Aspiring singer and mother of three, Hannah Harper, delivered one of the most memorable auditions of the season on American Idol. After spending most of her life singing gospel bluegrass alongside her family, Hannah stepped onto the Idol stage ready to carve out her own path.
Balancing motherhood and music, Hannah shared her story of raising three children while chasing a dream that had long taken a back seat to family life. Her performance blended emotion with the vocal control and storytelling she developed through years of family performances.
Her original song, “String Cheese,” resonated with viewers everywhere, and Hannah was quickly identified as one to watch this season.
Her audition has since gone viral, gaining millions of views across platforms. Shortly after her song “String Cheese” was shared during her audition, cheese brand Sargento surprised the singer with a special care package. Sargento gifted Hannah a “healthy” supply of string cheese, along with some branded merchandise.
Hannah Shares The Special Meaning Behind Her Outfit
Hannah has since advanced to Hollywood week (which are actually taking place in Nashville this season), and continues to thrive in the competition.
“I want to be the next American Idol because I want to be the forerunner from mamas out there who can still raise babies and pursue their dreams,” Hannah said.
The 25-year-old effortlessly sang Lee Ann Womack’s “A Little Past Little Rock,” earning her a spot in the Golden Room, sending her one step closer to her dream of becoming the next American Idol.
Hannah also explained why the outfit she chose for the performance carried special meaning. The Missouri native shared that she wore the dress she picked to feel “less alone.”
“I’m stepping out there tonight in another homemade dress made by my sweet friend and over my shoulder is my favorite detail of all… a guitar strap covered in little drawings from my boys and all my nieces and nephews,” Hannah wrote.
She then shared a verse from 2 Timothy, reminding herself that God has not given her a “spirit of fear.”
“Their tiny doodles are wrapped around me like a reminder of home — of who I’m doing this for, where I come from, and the love that’s behind me. I may be the one under the lights, but I am not standing up there alone. 🤍”
American Idol airs every Monday at 8/7c on ABC.