Just days after the American Idol finale, Jordan McCullough reminded fans exactly why he became one of the season’s most beloved breakout stars.
Performing in Nashville ahead of CMA Fest, the Season 24 runner-up delivered one of the most talked-about moments of the evening when he unveiled an unreleased song that instantly captivated the crowd. By the time he finished the performance, fans were already flooding social media with the same message: release it now.
The special American Idol Live in Concert with 19 Recordings event took place on June 4 at Ole Smoky Distillery and Yee-Haw Brewing’s popular 6th & Peabody venue, drawing a packed audience eager to see many of the show’s newest stars perform live.
The concert featured an impressive lineup of Season 24 talent, including winner Hannah Harper, McCullough, Keyla Richardson, Chris Tungseth, Braden Rumfelt, Brooks Rosser, Lucas Leon, Jake Thistle, Julián Kalel, Genevieve Heyward, Kutter Bradley, Will Moseley, Mattie Pruitt, and Colin Stough. Several surprise guests also joined the celebration, turning the night into one of Nashville’s hottest pre-CMA Fest events.
Yet among all the performances, it was McCullough who generated some of the loudest reactions.
Stepping onto the stage with confidence, the young singer introduced an original, unreleased track that many audience members were hearing for the first time. The song showcased the qualities that helped carry him deep into the competition—powerful vocals, emotional delivery, and a remarkable ability to soar through difficult notes with ease.
As the performance unfolded, fans could be seen singing along to sections by the end of the song, despite hearing it for the first time. Online reactions followed almost immediately, with many viewers describing the performance as worthy of a championship moment and urging McCullough to officially record and release the track.
For supporters who followed his American Idol journey, the response served as further proof that his fan base remains firmly behind him even after the competition ended.
The evening delivered plenty of other memorable highlights as well.
Country music star and multi-platinum recording artist Billy Ray Cyrus made a special appearance, joining finalist Chris Tungseth for a collaborative performance that energized the crowd. The segment concluded with a venue-wide singalong of Cyrus’s signature hit, Achy Breaky Heart, creating one of the most nostalgic moments of the night.
Former American Idol finalist Bucky Covington also appeared during the celebration, adding another connection to the show’s long-running legacy.
Beyond the music, the event served a meaningful purpose. Organizers partnered with the Guitar Center Music Foundation to raise support for music education programs and provide resources for schools in need. Attendees were encouraged to contribute throughout the evening, with donations earning entries into a giveaway featuring Taylor Guitars awarded at the event’s conclusion.
The Nashville festivities also marked a major week for Season 24 champion Hannah Harper.
Just days earlier, Harper achieved a lifelong dream by making her debut at the legendary Grand Ole Opry. The milestone became even more special when she shared the stage with country superstar Carrie Underwood for a performance of Harper’s original song, “String Cheese”—the same song that first introduced her to television audiences during her American Idol audition.
Underwood later celebrated the moment online, posting photos with both Harper and McCullough while congratulating them on their achievements since leaving the competition. McCullough reshared the images and reflected on how meaningful the experience had been following their months-long journey together on the show.
Now, another major milestone awaits him.
McCullough is preparing to make his own debut at the historic Grand Ole Opry on June 18, a career achievement he has openly discussed as one of his biggest goals. After years of chasing opportunities and working toward a breakthrough moment, the upcoming performance represents another significant step in his rapidly growing career.
With a devoted fan base, growing industry attention, and an unreleased song already generating buzz, McCullough appears poised to carry the momentum of American Idol far beyond the television stage.
And if the reaction in Nashville is any indication, fans are more than ready to follow wherever his music goes next.
