Tonight was the night when the search for the next singing sensation revealed the winner of American Idol for 2026 from among the Top 3 finalists: Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson at the end of a three-hour season finale.
But first, the Top 3 had to sing for the final time on the American Idol stage. They opened the show with a performance of “Champion” by Carrie Underwood, and then each performed twice: an Alicia Keys song, who mentored them, and a song that was a tribute to their hometown.
Then there were the hometown visits: Hannah to Willow Springs, MO; Keyla to Pensacola, FL; and Jordan to Murfreesboro and Nashville, TN.
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In addition to the solo performances, the Top 3 and other finalists performed with music stars including Brad Paisley, Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms, Cameron Whitcomb, Clay Aiken, En Vogue, Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack, Nelly, Shinedown and Tori Kelly.
The judges also performed: Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood performed “Deep River Woman” by Lionel, Luke took the stage solo for his new song “Fish Hunt Golf Drink,” Luke and finalist Julián Kalel performed “A Thousand Miles From Nowhere” by Dwight Yoakam, and Carrie partnered with Mötley Crüe.
Then America voted, and the new American Idol was named.
Here’s our spoiler-filled recap of the American Idol finale tonight, including who won.
Related:How to Vote on American Idol 2026: Online, Text and Social Media Voting Guide
Who won American Idol 2026?
Hannah Harper
Who went home tonight on American Idol 2026
Jordan McCullough
Keyla Richardson
Here’s how the night played out:
ROUND 1: ALICIA KEYS SONGS
HANNAH HARPER
Song: “No One”
Lionel said: “You have to understand, you’ve taken an Alicia Keys song and turned it into your song so fast only because you have that identifiable voice that we’ve all come to love. The fact that you now own that stage and you look so comfortable, you took the advice to make it all about you and your voice. You did great.”
KEYLA RICHARDSON
Song: “Unthinkable”
Carrie said: “Alicia Keys was such a wonderful choice for the finale. I think that was such a wonderful choice of song because you are ready for any of the amazing things that are going to come next for you, Keyla.”
JORDAN McCULLOUGH
Song: “If I Ain’t Got You”
Luke said: “I am so proud of your confidence on that. You were throwing little looks. You were, ‘This is my stage. I’m this confident. I’ve worked so hard.’ You have so much swager, moxie and all that stuff.”
ROUND 2 – HOMETOWN SONGS
HANNAH HARPER
Song: “Married Into This Town” by Hannah Harper
Lionel said: “I’m just going to say congratulations on songwriting, congratulations on being that authentic person. The fact that you’re real about this, and I love watching your family looking at you while you sing. More importantly, isn’t it great to go home and celebrate?”
KEYLA RICHARDSON
Song: “I Love the Lord” by Whitney Houston featuring The Georgia Mass Choir
Carrie said: “I love this show so much. I love your hometown package. I love that you took this opportunity to sing to the Lord. It just shows your heart, girl.”
JORDAN McCULLOUGH
Song: “Dear God” by Smokie Norful
Luke said: “All I can say is Murfreesboro is about 20 minutes from my house and I am coming to your church to hear you sing in your church. You have made American Idol your church all year, but I still have to hear it in your church. Congratulations to your church and your community for building you up to get you to this point.”
Related: American Idol Standout Jordan McCullough Teases a ‘Risky’ Taylor Swift Night Performance (Exclusive)
Then it was time to narrow down the competition. Going through to the Top 2 were Jordan and Hannah, which meant that Keyla Richardson was eliminated.
After all the guest musicians performed, Hannah returned to the stage and reprised her original song, “String Cheese,” and Jordan sang “The Lord Is Good.”
Finally, it was time for the reveal of the new American Idol for 2026. Host Ryan Seacrestpronounced the winner to be Hannah Harper.
