🚨 “KEYLA RICHARDSON’S MOM CALLED THE IDOL RESULT A ‘ROBBERY’ — BUT IT’S KEYLA’S OWN POST AFTERWARD THAT NOW HAS FANS READING BETWEEN THE LINES.” 😳🎤

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The mom of “American Idol” finalist Keyla Richardson has claimed her daughter was “robbed” following the show’s Season 24 finale, where the singer finished third.

“My baby was robbed,” Katja Richardson wrote on Facebook after Monday night’s ABC broadcast. “She did not fail. She was robbed i’m sorry I’m gonna say it!!”

Keyla, a 29-year-old teacher from Pensacola, Fla., placed behind winner Hannah Harper and runner-up Jordan McCullough in the live finale.

Keyla Richardson performing on American Idol.
Keyla Richardson performs during the “American Idol” Season 24 finale, May 11, 2026.Disney via Getty Images

Richardson performed Alicia Keys’ “Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready)” before singing Whitney Houston’s “I Love The Lord” for the hometown segment.

Judge Luke Bryan praised her run on the show during the live broadcast.

“This whole year I just watched you focus with drive and determination,” Bryan said.

“We’ve seen you just give it your all for your family and your crew and your people and you’ve won in our eyes.”

“Just watching you seize every moment has been so inspiring to me,” he added. “Congratulations, great job.”

Hannah Harper, Keyla Richardson, and Jordan McCullough on stage during the "American Idol" finale.
Richardson placed third behind winner Hannah Harper and runner-up Jordan McCullough.Disney

Despite her mom’s reaction, Richardson kept things upbeat as she reflected on her run on the show.

“The journey has been amazing,” Richardson posted on Instagram. “We are just getting started #Idol.”

The singer also shared a post on Tuesday alongside fellow “American Idol” alum Breanna Nix, who finished in third place during Season 23 last year.

Keyla Richardson singing into a microphone next to Jason Mraz playing an acoustic guitar.
Richardson performs with Jason Mraz during the “American Idol” Season 24 finale.Disney via Getty Images

“Season 23 & Season 24 3rd place finalist!” Richardson wrote.

“It’s NOT BAD AT ALL, it’s actually GREAT. I’m excited about what’s coming, It’s only up from here! Love you @breannanixmusic #Idol #Top3.”

The three-hour finale also featured performances from guest mentor Alicia Keys and judges Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie, who teamed up for a rendition of Richie’s “Deep River Woman.”

Keyla Richardson singing into a microphone on stage, wearing a shimmering silver dress.
Despite her mom saying she was “robbed,” Richardson posted afterwards “We are just getting started.”Disney via Getty Images

Underwood also performed with Mötley Crüe, joining the rock band for “Home Sweet Home” and “Kickstart My Heart.”

Meanwhile, Harper reflected on her win in an Instagram post of her own.

“What a wild, beautiful journey this has been,” Harper wrote. “And somehow we’re just getting started.”

 

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A post shared by Hannah Harper (@hannahharper)

“Thank you to every single person who believed in me, prayed over me, voted, and helped carry this dream farther than I ever could’ve imagined,” she added. “Y’all changed my life.”