Who Is Hannah Harper? All About American Idol Season 24 Contestant

As American Idol Season 24 progresses toward the Ohana Round, the competition has narrowed down to just 30 contestants, with one standout artist quickly making waves—Hannah Harper. Harper, who went viral during her audition, captivated viewers with her original song “String Cheese,” which has now been watched over 750,000 times. The emotional song was written while Harper was coping with postpartum depression following the birth of her youngest child, and it’s become a defining moment in her American Idol journey.

Who is Hannah Harper?

Hannah Harper, a stay-at-home mom with dreams of a singing career, developed her passion for music early on. Growing up in a conservative household, she sang bluegrass gospel music in church from the age of nine to 16. She was part of the Harper Family band, which performed at various events. Despite her limited exposure to mainstream music, Harper was drawn to icons like Dolly Parton and Shania Twain, with Twain’s early ’90s hits having a significant influence on her. “That was the one tape that we had on regular rotation,” she recalls.

Hannah’s Background and Musical Influence

Raised with a more conservative upbringing, Harper didn’t have access to much popular music, but that didn’t stop her from developing a deep love for the genre. She credits artists like Shania Twain and Jo Dee Messina as major influences on her sound, particularly the more wholesome side of ’90s country.

Where is Hannah Harper From?

Hannah is a Missouri native and still resides there with her family. Her journey from Missouri to the American Idol stage reflects her deep connection to her roots.

Personal Life: Family and Marriage

Hannah Harper is married to Devon Mendenhall, whom she wed in April 2018. Devon, an avid fisherman, is often mentioned in Hannah’s social media posts, where he humorously refers to himself as a “fishing addict.” Together, they share three sons. The couple became parents for the first time in April 2019, just one year after their wedding. At the time of her American Idol audition in fall 2025, their youngest son was just one year old.

The Inspiration Behind “String Cheese”

During her audition, Hannah courageously opened up about her battle with postpartum depression and how it inspired her viral song “String Cheese.” Reflecting on her experience, she shared that one day she was sitting on the couch feeling overwhelmed and isolated. “Everybody wants to touch you. I didn’t want to be touched,” she said, describing her emotional state.

However, her young son came to her with a simple request: “Mama, open this. Open my cheese.” This small act of kindness from her son became a turning point. As she explained, “I was just having a pity party, praying that the Lord would calm my spirit. And when I opened his cheese, it was like God had put me in that place, reminding me that being a mom was my biggest ministry.”

Hannah realized that she had been letting her depression control her and decided to fight back. “I quit throwing a pity party,” she said. “I kicked postpartum depression in the butt.” Inspired by this moment, she wrote “String Cheese,” a song that encapsulated her journey and became a symbol of empowerment and resilience.

With American Idol now entering its Ohana Round, Hannah Harper’s emotional journey and viral performance continue to capture the hearts of viewers. As she moves forward in the competition, fans are eager to see how her story unfolds on the grand stage.