Keyla Richardson is reflecting on her American Idol journey after ending season 24 in third place.
The singer, 29, shared posts to Instagram celebrating her impressive run — and her mom weighed in, too, writing on social media that she believed her daughter was robbed of the Idol title.

Richardson first shared a pair of photos of her performing “I Love the Lord” by Whitney Houston, her second solo performance of the night.
“The journey has been amazing, we are just getting started #Idol,” she captioned the post.
Richardson later shared a video with season 23 contestant Breanna Nix, who came in third place on her season.
“Season 23 & Season 24 3rd place finalist! It’s NOT BAD AT ALL, it’s actually GREAT. I’m excited about what’s coming, It’s only up from here!” Richardson wrote. “Love you @breannanixmusic #Idol #Top3 .”
During the show, Richardson also sang “Un-Thinkable” by Alicia Keys, and joined Jason Mraz for a rendition of “I Won’t Give Up.”
Richardson ultimately came in third behind runner-up Jordan McCullough and winner Hannah Harper.
In a Facebook post shortly after the finale aired, Richardson’s mother Katja shared a message expressing her feelings on the final lineup.
“My baby was robbed. She did not fail,” Katja wrote. “She was robbed I’m sorry I’m gonna say it!!”
After performing her first song of the night, Richardson received praise from judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie.
“This whole year I just watched you focus with drive and determination,” Bryan told her. “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. Congratulations, great job.”

The finale was a star-studded affair, and included guest appearances by Keys, who served as a mentor, Mötley Crüe, Brad Paisley, Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, Clay Aiken, En Vogue, Lee Ann Womack, Nelly, Shinedown, Tori Kelly, Raye and Cameron Whitcomb.
Harper reflected on her own winning journey in an Instagram post, describing her time on Idol as a “wild, beautiful journey.”
“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. Y’all changed my life,” she wrote. “I’m beyond thankful for the doors the Lord has opened and for the opportunity to walk this path. I’ll see y’all on the road soon… tour dates coming your way. ”