All eyes are on Hannah Harper as she continues her journey on American Idol.
Music fans across the country were recently introduced to the powerful voice and heartfelt storytelling of Hannah Harper. Although the singer-songwriter has been building her solo career and growing a loyal following on social media for years, her American Idol audition brought her talent into the national spotlight.
On Monday, February 2, Harper stepped in front of judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie and delivered a moving performance of her original song, “String Cheese.” Inspired by motherhood, the emotional song showcased her raw vocals and sincerity, ultimately earning her a golden ticket and a spot in the next round of the competition.
Her audition left a lasting impression on both the judges and viewers at home, quickly making Harper a standout contestant to watch this season. Here are five key things to know about the rising singer-songwriter making waves on American Idol.
She’s a Country, Bluegrass, and Gospel Singer From Southeast Missouri
Harper discovered her love for performing at just nine years old and never looked back. While her life has taken her far beyond Missouri, she eventually returned home to raise her family and stay rooted in the place that shaped her musical foundation.
She Got Her Start in Her Family Band, The Harper Collective
Before focusing on her solo career, Harper spent seven years performing with her family’s bluegrass band, The Harper Collective. The group included her parents, Katrina and Gaylon, her siblings Dillon and Dalton, and Dillon’s wife, Makeena. Her father even left his job at a lead mine so the family could pursue music full-time, touring coast to coast in a 40-foot bus. Their dedication paid off when they won the SPBGMA International Band Contest in 2010 and recorded two albums with Pisgah Ridge and Crossroads Records.
She’s a Mom of Three and Married for Eight Years
Harper met her husband, Devon, at a small Missouri church where she served as a worship leader. They married at 18 and welcomed their first child a year later. Now parents to three boys, the couple lives in a home they built together in 2020. While details about their children remain private, Harper often reflects on balancing motherhood and music with gratitude and faith.
“Somehow we blinked, and here we are with three beautiful babies and a home we built from the ground up,” she shared on social media. “I never imagined I could chase music and still be a present mom—but the Lord has provided in ways I never could’ve dreamed.”
Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High On That Mountain” Holds Special Meaning
Harper frequently shares covers spanning country, bluegrass, and faith-based music. One especially meaningful song is Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” which she says was her late grandfather’s most requested song. In January, she posted a touching rendition alongside two fellow singers, honoring the legacy and memories tied to the song.
Her American Idol Audition Featured an Original Song
Fans first met Harper during her emotional audition, where she performed “String Cheese” while her brother Dalton accompanied her on guitar. Wearing a homemade patchwork dress, she shared the deeply personal song inspired by her experience with postpartum depression. The performance took an unforgettable turn when her young son asked her to open his string cheese—reminding her she was exactly where she was meant to be.
“I realized that where I was, in my house, was the biggest ministry I could ever have,” Harper told the judges, reflecting on motherhood and purpose.
With her authenticity, faith, and undeniable talent, Hannah Harper is quickly becoming a memorable presence on American Idol—and her journey is only just beginning.