“American Idol” season 24 has crowned its winner! On May 11, after a three-hour finale filled with spectacular performances by the Top 3 finalists, judges, and A-list music stars like Mötley Crüe, Alicia Keys, Gin Blossoms, Brad Paisley, and more, the night concluded with host Ryan Seacrest announcing 25-year-old Missouri native Hannah Harper as the winner of “American Idol.”
Harper, a mom of three, was a fan favorite since she walked into auditions with her original tune “String Cheese,” and her win marked a life-changing moment for her and her family. However, it also marked a historic win for the show.
Harper is now only the second female country singer to ever win the competition series since Carrie Underwood, breaking a 20-year gap.
Hannah Harper Says She Has ‘Big Shoes to Fill’ After Historic ‘American Idol’ Win
Hannah Harper made history on “American Idol” when she became just the second female country artist to win the reality TV singing competition series since Carrie Underwood.
Reflecting on her win with USA Today, Harper shared, “It’s crazy. And I am the first female country artist since Carrie, so that’s 20 years. So I feel like I have really big shoes to fill.”
She continued,” But also what a badge of honor. Like, that’s incredible, and I hope that I make that genre proud, but also glorify God at the same time, because I’ve been given this amazing platform to do so. It’s just an honor to be here.”
Underwood won season 4 of “American Idol” in 2005, and had a full-circle moment when she returned as a judge last season, which marked 20 years since her win. Underwood has gone on to become the most successful winner in the show’s history.
So, yes, Harper has some big shoes to fill, but she’s already shown fans she has the talent and drive to potentially become the next big thing in country music.
Harper Reflects on ‘Wild, Beautiful’ Idol Journey & Shares What’s Next
After her momentous “American Idol” win, Harper reflected on her journey, thanking the fans who voted for her week after week and even sharing that she’s now gearing up for her tour.
“What a wild, beautiful journey this has been. And somehow we’re just getting started,” her caption began alongside a photo of her holding the envelope that named her the Idol winner.
“Thank you to every single person who believed in me, prayed over me, voted, and helped carry this dream farther than I ever could’ve imagined. Y’all changed my life,” she continued. “I’m beyond thankful for the doors the Lord has opened and for the opportunity to walk this path.”
“I’ll see y’all on the road soon… tour dates coming your way. 🤍”
Speaking to Gold Derby, Harper revealed that she was “hitting the road” right after her Idol win.
“I’m going on tour, man. I’m hitting the road. We’re going to hit the ground running. I’m going to rest for a couple of weeks at home. I’m going to write, record, and we’re going to announce a “String Cheese” tour in the next few days,” she said.
“So theaters and small towns. It’s not anything huge, but it’s something that’s close to my heart, small communities that I get to storytell with and I can’t wait for it. Thrilled,” she added.
According to Harper’s website, her tour will kick off in June with two shows in Arkansas and will run through October.
