Hannah Harper was just crowned the newest winner of American Idol. Harper wowed judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie from the beginning, when she sang her original song, “String Cheese,” for her audition. To now be the winner is almost more than Harper can comprehend.
“It’s so overwhelming,” the mother of three tells Entertainment Tonight. “I don’t think it’s hit yet.”
Harper had no idea when she auditioned that she would become a fan favorite, although she says she can’t take all of the credit for her success on Idol.
“I didn’t get here myself,” Harper concedes. “It was all the voters, all the people out there who believed in me. It was insane. It’s all overwhelming. But I’m so appreciative, and I just can’t believe it. God opened the door, and I just kept running, and we’re still here, and it’s nuts.”
Hannah Harper Gets Support From Carrie Underwood
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Underwood was moved to tears when Harper sang “String Cheese” during her American Idol audition. Now that Harper is the winner, Underwood vows to support her, especially as she navigates being a mother with her music career.
“I was like, ‘We need to get each other’s number. I am so excited to see what you do. I can help you with the mom juggling that is going to happen,'” Underwood reveals she told Harper.
Harper, a longtime fan of Underwood and country music, says she will definitely reach out to the Grand Ole Opry member for help.
“She was moreso like, ‘I know life with babies. Let me know if you need anything, I’ll give you all the tips and tricks,'” Harper says. “I was like, ‘Girl, I need all of it. Give me all the help.”
“It’s just favor from the Lord, honestly, that He continues to put me in these places where He is just paving in the way,” she adds. “So knowing that I can call Carrie and be like, ‘Hey, I need help with something,’ that’s insane.”
Harper and Underwood have more in common than just being a mother to boys. Harper is also the first female country artist to win American Idol since Underwood won in 2005.
“That blows my mind. … I also feel like I have some big shoes to fill, ” Harper admits. “I gotta get to work.”
Harper also received praise from Bryan, who says Harper deserved to win.
“She never wavered a bit,” Bryan boasts. “She was solid, every performance. She’s really authentic as an artist, and I think America sees that, and that’s why she won.”
Hannah Harper’s Future Plans After Winning ‘American Idol’
Harper beat runner-up Jordan McCullough to win American Idol. She is understandably eager to get to work, after she takes some much-needed time off.
“I want to take about two weeks to rest, and then record and write some more music,” Harper reveals. “Because everybody’s let me know that I have a voice to be heard, and I have a lot to say, so I’m excited about that. Very excited.”
“String Cheese” is officially out now. Harper has several shows on her calendar, including a performance at the Grand Ole Opry on June 2. Find music and tour dates at HannahHarperMusic.com.
Photo Credit: Disney / Eric McCandless