Keyla Richardson ‘American Idol’ Top 5 Monday night

Pensacola’s Keyla Richardson is one step closer to the finish line of “American Idol,” moving forward into the show’s Top 5 after a double elimination Monday night, leaving behind contestants Brooks Rosser and Daniel Stallworth.

Contestants each took on two vocal performances, one fitting the Taylor Swift theme and the other encompassing the people, places and “unmistakable energy” of the state of California. Richardson tackled “Lover” by Taylor Swift for the first round of the evening, and “I’d Rather Go Blind” by California-native Etta James in the second half. Contestants performed in front of the panel of judges made up of Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, along with special guest judge, comedian Nikki Glaser.

During “Lover,” Richardson once again wowed the crowd with her arrangement, confidence and overall star demeanor.

“We do not ever have to worry about you,” Underwood told Richardson on the show. “Your melodic choices, I mean, you just impress me every week.”

“Your confidence when you’re just singing on the mic, it’s just like you’re so confident, and people feel that confidence. It’s become kind of your thing….your look right now is just on point: everything is just channeling perfectly for you. So proud of you,” Bryan added.

In her second performance of the night, which was met by a roaring round of applause from the audience, Richardson once again brought Bryan to tears, as she famously did during her audition. The country music star marveled at Richardson’s growth throughout the season.

“Tears just started happening to me. I was just starting to well up. Watching your growth is so inspirational. So inspirational,” Bryan said.

The next phase of the show is a big one, as the Top 5 will be reduced down to the Top 3, and the remaining three contestants will each be filmed making a hometown appearance. If Richardson makes it through, a free concert and parade are being tentatively planned for May 6, during which Richardson will be filmed in Pensacola, Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves told the News Journal in a previous interview.

The final three contestants will then compete in a three-hour finale on May 11, in which only one contestant will take the title of “American Idol” champion.

Where to watch Richardson in Pensacola

Pensacola restaurants and bars have been opening their doors for watch parties in support of Richardson to spur on voting, including Margarita’s Fusion Restaurant & Bar, Perfect Plain Brewing Co., and Seville Quarter.

If you want to hear Richardson perform in person, Pensacola’s Saenger Theatre announced on April 27 that Richardson will deliver a paid concert at 7 p.m. on July 25 titled “Keyla Richardson & Friends.”

“From church choirs to the national spotlight, Pensacola’s own Keyla Richardson is coming home to the Pensacola Saenger Theatre on July 25 for a powerful night of music, faith, and community. Fresh off her standout run on American Idol Season 24, where she’s wowed audiences and judges alike with unforgettable performances, Keyla has become one of the most exciting voices to come out of Pensacola,” the Saenger posted in a social media statement. “Joined by special guests, this hometown celebration is more than a concert; it’s a full-circle moment for a singer who’s inspired millions and continues to make her city proud.”

Tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster, starting at $52.10 per ticket.

What happpened last week on ‘American Idol?’

During the April 20 episode, Richardson took on the power ballad, “Circle of Life,” the opening song of Disney’s “The Lion King.” Richardson took the stage in a shimmering evening gown, bringing yet another judge, award-winning music icon Jennifer Hudson, to tears.

It was a full-circle moment for Hudson, who also performed that very song when she competed on the show back in 2003.

Hudson said competing on “American Idol” changed the course of her life. Now, she hopes Richardson’s life will follow a similar path.

“To think the full ‘Circle of My Life’, that I’m sitting here watching you sing this song. I hope it does the same for you as it did for me,” Hudson told Richardson after performing.

What happens next week on American Idol?

Next week, American Idol’s Top 5 will be mentored by former Idol judges, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, and there will also be performances by “Dancing with the Stars” pros.

Who was eliminated on American Idol on Monday?

Only five contestants advanced in the American Idol competition, marking the end of the journey for two contestants: Daniel Stallworth and Brooks Rosser.

How to watch American Idol at home

ABC airs “American Idol” at 7 p.m. CDT every Monday. If you don’t have cable, paid streaming platforms also show episodes in real time, such as YouTube TV, DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, Hulu + Live TV and more. If you miss it, the episode is available to stream on Hulu the next day.

How to vote for Keyla Richardson on American Idol

There are three ways to vote on American Idol — on the American Idol website, over text message, and the newly introduced social media voting method, using Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.