Gospel singer and American Idol season 24 standout Keyla Richardson is stepping into a defining season of her career—one that beautifully weaves together faith, family, and a growing national platform. Just one week before her audition aired on ABC, Richardson released her uplifting new single, “Joy in the Morning,” a song rooted in Psalms 30:5 and its promise that even after hardship, joy will rise again. The timing felt providential, as viewers across the country were introduced to her voice, her story, and her mission at the same moment.
Raised in Pensacola, Florida, Richardson began singing in church at just five years old. Though music was always part of her life, she has said it wasn’t until high school that she fully recognized the power of her gift. Now 29, she balances life as a gospel artist, music educator, and devoted mother to her young son, Drew. For the past six years, she has taught music at Life Shifting Learning Academy, pouring into students while continuing to build her own career.
Richardson is no stranger to national audiences. In 2019, she earned widespread recognition as a top-four finalist on BET’s Sunday Best, hosted by Kirk Franklin and judged by Erica Campbell, Kelly Price, and Jonathan McReynolds. Chosen from tens of thousands of hopefuls, she consistently impressed and later described the experience as deeply affirming—especially as a way to encourage young mothers and dreamers not to give up.
Her momentum continued with the release of her 2020 EP So Good, whose title track became her first No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart. The project drew praise far beyond the gospel world, including from actor Denzel Washington, who shared that he listened to it regularly on his way to work. Today, Richardson is a verified Spotify artist with thousands of monthly listeners and a growing catalog that includes fan favorites like “Prayer Will Change Things.”
Beyond music, Richardson has also explored acting. She appeared in the 2022 film Due Season alongside Vivica A. Fox, portraying a young singer who leans on gospel music to survive loss and hardship. The role sparked a new creative passion, one she hopes to continue alongside her music career.
Her long-awaited American Idol moment arrived with a powerful audition of P!nk’s “Glitter in the Air,” filmed after scenes shot on Pensacola Beach. The performance moved the judges deeply—Luke Bryan was visibly emotional, Lionel Richie praised her range and star quality, and Carrie Underwood shared a touching moment with Richardson’s son, Drew, who also charmed the room by singing “God Only Knows.”
As her audition aired, Richardson appeared on Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell, where she introduced “Joy in the Morning” and spoke candidly about faith, healing, and personal growth. She described the song as a reflection of a healthy, grounded season in her life—one marked by maturity, clarity, and spiritual strength.
Now advancing to Hollywood Week, reportedly held at Belmont University in Nashville, Richardson continues her Idol journey with gratitude and purpose. With new music, national exposure, and an ever-growing audience, Keyla Richardson is stepping boldly into her next chapter—one led by faith, fueled by praise, and filled with joy.