Daijiworld Media Network – Los Angeles
Los Angeles, May 12: Hannah Harper has been crowned the winner of Season 24 of “American Idol” after a dramatic three-hour finale that featured top performances and appearances by judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
Going into the finale aired on May 11, Keyla Richardson, Jordan McCullough and Hannah Harper were the Top 3 contestants competing for the title. After the public vote, host Ryan Seacrest announced Hannah as the season’s winner, marking a milestone as she became the first female country artist to win the show since Carrie Underwood.
Jordan McCullough finished as the runner-up, while Keyla Richardson secured third place.
The finale also featured performances by Nelly, Brad Paisley, Lee Ann Womack and Jason Mraz, adding to the star-studded evening.
An emotional Hannah Harper said she was overwhelmed by the win, crediting her family’s sacrifices and support system for her journey.
“Every sacrifice made by my family brought me here. My husband gave up everything so I could pursue this dream,” she said, adding that her support system played a crucial role in her success.
Following the win, Harper said she plans to take a short break before beginning live performances and a tour later this year, focusing on intimate concert settings.
Judge Lionel Richie praised the finalists, advising Hannah to enjoy the moment but prepare for the challenges ahead in the music industry.
“Enjoy the moment, because the real work starts now,” Richie said, highlighting the demands of sustaining success after the show.
Hannah, a 25-year-old mother of three from Missouri, won over audiences early in the season with her original performance “String Cheese,” a song addressing postpartum depression, which gained massive online popularity.
Judges praised her emotional depth and vocal strength throughout the season, with Carrie Underwood comparing her journey to her own early days on the show.
Runner-up Jordan McCullough, a worship director from Tennessee, earned strong praise for his versatile performances and musical interpretations, while Keyla Richardson, a music teacher from Florida, was also a fan favourite, known for her powerful vocal performances and emotional delivery.
The Season 24 finale once again highlighted “American Idol” as one of television’s most-watched music competitions, launching another artist into the spotlight.