AMERICAN Idol has crowned the winner of Season 24, and many fans aren’t thrilled about the results.
It appeared to be anyone’s game in the battle between Top 3 finalists Keyla Richardson, Hannah Harper, and Jordan McCullough, who each continued to shine on Monday night’s finale.
The episode kicked off with the finalists each performing two songs with the guidance of mentor Alicia Keys.
However, there still didn’t appear to be a clear favorite, as even the judges couldn’t tell who would win.
At one point, Carrie Underwood asked if a three-way tie was possible for an American Idol first, and her fellow panelists Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan agreed.
But only one could earn the title, and when Keyla was announced as the third-place winner, it left Hannah and Jordan competing for the top spot.
The live show continued with the return of many of the season’s past contestants who took the stage alongside artists including En Vogue, Gin Blossoms, Blues Travelers, Brad Paisley, and Nelly.
Viewers were surprised when Carrie joined Motley Crue onstage for a medley of their greatest hits.
Other performances included Shinedown, Alicia Keys, Lee Ann Womack, Jason Mraz, and Tori Kelly.
The Top 2 finalists reunited on stage in the final minutes of the show when host Ryan Seacrest revealed this year’s champion to be Hannah.
While the arena erupted in cheers, those at home weren’t as enthused and thought the wrong person won.
“Jordan sang the roof off that place all night. He really didn’t miss a beat. I’m a little bummed,” one Reddit user said.
“That was… an underwhelming ending lol,” another reacted.
“This season is the worst, and this finale is terrible. I remember when the finals were exciting,” a third commented.
“I think we need new judges next season. Judges who give more than praise, and having more range at the table,” a fourth suggested.
“Hoping for a change next season. Anything but a repeat of this,” a fifth pleaded.
“Idol should have their 25th season next year and then call it quits for real,” a sixth added.
Fans were highly critical of the season from the start, when a voting fiasco in the season’s first live show sent producers scrambling.
They’ve also repeatedly expressed their frustration with the judges’ critiques, with many believing they weren’t harsh enough on the contestants.
Many have called for Carrie to be replaced after she failed to impress again during her sophomore season as a judge.
Carrie joined the panel last season alongside Luke and Lionel.
