American Idol Season 24 Top 3 Finalists Revealed After DWTS Collaboration
The countdown to the American Idol Season 24 finale is on as the competition’s Top 3 finalists have been announced following a dramatic and star-studded episode merging talent from Dancing With the Stars. On the May 4 episode titled “Class of 2006: Reunion/Idol X DWTS,” five finalists battled live on stage in front of a national audience before two were sent home in a nail-biting elimination.
The top three contestants advancing to the Season 24 grand finale on Monday, May 11, include Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, and Keyla Richardson. Each delivered powerful performances across multiple rounds, supported by a unique blend of DWTS pros and former American Idol stars creating an unforgettable television event.
Star-Studded Performances and DWTS Collaboration
During the first round, the finalists performed solo songs while accompanied by Dancing With the Stars pros Witney Carson, Jan Ravnik, Rylee Arnold, and Gleb Savchenko, whose live dance routines amplified the electric atmosphere.
- Keyla Richardson energized the crowd with Ike & Tina Turner’s “River Deep, Mountain High.”
- Chris Tungseth delivered an emotional rendition of Noah Kahan’s “Northern Attitude.”
- Braden Rumfelt captivated with Teddy Swims’s “Lose Control.”
- Hannah Harper performed Peggy Lee’s classic “Fever” with sultry intensity.
- Jordan McCullough offered a stirring version of Leona Lewis’s “Footprints in the Sand.”
Next, the contestants paired with alumni including Taylor Hicks, Bucky Covington, Paris Bennett, Kelly Pickler, and Elliott Yamin to perform iconic duets that blended old and new talent, adding to the episode’s historic vibe.
- Keyla Richardson & Taylor Hicks charmed with Stevie Wonder’s “Living for the City.”
- Chris Tungseth & Bucky Covington tackled Garth Brooks’ “The Thunder Rolls.”
- Braden Rumfelt & Paris Bennett rocked Queen’s “The Show Must Go On.”
- Hannah Harper & Kelly Pickler delivered a heartfelt “A Broken Wing” by Martina McBride.
- Jordan McCullough & Elliott Yamin concluded with Donny Hathaway’s soulful “A Song for You.”
Judges and Voting Drama
The judging panel featured powerhouse country stars Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan, along with legendary singer-songwriter Lionel Richie. The trio offered glowing critiques throughout, praising the contestants’ vocal range and stage presence. Season icon Paula Abdul joined as a guest judge, while veteran mentor Randy Jackson coached the finalists, adding depth to the competition’s dynamic.
Following electrifying performances, live voting opened to the audience nationwide. Despite strong showings, Braden Rumfelt and Chris Tungseth were eliminated, leaving three finalists to prepare for the Season 24 finale.
American Idol Finale Set for May 11
The energy now shifts fully to the grand finale scheduled for Monday, May 11. The winner will be crowned from Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, and Keyla Richardson, marking the conclusion of another electrifying season of American Idol. Viewers across Delaware and the US are poised to witness who claims the coveted title and launches their career with a national platform and mentorship from some of music’s biggest names.
This innovative crossover with Dancing With the Stars has added fresh excitement to the talent competition landscape, making this season one of the most memorable in recent history. The collaboration showcased the power of combining music and dance, elevating performances and audience engagement nationwide.
