Season 24 of American Idol has just finished this past week. The winner of this year’s American Idol is Willow Springs, Missouri, local Hannah Harper.
Hannah Harper
Hannah Harper lives in Willow Springs, Missouri, with her husband and three sons. [1] She is a 25-year-old stay-at-home mom.
Audition
Hannah Harper auditioned for American Idol, performing her song “String Cheese.” The song was written when Harper was struggling with postpartum depression with her youngest son. [2]
Season Finale
During the weeks of American Idol, Hannah Harper kept advancing until she was in the top three along with Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson. [3] About halfway through the season finale, the top two were announced: Hannah Harper and Jordan McCullough. For the last songs of the competition, Harper sang the song she wrote and auditioned on “String Cheese,” while McCullough sang “Goodness of God.” [4] After all the votes were in, the 2026 American Idol winner was announced as Hannah Harper.
Harper is the first female country artist to win American Idol since Carrie Underwood did in 2005 [5]
Notes:
- ^Who is Hannah Harper? 5 facts about ‘American Idol’ season 24 winner (go back ↩)
- ^Carrie Underwood Cries as American Idol Contestant Performs ‘Relatable’ Song About Postpartum Depression (go back ↩)
- ^Carrie Underwood explains why Hannah Harper’s ‘American Idol’ win hit so hard: ‘People saw themselves in her’ (go back ↩)
- ^‘American Idol’ Crowns Season 24 Winner (go back ↩)
- ^Hannah Harper wins ‘American Idol’ in star-studded three-hour finale (go back ↩)
