American Idol” airs Monday, May 11.
Contributing: Brittany Misencik, Pensacola News Journal
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: ‘American Idol’ 2026 Top 3 finalists could feature Keyla Richardson
Reporting by Ashley Ferrer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
