Inside The Judges’ Reactions To Hannah Harper’s Stunning ‘Idol’ Win
on May 12, 2026
Hannah Harper Won Season 24 Of American Idol
On Monday (May 11), Season 24 of American Idol came to an end following a talent-filled three-hour episode. The episode was kicked off with a powerful performance from the final three contestants: Jordan McCollough, Hannah Harper, and Keyla Richardson.
They sang Carrie Underwood’s anthem “The Champion.”
Each of the three finalists were mentored by Alicia Keys and also performed one of her songs. They also each performed a dedication to their hometown, after the audience was able to see the finalists’ hometown visits which took place earlier in the week.
To round out the first part of the episode, the Top 3 sang “Lovin’ U” with mentor Alicia Keys.
Then, they held the first elimination of the night, ending Richardson’s time on the show.
Harper and McCollough each performed their audition song once again, giving fans the chance to continue voting for them. They also performed with one of their own idols. McCullough sang with Tori Kelly, and Hannah Harper performed with Lee Ann Womack.
At the end of the three-hour show, Ryan Seacrest announced that the winner of American Idol is…Hannah Harper!
Hannah Reacts To Her Win
The latest American Idol took to social media moments after her win to reflect on the nearly year-long process.
“What a wild, beautiful journey this has been. And somehow we’re just getting started,” she wrote. “Thank you to every single person who believed in me, prayed over me, voted, and helped carry this dream farther than I ever could’ve imagined. Y’all changed my life.”
She continued, saying she is “beyond thankful for the doors the Lord has opened and for the opportunity to walk this path.”
And she revealed that she will be going on tour sooner rather than later.
Judges React To Her Win
Not only did fans take to social media to react to Hannah’s win, so did the American Idol host, Ryan Seacrest, and judges!
Luke Bryan shared a photo of him and Hannah alongside his fellow judges Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie, with the caption, “Closing out this season on such a high note!”
“Congratulations to our #idol Season 9 winner @hannahharper. I could tell from the beginning you were gonna make us proud,” he wrote.
Bryan also included some photos of him singing throughout the evening.
Underwood also took to social media to congratulate Hannah, writing, “Congratulations to our winner Hannah and our runner-up Jordan on an amazing @americanidol finale! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you both.”
We can’t wait to see what is next for Hannah Harper, and it’s clear the judges can’t wait either!
