The mother of American Idol finalist Keyla Richardson has expressed her disappointment after her daughter finished third in the competition, claiming she was 'robbed' of victory.
Richardson, a 29-year-old gospel singer from Pensacola, Florida, competed on season 24 of the hit singing competition series. Throughout her time on the show, she consistently impressed the judging panel, made up of Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan.
Despite her best efforts, she was eliminated in the nationwide vote during Monday's finale. Shortly after the results were announced, Richardson's mother, Katja, expressed her disapproval on Facebook. 'My baby was robbed,' she wrote, per Entertainment Weekly. 'She did not fail. She was robbed. I'm sorry. I'm gonna say it.'
For her final performances, Richardson delivered two show-stopping solo renditions of Alicia Keys's 'Un-Thinkable' and Whitney Houston's 'I Love the Lord,' as well as a duet with Jason Mraz of his 'I Won't Give Up.'
Applauding her work all season, Bryan said: 'This whole year I just watched you focus with drive and determination. We've seen you just give it your all for your family and your crew and your people, and you've won in our eyes. Just watching you seize every moment has been so inspiring to me. Congratulations, great job.'
Richardson's elimination paved the way for fellow gospel singer Jordan McCullough, 27, to come in second, while country-bluegrass singer Hannah Harper was crowned the new American Idol.
