Hannah Harper Wins American Idol Season 24 Finale
Hannah Harper was crowned the winner of American Idol Season 24 on May 11, 2026, defeating finalists Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson. A 25-year-old country singer from Missouri, Harper made history as the first female country artist to win since 2005. Her victory followed a season highlighted by her viral original song addressing postpartum depression. The star-studded finale on ABC featured performances by judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, along with guest mentor Alicia Keys and other music legends, marking the conclusion of the popular singing competition.
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Hannah Harper Wins American Idol Season 24
Hannah Harper, a 25-year-old stay-at-home mom, was crowned the winner of American Idol Season 24 during a star-studded live finale. She defeated finalists Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson, who finished as runner-up and third place, respectively. Harper made history as the first female country artist to win the competition since Carrie Underwood’s victory in 2005. In an emotional post-win interview, Harper credited her husband, Devon Mendenhall, and parents for their immense sacrifices, including uprooting their lives and living in a hotel for two months to support her journey. Harper initially gained popularity with an original song about postpartum depression and received strong endorsement from judge Carrie Underwood, who saw similarities between Harper and her younger self. The finale featured performances by guest mentor Alicia Keys, judges Luke Bryan, Underwood, and Lionel Richie, as well as notable artists like Mötley Crüe, Brad Paisley, and Clay Aiken. The season is now available for streaming on Hulu, marking the conclusion of a highly watched installment of the iconic music competition series.
New York PostHannah Harper Wins American Idol 2026, Marking Return of Country Music
Hannah Harper, a 25-year-old singer from Willow Springs, Missouri, has been crowned the winner of the 24th season of American Idol in 2026. She defeated finalists Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson in a finale featuring performances by Alicia Keys, Raye, and judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood. Harper’s victory is historically significant as she is the first female country artist to win the title since Carrie Underwood in 2005. Her journey to stardom was propelled by social media, where her original bluegrass gospel song 'String Cheese,' which addresses her struggles with postpartum depression, garnered over 120 million views. This viral success established her as a frontrunner early in the season, which notably allowed public voting via social media platforms. Following her emotional win, Harper expressed gratitude for her family's support and announced plans for a brief rest before launching intimate concerts this fall. Judge Lionel Richie emphasized that maintaining relevance in the music industry will require dedicated professional effort. Harper aims to transition from television fame to a sustainable full-time musical career, backed by a strong fan base built during the competition.
Clarin.com - Home - Lo últimoHannah Harper Crowned Winner of American Idol Season 24
Hannah Harper has been officially crowned the winner of American Idol Season 24 following the live grand finale broadcast on May 11, 2026. The star-studded event featured the Top 3 finalists: Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, and Keyla Richardson. Seventeen-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys served as the guest mentor, with all three contestants performing her hits in the first round. In the second round, they showcased original songs or powerful covers tied to their hometowns. After a nationwide vote, Keyla Richardson was eliminated, leaving Harper and McCullough as the final two. Jordan McCullough, a 27-year-old worship leader from Tennessee, secured the second-place position. Hannah Harper, originally from Willow Springs, Missouri, claimed the title after receiving the highest number of votes. The finale included performances by music legends and past contestants, including Brad Paisley, Clay Aiken, and Tori Kelly, celebrating the conclusion of the season on ABC.
Forbes - BusinessAmerican Idol 2026 Finale: How to Watch the Season 24 Winner Announcement for Free
The Season 24 finale of American Idol is scheduled to air tonight, May 11, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. The three-hour broadcast will crown the winner from the final three contestants: Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, and Keyla Richardson. After enduring eleven rounds of competition, including a recent Dancing with the Stars-themed night, these singers will perform alongside music legends and celebrities such as Mötley Crüe, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, Clay Aiken, Jason Mraz, and Nelly. For viewers seeking to watch the event without a cable subscription, the article outlines specific streaming options. DIRECTV Stream is highlighted as a primary option for live viewing, offering a five-day free trial with plans starting at $49.99 per month. Alternatively, Hulu does not offer live streaming of the episode but will make it available to subscribers the following morning. New Hulu users can utilize a 30-day free trial on the ad-supported plan, which costs $10.99 monthly thereafter. This guide serves to inform fans about both the competitive conclusion of the season and the most cost-effective methods to access the broadcast.
New York PostAmerican Idol Season 24 Finale: Viewing Guide and Voting Details
The Season 24 finale of the popular singing competition American Idol is scheduled to air on May 11, 2026. The three-hour live event will crown the newest winner from the final three contestants: Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, and Keyla Richardson. Chris Tungseth and Braden Rumfelt were previously eliminated during the Top 5 episode, which featured a special 20th-anniversary reunion for the Class of 2006. The finale broadcasts on ABC and Disney+ starting at 8 p.m. ET, with the winner expected to be announced around 11 p.m. ET. Viewers can watch via cable or streaming services like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV. The episode promises star-studded performances from judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, who will perform together and solo. Guest mentor Alicia Keys is also set to perform, alongside a diverse lineup of artists including Mötley Crüe, Brad Paisley, Nelly, and Clay Aiken. This comprehensive guide provides essential information on start times, broadcasting platforms, and voting procedures for audiences eager to support their favorite finalists in the conclusion of this season.
Forbes - Business