Hannah Harper isn’t just singing songs—she’s telling stories born from real life.
In a preview of American Idol Season 24, the Missouri-based mother of three shared a deeply personal chapter of her life with judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood. Her honesty, paired with an original song inspired by postpartum depression, created one of the season’s most emotional moments—and brought Underwood to tears.
“I have three little boys. After I had my youngest, I had postpartum depression,” Harper explained. “I remember sitting on the couch while they were all crying at the same time.”
“All I ever wanted was to be a mom, and I felt like I couldn’t do it,” she continued. “I prayed for the Lord to calm my spirit. I got up, and I wrote this song.”
That song—“String Cheese”—left a powerful impact on the judges.
“That’s about the most relatable song I’ve ever heard,” Underwood said, wiping away tears.
While fans will have to tune in to see whether Harper earns a Golden Ticket, all signs point toward a breakout moment. Here are three truths that help explain why her audition resonated so deeply.
1. She’s Been Courageously Sharing Her Story for Years
Long before stepping onto the American Idol stage, Harper had already opened up about her struggles online. In May, she introduced “String Cheese” on Instagram, sharing the raw reality behind the song.
She described a day buried under laundry and dishes, realizing by late afternoon she hadn’t eaten because she was consumed with caring for everyone else.
“I sat on the couch and threw myself a pity party,” she wrote, “but then the Lord reminded me of my purpose as my baby crawled into my lap, asking me to open his snack. This is my ministry.”
Harper spoke openly about motherhood as her calling—leading her sons through faith, love, and everyday moments, even when the days feel heavy.
“I am incredibly thankful that the Lord entrusted me with three little boys,” she added, “even on the hardest days.”
2. Music Is Woven Into Her Everyday Life
A glance at Harper’s social media shows that music isn’t a side hobby—it’s a way of life.
Her Instagram is filled with heartfelt performances, from covers of artists like Alison Krauss, The Isaacs, Trace Adkins, and Carole King, to original songs inspired by real moments at home.
Her originals include tunes about dressing her best for Sundays, embracing the chaos of a love-filled house, and even honoring her grandmother’s battle with dementia—each one rooted in authenticity.
3. Choosing Music as a Career Wasn’t an Easy Decision
Though Harper has been performing for years—often alongside her brother and family—she didn’t immediately pursue a solo career. Instead, she spent time in prayer, carefully considering whether the path was meant for her.
“I didn’t want to tread on ground that wasn’t appointed for my feet,” she wrote in a post announcing her Idol audition.
Then everything changed.
“This is ground I never imagined myself standing on,” Harper continued. “But when He opened the door, I ran through it. I can’t wait to see where this journey leads.”
