Pensacola’s own Keyla Richardson is headed to the American Idol finale. The local music teacher punched her ticket to the top 3 on Monday night, putting her one round away from winning the season.
- Richardson opened the show with the Ike and Tina Turner classic “River Deep — Mountain High,” then closed the night performing Stevie Wonder’s “Living for the City” alongside former Idol winner Taylor Hicks. She’ll compete in next week’s grand finale against Hannah Harper and Jordan McCullough.
Pensacola has rallied hard around Richardson for weeks. Her fanbase—the Keyhive—organized watch parties at local businesses as she advanced through each round.
Background: Richardson teaches music at Life Shifting Learning Academy. She grew up singing in St. John Divine Missionary Baptist Church, has released original singles, and competed on BET’s gospel competition Sunday Best in 2019.
- Grammy winner Alicia Keys will mentor Richardson and the other two finalists. Keys will also perform during the American Idol Season 24 grand finale on May 11.
KeylaFest
The City of Pensacola is ready to celebrate. KeylaFest kicks off Wednesday, May 6, with a parade at 4 p.m., followed by a free concert at Hunter Amphitheater behind Wahoos Stadium at 6:30 p.m. Amphitheater standing room tickets are sold out—overflow tickets in the stadium were still available as of Monday evening.
We will get more details at the mayor’s press conference at 10 a.m. today.
Full details at keylafest.com.
The Competition
Hannah Harper
Harper is a 26?year?old stay?at?home mom with three young boys from rural Missouri. She grew up performing bluegrass gospel with her family band, touring churches and festivals across rural Missouri. She auditioned with an original song, “String Cheese,” which has been described as an anthem for overwhelmed moms.
Jordan McCullough
McCullough is a 27?year?old worship director based Murfreesboro, Tenn., serving at Zeal Church. He found his love of music singing in church from age 4 and has continued in worship?music roles ever since. McCullough earned a Platinum Ticket, after Judge Carrie Underwood said his performance “felt like worship.”