Carrie Underwood Breaks Down In Tears As American Idol Mum Sings About Postpartum Depression

Hannah Harper left the judges—and especially Carrie Underwood—in tears during her audition on the February 2 episode of American Idol. Harper, a 25-year-old stay-at-home mom from Willow Springs, Missouri, performed an original song titled “String Cheese,” inspired by her personal battle with postpartum depression.

Before Harper began singing, Underwood, 42, praised her unique style. “You’re, like, my favorite person. You’re wearing homemade clothes, you’re singing songs called ‘String Cheese,’” she said.

Harper shared the heartfelt story behind the song. “My youngest is 1, and after he was born, I had postpartum depression. I was sitting on my couch, having a pity party, praying that the Lord would calm my spirit,” she explained, choking up. She described how her young son kept bringing her cheese, prompting a moment of clarity. “I realized God had put me in that place, and that being a mom was the biggest ministry I could have. I gathered myself and decided to stop feeling sorry for myself,” Harper said.

With tissues in hand from Underwood, Harper performed “String Cheese,” a song about navigating the chaos of motherhood while finding joy in small, meaningful moments.

“I thought finding peace in the quiet’s what I wanted / But I’d do anything to go back to being needed… / Saying ‘Mama can you open my string cheese?’ / I smile because I know meeting their needs fills my soul / Being their mama is who I’m meant to be,” Harper sang, moving the audience and judges alike.

Underwood was visibly emotional by the end of the performance. “Do you have more tissues? My turn,” she said with a laugh. “That’s about the most relatable song I think I’ve ever heard.”

A mother herself, Underwood reflected on Harper’s courage and honesty. “You might be my favorite person that’s walked through those doors in the past three days,” she said. “You have a beautiful simplicity to your voice. I’ll be rooting for you.”

Both Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie also gave Harper a resounding yes. “You are going to Hollywood Week,” Underwood confirmed, sending Harper to the next round of the