Gospel artist and American Idol season 24 contestant Keyla Richardson is entering a major new chapter in her career, blending faith, family, and national exposure at a pivotal moment. Just one week before her American Idol audition aired on ABC, Richardson released her brand-new single “Joy in the Morning,” a powerful and uplifting song inspired by Psalms 30:5, which reminds believers that although hardship may last for a night, joy comes in the morning. The timing of the release proved especially meaningful, as audiences across the country were being introduced to her voice, her story, and her purpose.
Born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, Richardson has been singing in local churches since the age of five. While her love for music began early, she has shared that it wasn’t until high school that she fully realized the gift and impact of her voice. Now 29, Richardson has built an impressive résumé as a gospel singer, educator, and mother. She teaches music at Life Shifting Learning Academy on Pensacola Boulevard, where she has worked for about six years, all while raising her young son, Drew.
Richardson is no stranger to the spotlight. In 2019, she earned her first major television break on BET’s gospel competition series “Sunday Best.” Out of tens of thousands of hopefuls, she was selected as one of just 20 contestants to make the main stage. Hosted by Kirk Franklin and judged by Erica Campbell, Kelly Price, and Jonathan McReynolds, the season saw Richardson consistently impress, ultimately finishing in the top four. She later described the experience as uplifting and purposeful, saying it allowed her to inspire young mothers and young people to keep pursuing their dreams despite life’s challenges.
Her music career continued to grow after the show. Richardson released the EP “So Good” in 2020, with the title track becoming her first No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart. The project gained wide attention, even earning praise from actor Denzel Washington, who revealed in an interview that he listened to the EP every morning on his way to work. Today, Richardson is a verified artist on Spotify with more than 10,000 monthly listeners, and her catalog includes fan favorites such as “Prayer Will Change Things.”
In addition to music, Richardson has expanded into acting. She starred as Vicky Waters in the 2022 film “Due Season,” alongside actress and producer Vivica A. Fox. The film follows a young singer who must rely on gospel music as her secret weapon to overcome personal loss and financial struggles. The experience sparked a new passion for acting, which Richardson has said she hopes to continue exploring.
Her long-awaited American Idol moment finally arrived when she auditioned with a stirring performance of P!nk’s “Glitter in the Air.” Filmed after she was spotted recording scenes on Pensacola Beach in December, the audition moved judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood, with Bryan visibly brought to tears. Richie praised her vocal range and star potential, while Underwood shared a touching exchange with Richardson’s son Drew, who was present for the audition. Drew also charmed the judges by singing “God Only Knows” by For King & Country.
As her Idol journey began airing, Richardson appeared on Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell, where she introduced “Joy in the Morning” and spoke openly about her faith and personal growth. She explained that the song reflects a healthy and positive season in her life—one marked by maturity, clarity, and spiritual strength. Erica Campbell praised Richardson’s ability to deliver with both power and emotion, highlighting her as a standout voice in gospel music today.
Richardson also shared her excitement about stepping onto the American Idol stage, describing the experience as natural and empowering. While keeping audition details mostly private, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent her faith on such a large platform and encouraged viewers to tune in to see what unfolds next. She thanked her supporters and asked fans to continue backing her as the season airs, noting how much their encouragement means to her.
Richardson is set to advance to Hollywood Week, reportedly taking place at Belmont University in Nashville as part of American Idol University. Viewers can follow her journey Mondays at 7 p.m. Central on ABC or stream episodes the next day on Hulu. With new music, a growing fan base, and national television exposure, Keyla Richardson is stepping confidently into her next season—one defined by purpose, praise, and, as her latest single promises, joy.
