Hannah Harper grew up traveling coast-to-coast singing in churches across the country. Now, the mom of three boys and rising music artist is looking for her big break into the world of music. She may have just found it.
The singer and songwriter auditioned for American Idol, with her tryout airing on Monday, Feb. 2. The show is now in its 24th season and features judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie.
For her audition, Harper performed an original song, “String Cheese,” which she wrote about her struggle with postpartum depression after her youngest son, now one year old, was born.
“I was sitting on my couch wallowing,” Harper shared with the judges, “I was just having a pity party and praying that the Lord was calm my spirit.”
“My son kept coming up to me saying, ‘Mom, open my cheese,’ and I’m just like, ‘Just leave me alone with the dadgum cheese,’” she said, adding,
And I finally opened his cheese and when I did, I realized that God had put me in that place, and that where I was in my house was the biggest ministry that I could ever have in being a mom.
“I realized that was exactly what I wanted,” she added, “and I kicked the postpartum depression in the butt and I said, ‘I ain’t doing it.’ And so, I wrote this song called ‘String Cheese.’”
You can listen to Harper’s audition below:
Harper’s audition left Carrie Underwood in tears. “Well, that’s probably about the most relatable song I’ve ever heard,” she remarked.
“Hannah, great job,” Bryan remarked. “You’re going to be able to move some people,” he added, “Way to really write the moment you’re in.”
She instantly earned her golden ticket to Hollywood after the judges’ unanimous “yes” vote, advancing to the next stage of the competition.
“To God be the glory,” Harper shared on social media after her audition, along with the Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11. “String Cheese” also shot up to No. 21 on the iTunes music charts.
Harper’s voice and compelling songwriting ability are sure to win over many of the show’s viewers, who will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite contestants in the coming weeks.
American Idol airs on Monday nights at 8/7c on ABC.
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Related articles and resources:
Counseling Consultation & Referrals
Embracing Hope in the Midst of Postpartum Depression
Husband Concerned About Wife’s Postpartum Depression
Rediscovering Your Joy in Motherhood
Embracing Your Version of Motherhood
Photo from YouTube.
