Keyla Richardson, a gospel singer born and raised in Pensacola, wowed judges and audiences with her powerful rendition of P!nk’s “Glitter in the Air” in her “American Idol” audition.
Richardson has been singing in Pensacola churches since her childhood, but she got her big break in 2019 performing on another televised singing competition, “Sunday Best.”
Some of Richardson’s other accomplishments include charting No. 1 on the gospel charts and landing a starring role alongside actress and producer Vivica A. Fox, all while also raising a son and teaching the next young generation of vocalists.
Here’s what to know about American Idol season 24 contestant Keyla Richardson.
Who is Keyla Richardson?
Keyla Richardson, 29, is a gospel singer who has been performing in Pensacola churches since the age of 5. However, she said it wasn’t until she got into high school that she realized what a gift her voice was, and its ability to move people.
Richardson teaches music at Life Shifting Learning Academy on Pensacola Boulevard, where she’s been for about six years, and is raising a young son, Drew.
A verified artist on Spotify with over 10,000 monthly listeners, Richardson released the EP “So Good” in 2020, and the launch single “So Good” become her first No. 1 on Billboard‘s Gospel Airplay chart.
As another feather in her cap, actor Denzel Washington said in an interview that he listened to the EP every morning going to work.
Keyla Richardson and son, Drew, wow American Idol judges
Auditioning for “American Idol” was a long-awaited dream for Richardson. Back in December, Richardson was spotted being filmed on Pensacola Beach by Casino Beach Bar & Grille.
When she got the chance, Richardson wowed celebrity judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood, literally moving Bryan to tears.
The judges sang praises for Richardson, with Richie noting, “I can imagine you on some songs where you would just blow the roof off this place because of the range.”
Richardson’s son, Drew, was there for the performance.
“Did you hear your mom?” Underwood asked him. “Did you hear how great she did?… We love her.”
Drew is a singer too, and judges were smitten when he sang a rendition of “God Only Knows” by For King & Country.
Keyla Richardson previously appeared on “Sunday Best”
Richardson has showcased her voice on television before.
Tens of thousands of hopefuls auditioned to be on the ninth season of “Sunday Best”—a season competition similar to “American Idol” but focused on gospel artists. Richardson was one of only 20 applicants who made the main stage to begin the season.
The show, hosted by Kirk Franklin, featured celebrity judges Erica Campbell, Kelly Price and Jonathan McReynolds.
Richardson impressed judges week in and week out, making it to the final four of the competition before being knocked out.
She said afterward the experience had been positive and uplifting, that she had been floored by the support she received from audiences, judges and other competitors, and that she believed her time on the show had a purpose.
“With that type of platform you’ve got the chance to really inspire young mothers and young people, just to let them know you can still be going through what you’re going through and still pursue your dreams,” Richardson said. “So, that platform let me speak to people in my own way. Let them know nothing can stop you.”
Keyla Richardson stars alongside Vivica A. Fox in ‘Due Season”
Richardson starred as Vicky Waters in the 2022 film “Due Season,” alongside actress and producer Vivica A. Fox.
In the movie, Richardson plays a young singer who, after the death of her father, has to find a way to pay for school and has to win a competition to stay in with her secret weapon—gospel music.
The movie stars Fox as Gwen Waters, Vicky’s mother; American gospel and R&B singer BeBe Winans as Robert Waters and Dorien Wilson as Chancellor Davis.
“I never thought I would be acting. That was never really one of my dreams that I always thought was interesting, just to be an actor,” Richardson said of the role. “It never crossed my mind. And so it’s kind of crazy just how God does things and so now acting is one of the things I want to do just from having that first movie.”
The movie is available to watch with a subscription to streaming service BET Plus.
How to follow Keyla Richardson’s American Idol journey
Richardson will proceed to the Hollywood Week round of “American Idol,” which this year is reported to take place at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, for “American Idol University.”
Viewers can tune in to ABC at 7 p.m. Central every Monday, or watch the next day on Hulu.
