Hannah Harper’s journey on American Idol Season 24 keeps circling back to one legendary comparison: Dolly Parton. From her heartfelt storytelling to the warmth and purity in her voice, fans say Harper carries the same emotional core that made Dolly a country icon.
After her audition aired, a simple at-home cover of Dolly’s “Hard Candy Christmas” went viral, soaring past two million views. Recorded on an iPhone with minimal equipment, the performance felt intimate and real — a quiet moment of honesty that struck a chord with listeners everywhere.
Fans flooded the comments saying they heard “Dolly in her voice,” with some even calling it the truest form of country music they’ve heard in years. During her audition, Lionel Richie encouraged Harper to study Dolly’s gift for storytelling and emotional lift, while Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan praised her authenticity and bluegrass-country blend.
Drawing from her own life as a mom of three, Harper’s music reflects the same simplicity, faith, and truth that defined Dolly’s legacy. As her Idol journey unfolds, many believe Hannah Harper represents a new generation carrying that timeless spirit forward.
