New ‘American Idol’ winner turns motherhood journey into music

MANILA, Philippines — “American Idol” Season 24 winner Hannah Harper highlighted mental health throughout her journey in the competition, as she gained widespread attention for her transparency regarding postpartum depression.

Hannah used the national stage to perform an original song she wrote, String Cheese, which focused on her personal experiences with the condition.

The song was a major success for the Missouri native and mother of three during her time on the show, with its video becoming one of the most-watched in the competition’s history after garnering significant social media views.

String Cheese resonated deeply with audiences. Hannah expressed that connecting with other parents through her music was a significant part of her journey on the show. She was the second female country artist to win the competition since Carrie Underwood 20 years ago (Season 4). The Jesus Take the Wheel hitmaker joined “American Idol” last year as a guest judge.

“There’s just something about her that’s so relatable, obviously, and I feel like, in the end, that’s why people voted for her,” Carrie told the media after the show. “They’re just like, ‘I see a bit of myself in her’ and you just want to root for her.”

From the moment Hannah did a viral audition for “American Idol” with an original song about motherhood, she resonated with judges Carrie, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, as well as viewers across the country, because of her “voice, vulnerability, songwriting and artistic ability.” That ended up taking her all the way through the competition until she was named the champion during the finale.

Hannah credited the popularity of String Cheese to its ability to connect with other parents facing similar struggles. She admitted that her time on the show and ultimately winning was “overwhelming,” but in the best way.

She cried immediately after winning. “I don’t think it’s hit yet,” she said.

For the first round of the competition, the Top 3 delivered songs by mentor Alicia Keys. Hannah added a folksy/bluegrass twist to No One. Keyla Richardson opted for the song, Unthinkable, since it spoke of her journey in the show. Jordan McCullough closed out the first round with If I Ain’t Got You.

The contestants returned for the second round, and Hannah carried out an original, Married Into This Town, which she dedicated to her hometown, Missouri, and her husband. She even displayed her talent in strumming the guitar.

Keyla delivered a hometown performance, I Love the Lord, dedicated to Pensacola, Florida, while Jordan closed out the second set with Dear God, dedicated to his Tennessee hometown. After the first two rounds, the artist with the lowest number of votes, Keyla, was sent home and finished in third place.

For the final round, Hannah and Jordan revisited their respective audition pieces — String Cheese for her and Goodness of God for him, which earned a standing ovation from the judges.

Hannah said her “American Idol” Season 24 journey didn’t entail just her. She credited everyone who supported her all the way, from the time she did her audition to the competition all the way to the finale. Jordan bagged the runner-up honors.

“I didn’t get here myself,” Hannah said. “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 that... I mean, God opened the door, and I just kept running, and we’re still here, and it’s nuts.”

During an earlier interview with “Music Mayhem,” Hannah said that she grew up playing “bluegrass gospel music in churches every single weekend from age nine until I was 16.” She was drawn to singers like Dolly Parton and Shania Twain, who impacted her approach to music.

“I was raised super conservative. So, I knew of Dolly Parton, and we didn’t listen to a bunch of her music, but she was definitely somebody that I was drawn to,” added Hannah. “So extravagant. It’s so fun. And she’s such a good showman. But I was a big Shania Twain fan, like early ‘90s Shania. That was the one tape that we had on, on the regular that my mom let me listen to.”

Hannah knows she has some big shoes to fill after being named Season 24 champion. “I’ve got to get to work,” she said.

Yet, she plans to take some time off after the finale to rest and then it will be time to get busy. “I’m going to take about two weeks to rest and then record and write some more music, because everybody’s letting me know that I have a voice to be heard and I have a lot to say. So, I’m excited about that.”