Keyla Richardson's Mother Expresses Disappointment Over Third-Place Finish at American Idol Season 24

The season 24 finale of American Idol concluded Monday night with an elimination that left Keyla Richardson's family feeling shortchanged.

The 29-year-old competitor landed in third place during the three-hour finale event on May 11. Her exit from the competition came roughly an hour into the broadcast.

In the aftermath, Katja Richardson, Keyla's mother, took to Facebook to express her displeasure with the result. "My baby was robbed. She did not fail. She was robbed, i'm sorry I'm gonna say it!!" she posted on her public profile.

Keyla herself handled the loss with grace, turning to Instagram to reflect on her run. "The journey has been amazing, we are just getting started," she wrote in one message. She followed up with another post noting her achievement: "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!"

This marks Keyla's second consecutive season competing on the ABC singing competition, having also reached the third-place position in season 23.

Hannah Harper, a 25-year-old mother of three, claimed the season 24 crown. The winner shared her gratitude on Instagram, writing: "What a wild, beautiful journey this has been. And somehow we're just getting started. 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. 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."