American Idol Season 24 Winner Revealed

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Another American Idol season has come to an end after a note-worthy finale.

Ryan Seacrest revealed Hannah Harper as the winner of the singing competition on May 11th, with judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood cheering her on. Hannah impressed everyone throughout season 24, especially with her original song, “String Cheese.” She won over fellow finalist Jordan McCullough, and Keyla Richardson, who had been eliminated earlier that evening.

As you can imagine, the finale of Idol was a total spectacle! It was packed with stars, and I was so excited to see Alicia Keys join Luke, Lionel, and Carrie as a mentor and performer. The energy was incredible! We also got performances from Brad Paisley, En Vogue, Nelly, and Tori Kelly, and a special treat – Clay Aiken came back to the stage to debut his first new song in almost two decades, ‘Rewind’! It was a night to remember for all of us Idol fans.

As the latest season of Idol wrapped up, it got me thinking about just how much of an impact this show has had over the years. I was chatting with some true Idol icons – like Carrie Underwood and Ryan Seacrest – and we were all reminiscing about the show’s incredible history and lasting legacy. It’s amazing to see how it continues to shape the music industry and launch so many careers!

Carrie, the winner of American Idol‘s fourth season, described the show as a modern-day Cinderella story in a recent interview with Good Morning America. She explained that she gained valuable experience during her time on Idol which prepared her for her future success.

Ryan, who originally hosted the first season in 2002 with Brian Dunkleman before Dunkleman left the show, explained that American Idol has a rich history but has also successfully adapted to changing times. He believes this blend of tradition and evolution is what makes the show so enduring.

It was a special moment when Jennifer Hudson, a former contestant on Idol, came back in late April as a guest judge.

It’s surreal to look back on everything that’s happened,” Jennifer Hudson told TopMob News before her interview, “but it really makes you realize how much time has gone by.”

As she continued, “I’m like, ‘Wow. Idol was 22 years ago. Dreamgirls was 20 years ago.'”

Jennifer felt the timing was right, even with her busy schedule working on a big Broadway revival. She explained that she was open to returning to Idol as a judge or mentor, and then excited to support someone else’s opportunity as part of the production team for Dreamgirls.

While you’re waiting for the next season of American Idol, here’s a look behind the scenes at how the show works.

According to former contestants, you don’t start earning money on American Idol until you reach the live shows. Margie Mays, who competed in seasons 17 and 18, explained in a 2020 TikTok that payment begins then. She also clarified that contestants do get paid for things like appearing in commercials or returning for the finale after being eliminated, and expenses like travel and food during trips like the one to Hawaii are covered.

However, being a contestant itself isn’t paid – it’s a sacrifice made in pursuit of winning.

The grand prize for winning is $250,000, but Maddie Poppe, the winner of season 16, told Business Insider in 2022 that it’s not a straightforward payment. Half is given upfront before the winner finishes their record, and the other half after. Poppe explained it essentially functions as an advance on the record deal, which she’ll likely need to ‘recoup’ – earn back – through record sales.

No, that’s not how it works.

David Cook, the winner of season seven, explained to Business Insider that his initial audition wasn’t his first attempt – it was actually his fifth round.

There are several ways to audition for American Idol, including open calls, online virtual auditions, and through social media. However, the show’s rules state that if a singer is asked to continue to the next stage, they’re responsible for their own travel expenses.

David elaborated, “Once you make it to Hollywood Week, they cover your flights and accommodation. But for the initial city auditions, you’re on your own dime.”

So you’ve made it to Hollywood on American Idol – what happens next? Once the judges – Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan – give you that golden ticket, you head to California for Hollywood Week. But who pays for the trip?

According to a former contestant, the show covers all necessary travel expenses. In a TikTok video, she explained that they fly contestants to Hollywood, book the flights, and provide transportation from the airport to the hotel. They also cover the cost of the hotel and meals. While you won’t receive any cash, all your essential expenses are taken care of.

In the beginning of the competition, contestants choose their own outfits. As Margie explained in a 2020 TikTok video, once they reach the live rounds – typically the Top 14 and beyond – the show provides stylists to handle their wardrobe, hair, and makeup. The goal is to transform them from everyday people into stars throughout the season.

However, stylists have a budget to work with. Soyon An, a former costume designer, told The Hollywood Reporter in 2013 that contestants were given $400 per episode for clothing. If they wanted an outfit that cost more than that, they had to pay the difference themselves, as the show is focused on helping them create and establish their personal brand.

Oh my gosh, it’s SO brutal watching people get eliminated on American Idol! I’ve been researching everything, and apparently, as soon as Ryan Seacrest says your name, they basically get you out of there! This former contestant, Margie, explained it on TikTok – for Hollywood Week, they book your flight immediately. Like, you walk off stage and are whisked away to a hotel, then straight to the airport! It’s crazy! Later on, it changes a little. For Hawaii, everyone flies back to L.A. together, no matter what. But once they’re living in the Idol apartments and doing the live shows, it depends. If you’re cut between the Top 20 and Top 10, you’re probably gone pretty quickly. But if you make it to the Top 10? They actually keep you around until the finale! They need you for performances and appearances, even after you’re eliminated. It’s so sad, but also fascinating to see how it all works!

Because American Idol contestants must be at least 15 years old, many are still in school while competing. Danielle Finn, who reached the Top 24 at age 17, shared that they had school on the set of season 20 and were limited to 10-hour filming days. If they went over that limit or had free time, they were required to attend classes. Victoria Johnson, 16 during season 22, had a similar experience, completing required school hours even during spring break and taking all her classes online afterward to accommodate filming. Both singers balanced their Idol commitments with their education.

Throughout the history of American Idol, the contestants’ living arrangements have varied greatly, from apartments and hotels to luxurious mansions. One house, used during season eight, was especially extravagant, featuring amenities like a basketball court, bowling alley, home theater, and both indoor and outdoor pools. Lil Rounds, a contestant from season eight, reminisced on Instagram in February 2024, calling the mansion “soo awesome” but admitting they barely got any sleep. More recently, contestants seem to be staying in hotels. For example, Abi Carter, the winner of season 22, and Julia Gagnon, a top seven finalist, shared a room together.

Life was incredibly hectic for contestants on ‘American Idol.’ Season two winner Ruben Studdard described a whirlwind schedule involving choosing songs, practicing, recording vocals, and filming promotional material. He recalled receiving songs on Thursday, making final selections by Sunday, and spending all night in the studio perfecting the track. By Tuesday morning, they’d rehearse the entire show, and the promotional packages urging viewers to vote were already filmed. Then, the cycle would begin again with eliminations on Wednesday. As the competition narrowed, the workload didn’t decrease – it actually intensified. Season thirteen runner-up Jena Irene Asciutto echoed this sentiment, explaining that as contestants were eliminated, those remaining had to fill more time during each episode. She specifically remembered starting to film Ford commercials every Sunday once the competition reached the top eight.

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2026-05-12 06:17