American Idol announced its Top 3 finalists for next week's Season 24 finale during a special throwback episode on May 4. Keyla Richardson, Hannah Harper, and Jordan McCullough advanced, while Chris Tungseth and Braden Rumfelt were eliminated. The episode featured returning judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, along with duets with Season 5 alumni.
On May 4, American Idol aired a throwback edition of its Top 5 performances, bringing back original judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. The episode revealed the three singers advancing to next week's Season 24 finale: Keyla Richardson, Hannah Harper, and Jordan McCullough. Chris Tungseth and Braden Rumfelt were eliminated after performing solo numbers and duets with Season 5 finalists including Taylor Hicks, Bucky Covington, Paris Bennett, Kellie Pickler, and Elliott Yamin. Dancing With the Stars pros Rylee Arnold, Witney Carson, Jan Ravnik, and Gleb Savchenko joined the contestants on stage for several performances, including a Class of 2006 celebration. Keyla Richardson opened with Tina Turner's 'River Deep, Mountain High' and dueted with Taylor Hicks on Stevie Wonder's 'Living for the City,' showcasing improved confidence in the latter. Hannah Harper delivered Peggy Lee's 'Fever' and paired with Kellie Pickler on Martina McBride's 'A Broken Wing.' Jordan McCullough performed Leona Lewis' 'Footprints in the Sand' and teamed with Elliott Yamin on Donny Hathaway's 'A Song For You,' earning praise for his emotional delivery. Chris Tungseth sang Noah Kahan's 'Northern Attitude' and Garth Brooks' 'The Thunder Rolls' with Bucky Covington, while Braden Rumfelt tackled Teddy Swims' 'Lose Control' and Queen's 'The Show Must Go On' with Paris Bennett. Randy Jackson mentored the Top 5 ahead of the results show.
