“American Idol” Top 3 finalist Hannah Harper has been sharing a deeply relatable look at motherhood since she auditioned in front of season 24 judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood with her original song, “String Cheese.”
A wife and mother of three, Harper has been candid about the challenges of being away from her family while chasing her music dreams on the competition series. This year, that separation included spending Mother’s Day away from her children, just one day before the season finale, where she could be crowned the next “American Idol.”
Hannah Harper Reflects on Her Song ‘String Cheese’ as She’s Away from Her Family This Mother’s Day
DisneyMother’s Day for Hannah Harper looked very different this year compared to last. While she is now headed into the season 24 finale of “American Idol,” the milestone has come with emotional challenges, as she continued to be away from her kids during the competition.
This year, that included spending Mother’s Day apart from her children and husband, showcasing just how difficult the journey has been even amid her growing stardom.
Taking to Facebook, Harper shared that the holiday was even more special following her performance of her original song, “String Cheese,” on “American Idol.” The song is a personal one for Harper, sharing her story about her struggles with postpartum depression and everyday struggles as a parent.
“One year ago today, I released String Cheese. At the time, it was just a little piece of my heart wrapped up in a song… something that ministered to me deeply during a hard season of motherhood and life. I never could’ve imagined what the Lord would do with it from there,” she began her post.
“I still can’t fully process how much this song has changed my life. But more than charts, streams, or opportunities… what means the most to me are the messages from mothers all over the world who felt seen by it. Women who were tired, stretched thin, emotional, overwhelmed, loving their babies with everything they had while wondering if anyone noticed the weight they carried. Thank you for hearing my heart and allowing this song to hold a little piece of yours too,” she wrote.
Harper added that she was “extra emotional” on this day because she was away from her three children as she prepared for the Idol finale. “I’ll be keeping the tissues close and counting down the hours until I can wrap my babies up in my arms again,” she said.
Fans Flood Harper’s Post in Response to Her Honest Struggles
Harper’s post was met with an outpouring of support, as fans flooded the comments to share how deeply her words resonated with them, especially with her original song. Many praised the finalist for her honesty throughout the competition, applauding her for staying true to herself during her journey.
“Your song has been my anthem since I heard it. I also struggled with postpartum depression and I know that it was only God that rescued me from the darkness that I found myself in. Thank you for putting words to what a lot of women feel. Motherhood is one of God’s greatest gifts with all the chaos and all!!” A fan shared.
“When you penned those words down that became lyrics, I’m sure you had no clue they would be used to heal hearts and minister to mom’s all over the world,” another fan shared.
Harper Gets Candid About Balancing Motherhood & Music
During her time on “American Idol,” Harper participated in an Instagram Q&A where she shared how difficult it has been being away from her children.
“What do you enjoy LEAST about your life right now?” A fan asked. Sharing a photo of her children sleeping, she answered, “Feeling pulled in too many directions. Some days I wish there were two of me — one who could chase every music dream God has placed in my heart, and another who could stay home and just be the mama she once was.”
The Missouri native also opened up about the hardest part of being on the show. “Long hours of hurry up and wait. The hardest part for me is being cooped up in a room, not able to see my husband & babies. I’m reminding myself it’s just temporary. That will NOT be our way of life outside of idol. I refuse,” she shared.
Harper will soon be reunited with her family as she’s set to take the stage one last time during the season 24 “American Idol” finale, airing Monday, May 11. The three-hour event will kick off at 8 p.m. on ABC.
