“‘WAIT… THEY ELIMINATED HER?!’ — AMERICAN IDOL’S FINALE JUST TURNED FROM A CELEBRATION INTO PURE HEARTBREAK IN SECONDS.” — American Idol’s Finale Erupted Into Instant Controversy After One Frontrunner Was Suddenly Eliminated Halfway Through The Live Show, Leaving Viewers Completely Blindsided. The Contestant Had Spent Weeks Dominating Fan Polls, Delivering Emotional Performances, And Looking Like A Possible Winner — Which Made The Shocking Cut Feel Almost Impossible To Process As The Top 2 Celebration Continued Around Them. Within Seconds, Social Media Exploded With Furious Reactions, With Fans Demanding Answers And Replaying The Exact Moment The Finalist’s Expression Appeared To Completely Change On Camera. Now Viewers Are Convinced Something About The Elimination Felt Deeply Off, And Many Are Saying The Most Heartbreaking Part Of The Finale Wasn’t Who Won… It Was Watching A Fan Favorite’s Dream End In Stunned Silence Right Before America’s Eyes.

One American Idol finalist was eliminated halfway through Monday night’s finale episode.

Jordan McCullough, Hannah Harper, and Keyla Richardson made it to the Top 3 after 15 weeks of intense competition. During Monday night’s 3-hour finale episode, each finalist was mentored by Alicia Keys before singing one of her songs.

Then each finalist sang a hometown tribute song in honor of the place where they got their start and the people who have supported their Idol journey. A collaborative performance with Alicia Keys followed as the Top 3 joined her to sing “Lovin’ You.”Viewers cast their votes during the first half of the show to determine who would advance to the Top 2. The hopeful sent home in 3rd place is ….

Keyla Richardson.

What’s next for the Top 2?

The votes will be reset before Jordan McCullough and Hannah Harper perform again. They will each be tasked with singing their audition song, the song that first introduced them to America and earned them a Golden Ticket. For Hannah Harper, that song is her original tune, “String Cheese.” Jordan McCullough auditioned with “Goodness of God.”

They also sang a duet with one of their own idols. Jordan McCullough will sing with Tori Kelly, and Hannah Harper will perform with Lee Ann Womack.

At the end of tonight’s episode, a new American Idol winner will be crowned. While Hannah Harper is the odds-on favorite to win, Jordan McCullough could pull off a surprise win based on his incredible finale night performances.