Hannah Harper
Hannah Harper | |
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 Hannah Harper performs at the 2026 19 Recordings CMAfest Takeover in Nashville, TN. | |
| Background information | |
| Born | November 19, 1999 Bunker, Missouri, U.S. |
| Origin | Willow Springs, Missouri, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Instrument |
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| Website | www |
Hannah Noelle Harper Mendenhall (born November 19, 1999) is an American country singer from Willow Springs, Missouri. She rose to prominence as the winner of the 24th season of American Idol in 2026, becoming the first female country singer to win the show since Carrie Underwood in the fourth season.[1]
Early and personal life
Hannah Harper was born in Bunker, Missouri and currently resides in Willow Springs, Missouri. She is the mother of three boys, and is a stay-at-home mom. She married her husband, Devon Mendenhall, in April 2018.[2]
Career
Beginnings
Harper has been singing since she was nine years old. Prior to auditioning for American Idol, Harper sang in her family's traveling bluegrass band, The Harper Collective, which she was part of for seven years, winning the SPBGMA International Band Contest in 2010.[3] The band recorded a total of two albums. After stepping back from performing to raise her children, Harper wrote her first single, "String Cheese", which was released in May 2025. Harper describes the song as chronicling her battle with postpartum depression and finding strength through faith, purpose and motherhood.[4]
2026–present: American Idol
In 2026, Harper auditioned for the 24th season of the reality competition show American Idol. In the auditions round, she performed "String Cheese", which received acclaim from the show's judges (Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie) as well as the public audience.[5] Harper progressed to the final of the show where she beat out fellow competitors Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson. After winning and singing Chris Tomlin's "At the Cross (Love Ran Red)" as her coronation song, Tomlin commented that they should "sing it together sometime". She won US$250,000 and a recording contract with Hollywood Records.[6]
| Round | Song | Artist | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auditions | "String Cheese" | Hannah Harper | Advanced to Hollywood Round |
| Hollywood Round | "A Little Past Little Rock" | Lee Ann Womack | Advanced to Top 30 |
| Top 30 ('Ohana Round) | "Go Rest High on That Mountain" | Vince Gill | Advanced to Top 20 |
| Top 20 | "Ain't No Grave" | Bethel Music & Molly Skaggs | Advanced to Top 14 |
| Top 14 (Songs of Faith) | "At the Cross (Love Ran Red)" | Chris Tomlin | Advanced to Top 12 |
| Top 12 (90s Judges' Song Contest) | "Heads Carolina, Tails California" | Jo Dee Messina | Advanced to Top 11 |
| Top 11 (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame) | "Landslide" | Fleetwood Mac | Advanced to Top 9 |
| Top 9 (Disney Night) | "Almost There" | Anika Noni Rose | Advanced to Top 7 |
| Top 7 (Taylor Swift/California Songs Night) | "Mean" & "That's the Way Love Goes" | Taylor Swift & Merle Haggard | Advanced to Top 5 |
| Top 5 (Class of 2006 Reunion) | "Fever" & "A Broken Wing" (sang with Kellie Pickler) | Peggy Lee & Martina McBride | Advanced to Finale |
| Final | "No One" | Alicia Keys | Winner |
| "Married Into This Town" | Hannah Harper | ||
| "String Cheese" | Hannah Harper | ||
| "At the Cross (Love Ran Red)" | Chris Tomlin |
Artistry
Harper describes gaining musical inspiration from bluegrass and gospel music from her early years of performing. On American Idol, she ventured predominantly into country music but performed songs of several different genres in varying rounds.[7] She cites singers such as Shania Twain and Jo Dee Messina as influences.[8]
Discography
Singles
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "String Cheese" | 2025 | N/a |
References
- ^ Sloan, Kaycee. "Who is Hannah Harper? 5 facts about 'American Idol' season 24 winner". The Enquirer. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
- ^ Betzold, Todd (May 11, 2026). "Hannah Harper: 5 Fast Facts on the 'American Idol' Finalist". EntertainmentNow. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
- ^ "2010 International Band Championship Results | SPBGMA | SPBGMA". www.spbgma.com. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
- ^ Fisher, Kelly. "Watch: Hannah Harper Opens Up About Viral 'String Cheese' Song After 'Overwhelming,' Emotional 'American Idol' Win | iHeartCountry Radio". Wayne and Tay. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
- ^ Adams, Emily (May 12, 2026). "Missouri mom Hannah Harper wins 'American Idol' with viral song "String Cheese"". St. Louis Magazine. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
- ^ Ring, Ellie (May 12, 2026). "Every insane prize Hannah Harper is set to receive after winning American Idol". Reality Shrine. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
- ^ "Hannah Harper". Hannah Harper. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
- ^ Norwin, Alyssa (May 11, 2026). "Get to Know 'American Idol's Hannah Harper". TV Insider. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
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