The live three-hour season finale of American Idol took place on May 11. The show delivered an unforgettable night of music as America crowned Hannah Harper as the next American Idol. Jordan McCullough was voted runner-up, while Keyla Richardson finished in third place.
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Harper is the first female country artist since Carrie Underwood who won in Season 4. During the finale, McCullough performed songs “Dear God” and “Goodness of God”. He also performed “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys, plus a group number with Harper and Richardson of “The Champion” by Carrie Underwood. He later teamed up with fellow contestant Daniel Stallworth joining Tori Kelly for an exciting performance of “Confetti.”
The top 3 finalists performed “Lovin U” with Alicia Keys.
The star-studded evening featured mentoring from Alicia Keys, with a special group performance by judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood. Underwood also performed alongside Mötley Crüe; and additional performances by Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms, Cameron Whitcomb, Clay Aiken, En Vogue, Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack, Luke Bryan, Nelly, Shinedown and Tori Kelly.
TVMusic Network and a small group of reporters were on hand and spoke to Jordan after the show.
Get the most American Idol news in our American Idol category page, for show recaps, contestant interviews, judges comments and more.
The group talked about his Idol journey, his reaction to being named in the Top 2 finale and how is journey allowed him to collaborate with such heavyweights as Elliott Yamin and Tori Kelly.
TVMusic Network: As the only platinum ticket winner. Yes. Oh, wow. Got to the final, too. Yes. How does that feel to know that? People were following you from the beginning, and saw something in you.
Jordan McCullough: Yeah, it meant so much because, you know, I received a Platinum ticket from my fellow idols. Yeah. So I wanted to make them proud. I wanted to ensure that they didn’t make the wrong decision when giving me and awarding me that platinum ticket. And so making it to the top two, I think I made them proud, but, um, yeah, it’s just, it’s incredible.
When asked if he got any advice from former idol alums Jennifer Hudson, Elliot Yamin, and Tori Kelly, who didn’t win but went on to have successful careers.
Jordan McCullough: I’ve had some great conversations with Jennifer, and Elliot is a great supporter of me now, and I’m so grateful for that, ’cause I’m a huge fan, and even Tori tonight, they’re all saying, ‘like, get ready.’ And I’m like, Oh, what? What? Y’all know something? don’t know. And they’re like, You’re ready? They see it in me. I’m blessed, and I’m excited to see what happens. And now that you have this platform, you made it number two on American, and I don’t, well, it is, like, a bucket list thing that you wanna do. Oh, my goodness. Oh, my word. I mean, I would love honestly, I feel like Hannah and I should get our opportunity to perform together. I wanted to do that so bad this season. We can do it on the Grammy stage. Who knows? Next year, maybe we can make it happen. Who knows? Who knows? We’ll see what happens.
When asked who his favorite past American Idol? Jordan named Carrie.
Jordan McCullough: Honestly, and not because she’s a judge, but Carrie Underwood. I am a huge fan, have been a huge fan of her since I was a kid. I mean, there’s a video they play tonight. 2002, I was in second grade, and I said, My favorite song was, “Before He Cheats.” I don’t know why that was my favorite song. I’ve just been so inspired by who she is and what she believes in, and she is a singer. That girl can sing. And so I’m grateful to have real vocalists like her around still, and so, yeah, I’ve always been inspired by her.
Get the most American Idol news in our American Idol category page, for show recaps, contestant interviews, judges comments and more.
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