Keyla Richardson during her American Idol Season 24 audition in 2026. Keyla Richardson (born 1996) is an American gospel singer and music teacher from Pensacola, Florida. She first gained national attention as a finalist on BET’s gospel competition Sunday Best in 2019 and later wowed audiences as a contestant on American Idol Season 24 in 2026. Richardson’s powerful, soulful voice and inspirational story – including moving Idol judge Luke Bryan to tears – have made her a standout personality. This biography provides a comprehensive look at her early life, musical career, major TV appearances, and the public interest surrounding her journey.
Early Life and Background
Keyla Richardson was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, in a family deeply involved in both music and ministry. Her father, Willie Richardson, is a pastor (Apostle) at the Abundance of Life Temple of Praise church in Pensacola, where Keyla grew up singing in the choir and eventually became a praise and worship leader herself. From a young age, she displayed exceptional vocal talent – her parents recall that she had been singing since she was a little girl. This early foundation in church music helped shape her soulful gospel style and passionate delivery.
Richardson’s family not only nurtured her musical gifts at church but also through education. Her parents own the Life Shifting Learning Academy in Pensacola, an educational center where Keyla later worked as a music teacher, passing on her love of music to children. This role as a teacher reflects her grounded nature and commitment to her community. Her father Willie describes Keyla as “a great mother, a great teacher, a great singer”, emphasizing the values instilled in her from childhood. Growing up in a supportive environment of faith, education, and music set the stage for Keyla Richardson’s future in gospel music.
Gospel Career and Sunday Best
Musical Beginnings: Keyla Richardson’s journey in the gospel music industry began in earnest in her late teens and early twenties. In 2015, a video of Keyla singing an a cappella gospel song called “Hold On” with three friends went viral online, garnering over ten million views. This unexpected exposure caught the attention of industry professionals. In early 2018, the legendary gospel label Blackberry Records (run by Doug Williams of The Williams Brothers) signed Keyla Richardson after witnessing her perform live and being “blown away” by her talent. Under that label she recorded a debut single titled “Believe,” a powerful song with a positive message, which was slated for release in March 2018. This early break affirmed that Keyla’s “anointing and extraordinary vocal abilities” were something special, as described by the label’s president Doug Williams.
BET’s Sunday Best (2019): Richardson’s next big step was competing on Season 9 of Sunday Best, BET’s gospel singing competition show, in 2019. She delivered show-stopping performances of songs like the hymn “I Love the Lord” (famous from The Preacher’s Wife) and Kirk Franklin’s uptempo “Joy,” impressing both the judges and viewers. Her rich voice and heartfelt style took her all the way to the finals – she finished as a Top 4 finalist on Sunday Best Season 9. This televised platform gave Richardson widespread recognition in the gospel community. As a result of her strong showing, she “initially gained widespread attention” and was able to launch a professional recording career.
Following Sunday Best, Keyla Richardson signed a new recording deal with industry veteran Greg “Uncle G” Lyons’ label. She soon released her breakout single “So Good” on November 1, 2019. The song – a joyful, contemporary gospel track – became a major hit. In August 2020, “So Good” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart, marking Keyla’s first chart-topping single. It also hit No. 1 on the Mediabase gospel radio chart, making Richardson one of the few artists in recent years to top the gospel charts with a debut single. She achieved this milestone without any featured artists, a feat last accomplished by Koryn Hawthorne in 2018. The success of “So Good” firmly established Keyla as a rising star in gospel music. She was even invited to perform the song live on the Emerging Artist stage at the 2020 Stellar Gospel Music Awards, which aired nationally on BET – a huge honor for a new artist.
Building on that momentum, Richardson released her debut project, the “So Good” EP, on September 25, 2020. The 8-track EP (via Uncle G Records/Entertainment One) featured “So Good” as the title track and introduced more of Keyla’s music to the world. She followed up with a second single, “Prayer Will Change Things,” a soulful gospel ballad produced by noted gospel producer Sean Keys. That song also resonated with listeners and received radio airplay on gospel stations. Keyla’s recordings showcase her dynamic praise and worship style, blending classic soul undercurrents with contemporary gospel sounds.
By 2024, Richardson was still actively recording and ministering through music. She released a stirring single titled “Home” in 2024, further continuing her recording career and demonstrating her staying power in the gospel scene. All the while, she remained rooted in her community – serving in church and teaching – showing that her musical success hasn’t distanced her from her humble beginnings.
Career Highlights: Keyla Richardson’s notable accomplishments so far include:
- Sunday Best Finalist (2019): Reached the Top 4 on BET’s Sunday Best Season 9 gospel competition.
- Chart-Topping Single: Released “So Good” (2019), which hit #1 on Billboard Gospel Airplay in 2020, making her one of the few artists to top the chart with a debut single in recent years.
- Debut EP: Dropped an 8-song EP So Good in 2020 featuring her hit singles “So Good” and “Prayer Will Change Things”.
- Stellar Awards Performance: Performed “So Good” live at the 2020 Stellar Gospel Music Awards, introducing her talent on a national stage.
- Ongoing Releases: Continued to release gospel music, including the inspirational single “Home” in 2024, and other tracks that showcase her powerful voice and faith-filled message.
American Idol Season 24 (2026) Journey
In 2026, Keyla Richardson decided to take a bold step beyond the gospel circuit and audition for American Idol Season 24 on ABC. At 29 years old, this was her last year of eligibility for the Idol competition, and she seized the opportunity to share her gift with a broader audience. Her audition episode aired on January 26, 2026, and it became one of the standout moments of the season’s premiere week.
During the audition in front of judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, Keyla performed “Glitter in the Air” by P!nk – an emotional pop ballad that allowed her to showcase the full range of her vocals. The choice might have surprised those expecting a gospel song, but Richardson’s rendition was heartfelt and technically impressive, earning rave reactions. Luke Bryan was moved to tears by her performance, visibly choked up as she sang. All three judges were wowed; Lionel Richie praised her soulful tone, and Katy Perry remarked on the honesty in her voice (according to the episode highlights). The judges unanimously voted “Yes,” awarding Keyla a golden ticket to Hollywood Week.
What made Keyla’s Idol audition especially memorable was not just her singing, but her personal story and the joy she brought into the room. A proud single mom and music teacher, Keyla came to the audition with her young son Drew by her side for support. The show highlighted their loving bond – at one point during her audition segment, the adorable toddler joined his mom, creating a heartwarming scene that enchanted both the judges and viewers at home. Keyla mentioned that facing her fears and pursuing her dreams was something she was doing not only for herself but also to inspire her son. “This is how you look fear in the face,” the official Idol social media captioned, applauding Keyla for her courage and determination. The presence of her son and her story as a devoted mother added an emotional depth to her American Idol journey.
With her golden ticket in hand, Keyla Richardson advanced to Hollywood Week. It’s always special when local talent makes it to the national stage – in fact, Pensacola’s local news proudly reported on Keyla representing the Gulf Coast on American Idol. As of the audition rounds, she became one of the early favorites to watch. Her experience from Sunday Best and years of performing give her a wealth of experience to draw on. Keyla herself noted that she’s had “a long musical journey” but never gave up on her dream – a persistence that clearly paid off on Idol.
American Idol Season 24 is ongoing (as of early 2026), and viewers will have to stay tuned to see how far Keyla Richardson goes in the competition. Hollywood Week will test her versatility and stamina, but fans are optimistic given her proven talent. No matter the outcome, her Idol appearances have already introduced Keyla to a whole new audience who might not have known her from the gospel world. Luke Bryan’s emotional reaction and the judges’ praise suggest that Keyla has the potential to go deep into the competition. As judge Lionel Richie told her after the audition, “We can see the star in you” (a sentiment reported by local media). For Keyla, American Idol is another platform to share her voice and message – and she’s making the most of it.
Social Media Presence
Even before her American Idol debut, Keyla Richardson built a significant following through her gospel music career. She actively engages with fans on social media, sharing both her music and personal journey. On Instagram (handle @iamkeylarichardson) she has over 50,000 followers, and her official Facebook page likewise boasts more than 54,000 followers as of 2026. These numbers have been climbing steadily, especially after her Idol audition brought her new visibility.
Keyla uses her platforms to keep supporters updated on her latest endeavors. For example, she excitedly announced her American Idol audition airdate on social media weeks in advance, inviting everyone to tune in “Monday, January 26th on ABC or Hulu” to watch her perform. She often posts behind-the-scenes glimpses of her musical life – from rehearsal clips and gospel events to proud mom moments with her son. Richardson’s social media tone is positive, faith-filled, and encouraging. She frequently shares inspirational messages and hashtags like #WeWontBeOutWorked, reflecting her strong work ethic and determination.
This online presence has helped create a personal connection with her audience. Fans frequently leave comments about how her singing has touched them or how they are rooting for her on American Idol. Keyla also uses Facebook Live or Instagram Live on occasion to sing and speak to her supporters directly, effectively ministering beyond the walls of a church. As a national recording artist on the rise, her outreach on social media is extending her influence. It’s clear that Keyla values interacting with her community – be it her local students, church family, or fans across the country – and social media gives her a platform to do just that in real time.
Public Interest and Search Trends
Keyla Richardson’s story has generated significant public interest, especially as her American Idol appearances air. Viewers who watched her moving audition have been eager to learn more about her background. Almost immediately after the episode, Google searches for “Keyla Richardson” spiked, with people looking up details such as her age, her prior singing experience, and whether she had been on TV before. Many were pleasantly surprised to discover that Keyla was already an accomplished gospel singer with a number-one single to her name. Queries like “Keyla Richardson Sunday Best” and “Keyla Richardson songs” became common as gospel music fans and new Idol fans alike wanted to hear more of her work.
In her hometown of Pensacola and the broader Gulf Coast region, there was a surge of pride and curiosity. Local news outlets featured her story prominently, emphasizing how special it is when a local talent reaches the national stage. Community members who remembered Keyla as the music teacher at Life Shifting Academy or the young woman singing solos at church were now Googling her to catch up on her achievements. On social media, the clips of her Idol audition (including the sweet moment with son Drew) were shared widely, further driving interest.
This wave of attention is very much people-driven. Fans are not just interested in her singing, but also in Keyla as a person – her family life, her journey of perseverance, and her future plans. The fact that information on her personal life is limited (since she’s a newer public figure) has actually fueled more searches, as people seek any interviews or tidbits they can find. Keyla’s genuine and humble personality, as seen on TV, has resonated with viewers who are now invested in following her journey.
Given that she is on a major platform like American Idol, one can expect that interest will continue to grow. Each new performance or advancement in the competition could lead to another spike in searches and social media discussion. This reflects a broader trend of singing competition contestants becoming viral sensations overnight – audiences today immediately turn to the internet to answer their questions about a promising new singer they’ve just discovered. In Keyla Richardson’s case, those questions range from her musical resume to her personal story, all of which we have compiled and answered below in the FAQ section.
FAQ: Common Questions about Keyla Richardson
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How old is Keyla Richardson?
Keyla Richardson is 29 years old as of early 2026. She introduced herself as 29 during her American Idol audition episode. (Born in 1996, Keyla is nearing the upper age limit for Idol contestants.) -
Where is Keyla Richardson from?
She is from Pensacola, Florida. Keyla was born and raised in Pensacola and has proudly represented her hometown on national stages. Her upbringing in the Gulf Coast region is a big part of her identity. -
What song did Keyla Richardson sing on American Idol?
In her American Idol Season 24 audition, Keyla performed “Glitter in the Air” by P!nk. Her soulful rendition of this pop ballad impressed the judges and earned her a golden ticket. (Luke Bryan was even brought to tears by her performance.) -
Did Keyla Richardson get a golden ticket on American Idol?
Yes. Keyla earned a golden ticket to Hollywood Week on American Idol. All three judges gave her a “Yes,” advancing her in the competition. This means viewers will see her in the next round (Hollywood Week) as the season progresses. -
Did Keyla Richardson win Sunday Best?
Keyla did not win Sunday Best, but she was a finalist on Season 9 of BET’s Sunday Best in 2019. She made it to the Top 4 contestants on that gospel singing competition. Although she didn’t take the title, her performances were highly praised and it kick-started her recording career. -
What songs has Keyla Richardson released?
Keyla has released several gospel songs and an EP. Her most notable release is “So Good” (2019), her debut single which reached #1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart in 2020. She also released an 8-track EP called So Good (2020) featuring that song. Another popular track of hers is “Prayer Will Change Things,” released in 2020 as a follow-up single. In 2024, Keyla came out with a single titled “Home,” continuing her string of inspirational songs. Fans of her voice can find these songs on streaming platforms and gospel radio. (She has also recorded other songs like “Believe” and some special releases, but “So Good” remains her signature hit so far.) -
Does Keyla Richardson have children?
Yes. Keyla Richardson is a proud mother to a young son named Drew. She often mentions that her son is one of her biggest inspirations. In fact, Drew accompanied her during the American Idol audition (appearing briefly in her audition segment), and Keyla has said she pursued Idol to inspire him to follow his dreams. Aside from being a singer, Keyla’s role as a mom is a core part of who she is. -
Is Keyla Richardson married?
Keyla Richardson has not publicly shared any details about being married, and she is commonly described as a single mother. There has been no mention of a husband or spouse in any of her interviews or social media posts. It appears that Keyla is raising her son with the support of her extended family. (If she is dating or in a relationship, those details have not been made public.) -
What is Keyla Richardson’s net worth?
As of now, Keyla Richardson’s net worth is not publicly known. She is a relatively new public figure, and no reliable sources have published an estimate of her net worth. Any figures you might see online are likely speculative. Keyla has earned income through her music releases, performances, and now possibly her appearance on American Idol, but exact numbers are not available. She seems more focused on her music and family than on financial publicity.
Conclusion
Keyla Richardson’s biography is still an unfolding story, but what’s clear is that she has a remarkable talent and an inspiring journey. From her roots in Pensacola’s church community to achieving a #1 gospel hit and now reaching millions on American Idol, Keyla has shown perseverance, faith, and growth at every step. She embodies a people-first authenticity – whether she’s teaching kids music by day or singing her heart out on a national stage, Richardson remains humble and driven by purpose.
As fans, we can look forward to seeing how far she goes on American Idol Season 24 and beyond. Her ability to connect emotionally through her music suggests that her impact will only continue to grow. If you’ve been moved by Keyla’s story and voice, be sure to follow her journey on the show and on social media. With her talent and determination, there’s a good chance we’ll be hearing much more from Keyla Richardson in the future. Stay tuned for updates on her latest performances, new music releases, and the next chapters of this rising star’s career. Keyla’s path illustrates that sometimes delayed dreams are not denied – and her best may be yet to come.