Overview
- Hannah Harper was chosen by viewers at the end of a three-hour live finale on Monday after votes were counted in real time during the broadcast.
- Keyla Richardson was cut mid-show in a third-place elimination, and Jordan McCullough finished as runner-up when Ryan Seacrest read the final tally.
- Alicia Keys served as guest mentor and performer as the event-style finale packed in sets from judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan alongside a slate of guest artists.
- Harper’s momentum grew from her viral audition with the original song String Cheese about postpartum depression, which helped her connect with voters throughout the season.
- Following the finale, social media reactions split between celebrations of Harper and disappointment from fans who favored McCullough, and Harper said she plans to tour.