The American Idol Season 24 finale wasn’t just about deciding a winner. It turned into a full night of music, nostalgia, and unexpected standout moments from the judges themselves.
Finalists Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, and Keyla Richardson competed across the three-hour live broadcast,
But what many viewers couldn’t stop talking about afterward was how much the judges brought to the night.
The Top 3 opened the show with a group performance of Carrie Underwood’s own song “The Champion,” setting a dazzling tone for a finale that blended competition with full-scale concert energy.
From there, all three judges — Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Underwood — stepped out from behind the desk and came together to perform Richie’s 1986 classic “Deep River Woman,” delivering tight three-part harmony that quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
Judges perform “Deep River Woman” – Season 24 Finale (2026)
Underwood also teamed up with rock veterans Mötley Crüe for a medley that included “Home Sweet Home” and “Kickstart My Heart,” while Bryan performed his new single “Fish Hunt Golf Drink” solo before joining former contestant Julián Kalel for a cover of Dwight Yoakam’s “A Thousand Miles from Nowhere.”
The packed guest lineup included Brad Paisley, Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms, Cameron Whitcomb, Clay Aiken, En Vogue, Nelly, Shinedown, and guest mentor Alicia Keys, who performed multiple times throughout the broadcast alongside the finalists and British singer Raye.
THE JUDGES SHOWED THE STOLE SHOW, PROVING WHY THEY ARE THE JUDGES IN THE FIRST PLACE.
And this wasn’t the first time! During the Season 23 finale in May 2025, the trio performed “Stuck on You” together — a moment that set the precedent for this year’s even bigger judge-led showcase.
Judges perform “Stuck on You” – Season 23 Finale (2025)
Hannah Harper was ultimately named the Season 24 winner, edging out runner-up Jordan McCullough after Keyla Richardson was eliminated in the final round of voting.
BUT FOR MANY WATCHING AT HOME, THE JUDGES’ PERFORMANCES BECAME THE MOMENTS THEY KEPT REPLAYING LONG AFTER THE CONFETTI FELL.
The finale, it turned out, was a full musical showcase from start to finish — not just a competition result.