{"id":23391,"date":"2026-05-07T09:20:13","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T09:20:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grow24.us\/?p=23391"},"modified":"2026-05-07T09:20:13","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T09:20:13","slug":"3-surprising-truths-about-keyla-richardson-the-american-idol-top-3-finalist-who-is-now-one-step-away-from-the-grand-finale-title","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grow24.us\/?p=23391","title":{"rendered":"3 surprising truths about Keyla Richardson, the American Idol Top 3 finalist who is now one step away from the grand finale title"},"content":{"rendered":"

Keyla Richardson, a gospel singer born and raised in Pensacola, wowed judges and audiences with her powerful rendition of P!nk\u2019s \u201cGlitter in the Air\u201d in her \u201cAmerican Idol\u201d audition.<\/p>\n

Richardson has been singing in Pensacola churches since her childhood, but she got her big break in 2019 performing on another televised singing competition, \u201cSunday Best.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Some of Richardson\u2019s other accomplishments include charting No. 1 on the gospel charts and landing a starring role alongside actress and producer Vivica A. Fox, all while also raising a son and teaching the next young generation of vocalists.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what to know about American Idol season 24 contestant Keyla Richardson.<\/p>\n

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Who is Keyla Richardson?<\/h2>\n

Keyla Richardson, 29, is a gospel singer who has been performing in Pensacola churches since the age of 5. However, she said it wasn\u2019t until she got into high school that she realized what a gift her voice was, and its ability to move people.<\/p>\n

Richardson teaches music at Life Shifting Learning Academy on Pensacola Boulevard, where she\u2019s been for about six years, and is raising a young son, Drew.<\/p>\n

A verified artist on Spotify with over 10,000 monthly listeners, Richardson released the EP \u201cSo Good\u201d in 2020, and the launch single \u201cSo Good\u201d became her first No. 1 on Billboard\u2019s Gospel Airplay chart.<\/p>\n

As another feather in her cap, actor Denzel Washington said in an interview that he listened to the EP every morning going to work.<\/p>\n

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Keyla Richardson and son, Drew, wow American Idol judges<\/h2>\n

Auditioning for \u201cAmerican Idol\u201d was a long-awaited dream for Richardson. Back in December, she was spotted being filmed on Pensacola Beach by Casino Beach Bar & Grille.<\/p>\n

When she got the chance, Richardson wowed celebrity judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood, moving Bryan to tears.<\/p>\n

\"Luke<\/p>\n

The judges praised her performance, with Richie noting:<\/p>\n

\u201cI can imagine you on some songs where you would just blow the roof off this place because of the range.\u201d<\/p>\n

Richardson\u2019s son, Drew, was there for the performance.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear your mom?\u201d Underwood asked him. \u201cDid you hear how great she did?\u2026 We love her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drew is also a singer and performed a rendition of \u201cGod Only Knows\u201d by For King & Country.<\/p>\n

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Keyla Richardson previously appeared on \u201cSunday Best\u201d<\/h2>\n

Richardson has showcased her voice on television before.<\/p>\n

Tens of thousands of hopefuls auditioned for the ninth season of \u201cSunday Best,\u201d a gospel singing competition hosted by Kirk Franklin with judges Erica Campbell, Kelly Price and Jonathan McReynolds.<\/p>\n

Richardson was one of only 20 contestants who made the main stage and advanced to the final four before being eliminated.<\/p>\n

She later said the experience was positive and uplifting and helped her use her platform to inspire others.<\/p>\n