TheSeason 24 “American Idol’comes to a close tonight with a three-hour-long episode. Here’s everything to know about what’s in store for the remaining three contestants.
Who's in the 'American Idol' Top 3 in 2026?
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Keyla Richardson (Pensacola, Florida)
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Hannah Harper (Willow Springs, Missouri)
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Jordan McCullough (Murfreesboro, Tennessee)
Immediately after making the Top 3, all three finalists returned home for a hometown heroes-style parade and concert filmed by the Idol production team that will air in the show’s finale.
Richardson’s hometown visit included many familiar sights for Pensacola locals, including the Blue Angels, the Blue Wahoos, the Pensacola Beach water tower, a Mardi-Gras style parade and second line, and an outdoor concert at the Hunter Amphitheater outside Maritime Park.
Richardson’s son, Drew, was with her for the ride, even hopping on the stage to join her during her concert, helping to rev up the crowd.
Who will be a guest judge in the 'American Idol' finale?
Alicia Keys will serve as a guest judge for the finale, joining forces with Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
Will there be celebrity performances?
Yes. There will be a variety of special finale performers, includingBrad Paisley, Blues Traveler,Cameron Whitcomb,Clay Aiken, En Vogue, Gin Blossoms,Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack,Nelly,ShinedownandTori Kelly, according to People. Bryan is also expected to perform his new song, "Fish Hunt Golf Drink.”
The eliminated Top 5 contestants, Braden Rumfelt and Chris Tungseth, will return for the finale.
What happened last week on “American Idol?”
In the May 4 episode, original former Idol judgesPaula Abdul and Randy Jackson returnedto give feedback to the Top 5 contestants—Jordan McCullough, Hannah Harper, Keyla Richardson, Chris Tungseth and Braden Rumfelt—during a night that was all about celebrating the show's legacy.
Season 5 heavy hitters Taylor Hicks, Elliott Yamin, Paris Bennett, Kellie Pickler and Bucky Covington also came back to the stage after 20 years to join forces with the 2026 class of Idol hopefuls, whilelast year's winner,Jamal Roberts, returned to perform his new song, "Perfect For Me."
The five alumni paired up with the Season 24 contestants for duets, one of which earned an especially fervent response from Abdul, who was "so happy to be at my old home."
Richardson paired with up American Idol winner Taylor Hicks for a rendition of “Living for the City” by Stevie Wonder, as well as an energizing performance of “River Deep Mountain High” by Ike and Tina Turner.
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“I have to tell you—your vocal range is like a weapon. You can go from a whisper to a thunderstorm, and it feels like every moment is inevitable, and that’s the mark of a true performer, and your confidence is blooming so beautifully,” Abdul said. “I only have one little bit of criticism, and it’s constructive. And it’s this—remember that your whisper has to be equally as dangerous as your top note. That’s it. You’re beautiful.”
How to watch 'American Idol' at home
"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 onDisney+ and Huluthe next day.
When will voting take place for the finale?
America’s viewers will decide the 2026 champion in one night. Live voting will take place during the show at the start of episode, which airs in Central Time at 7 p.m. on ABC and Disney+.
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, usingFacebook,InstagramandTikTok.
For voting on the American Idol website, visitAmericanIdol.com/Voteonce 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.
USA TODAY reporter KiMi Robinson contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal:"American Idol' finale is tonight. Here's what to know
