Keyla Richardson could be coming home for a concert and parade to celebrate her “American Idol” journey – but she needs Pensacola’s support to get there.

Plans are under way for a free homecoming concert – filmed by the “Idol” team – at Hunter Amphitheater behind Wahoos Stadium on May 6.

Each season, the top three “Idol” finalists are followed to their hometowns for a parade and concert before the finale. The 2026 finale from Hollywood is scheduled for May 11 on ABC. Richardson is currently in the top five. The top three will be decided on Monday, May 4.

Those finalists are treated to the “hometown hero” celebration – a chance for Keyla and Pensacola to shine in front of an audience of millions.

Here’s how you can be part of the celebration:

Event Details

PARADE: Begins at 4 p.m. on South Palafox at Cedar Street and will continue for two blocks down South Palafox toward Plaza de Luna. The parade ends at the foot of South Palafox, where a short ceremony with Keyla will be held. This will include her receiving a key to the City.

SECOND LINE: A second line procession will lead pedestrians from the parade site toward Community Maritime Park and Hunter Amphitheater, where Keyla’s homecoming concert will take place.

CONCERT: The concert will take place at the Hunter Amphitheater behind Wahoos Stadium. It will be standing room only (with an ADA accessible area designated).

Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

The show begins at 6:30 p.m.

TICKETS: To watch the show from the Hunter Amphitheater claim tickets beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, May 1, with a four-ticket maximum. There will be 4,000 tickets available for standing room viewing of the concert at the amphitheater.

No blankets, chairs, coolers, outside food or beverage and pets will be permitted at the Hunter Amphitheater.
Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags, maximum 12” x 6” x 12” will be allowed.

To watch from overflow space in the stadium, claim tickets beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 2. There is a six-ticket maximum. There will be 6,000 overflow stadium tickets. Stadium ticket holders will watch the concert on the Wahoos videoboard. They will not have a direct view of the stage.

Hunter Amphitheater ticket holders will be able to access the stadium for restrooms and concessions.

Stadium overflow ticket holders will NOT be able to access the amphitheater area.

No blankets, chairs, coolers, outside food or beverage and pets will be permitted at the stadium or in Hunter Amphitheater.

The show will go on, rain or shine. Concessions will be available in the stadium.