American Idol 2026 Poll Results, Winner Prediction
The three-hour American Idol 2026 season 24 finale airs tonight (May 11) on ABC and Disney+. The Top 3 finalists competing for the title are Jordan McCullough, Hannah Harper and Keyla Richardson — the lineup many fans expected heading into the last episode. With performances, mentorship and high-profile guest artists on the bill, tonight’s broadcast will decide who takes the crown. Below are the results from the audience polls conducted ahead of the finale and a concise prediction based on those results and the contestants’ trajectories this season.
If you participated in earlier voting or followed the weekly rankings, you likely saw similar patterns — consistent support for certain performers and notable shifts as the live shows progressed. The poll referenced here captures fan sentiment immediately before the finale, offering insight into who viewers believe will win and who they think deserves to win.
The finale’s guest lineup is stacked: Alicia Keys appears as a guest mentor and will perform with the Top 3, and the judges — Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood — will participate in a special group performance. Carrie Underwood also has a separate performance with Mötley Crüe. Additional acts featured during the finale include Brad Paisley, Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, Cameron Whitcomb, Clay Aiken, En Vogue, Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack, Nelly, Shinedown and Tori Kelly. These performances add variety to the show and spotlight the finalists alongside established artists from multiple genres.
American Idol 2026 Top 3 FINAL Polls
Poll responses were decisive: a majority of voters pointed to Hannah Harper as the likely winner, while Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson trailed. The poll also captured opinions about who should win, which can differ from who fans expect will actually take the title. Below are the final poll percentages reflecting both perceptions of who will win and who deserves to win based on the contest performances.
Who WILL Win American Idol 2026?
- Hannah Harper – 65.11%
- Jordan McCullough – 25.11%
- Keyla Richardson – 9.79%
Who SHOULD Win American Idol 2026?
- Jordan McCullough – 46.15%
- Hannah Harper – 42.31%
- Keyla Richardson – 11.54%
FINAL PREDICTION
Hannah Harper has been a frontrunner since her audition. Her viral original song “String Cheese” established an early connection with viewers and demonstrated her songwriting and performance strengths. Throughout the season she has consistently delivered emotionally resonant performances and built a strong, active online following that has supported her on the show.
That said, voting dynamics in televised competitions can be unpredictable. Jordan McCullough has a vocal style and stage presence that many fans favor, and in the “should win” polling he actually tops Hannah by a narrow margin — indicating that some voters believe artistic merit or versatility should weigh more heavily than popularity alone. Keyla Richardson remains a talented contender with a dedicated base, though the poll shows a smaller share of votes heading into the finale.
Looking at both sets of poll results, the prediction tilts toward Hannah Harper taking the title tonight given her substantial lead in the “who will win” polling. However, the gap between “will” and “should” highlights the distinction between perceived inevitability and fan preference for artistry. Final results will depend on tonight’s performances, how effectively each finalist connects with viewers in the moment, and the voting turnout once polls open.
Expect a high-energy show filled with standout guest moments and emotive performances from the Top 3. Whether you’re tuning in for the music, the guest artists, or to cast a vote, tonight’s finale promises a climactic conclusion to American Idol’s 24th season. Cast your vote if you haven’t already, and enjoy the finale.