American Idol finalist Keyla Richardson’s mom has some harsh words for voters after the singer placed third in the season 24 finale.
“My baby was robbed. She did not fail. She was robbed I’m sorry I’m gonna say it!!” Katja Richardson wrote in a Facebook statement on Monday, May 11.
Keyla, 29, started off Monday night’s finale episode by singing Alicia Keys’ 2009 track “Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready)” in honor of the guest mentor. For the hometown round, Keyla sang a rendition of “I Love The Lord.”
At the end of this round, host Ryan Seacrest shared that Keyla had come in third place. After the final two continued on, Hannah Harper took home the title, with Jordan McCullough placing as the runner-up.
“The journey has been amazing, we are just getting started 💛 #Idol,” Keyla wrote via Instagram on Monday alongside photos from one of her performances.
One day later, Keyla shared a joint post with Local Pulse Pensacola about a welcome home party celebration for her on Tuesday, May 12.
“🐝KeyHive🐝 Let’s welcome home Keyla the Pensacola way!🌟🎤,” the Instagram post read. “Her talent, passion, and powerful voice on American Idol this season honored our city, our community, and God every step of the way.
The post continued, “Watching her shine on the national stage has been an incredible journey, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for her! Join the Keyhive welcome home party at @flypns this afternoon at 3pm! Pensacola is so proud of you! ❤️🙌.”
Keyla was raised in Pensacola, Florida, and had her single “So Good” become a No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart in 2021. For the “Songs of Faith Night” earlier this season, Keyla opted to sing “Jireh” by Elevation Worship and Maverick City.
“I grew up in the church. I know so many songs, so it was kind of hard to pick, but I wanted to pick something everyone could relate to. I wanted everyone to worship with me. That’s my heart right there. That’s where I find myself in worship a lot of times. When they said ‘songs of faith,’ that was right up my alley,” Keyla exclusively told Us Weekly in April.
She continued, “I’m glad that we can be open about our faith. I’m glad that everybody is OK with it, and we’re OK with it. … I love God, and that’s who I love.”
