Hannah Harper’s cover of “Jolene” instantly pulled people in, and not just the usual *American Idol* crowd. Fans from all corners of the show’s fandom showed up, curious to see how she’d handle a Dolly Parton classic—and many admitted they clicked out of pure curiosity, then stayed because they couldn’t look away.
What really caught attention was how Hannah made the song feel personal without losing its soul. Her voice carried a quiet strength, and instead of copying Dolly, she leaned into her own tone and storytelling. That choice sparked a wave of comments praising her for respecting the original while still sounding unmistakably like herself.
Scroll through the reactions and you’ll see the same theme again and again: people saying they didn’t expect to feel this much. Some fans wrote that her version gave them chills, others said they replayed it immediately, and a few even confessed they weren’t Hannah fans before this—but are now.
There’s also a sense that this performance traveled fast by word of mouth. Viewers kept tagging friends, saying things like “you have to hear this” or “this is why I watch Idol,” turning the video into a must-see moment rather than just another cover.
Hannah Harper is turning her struggles into music. In a sneak peek at Season 24 of American Idol, the Missouri-based mom of three opened up about her experience with postpartum depression while speaking to judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood.
“I have three little boys. After I had my youngest, I had postpartum depression,” Harper said. “I remember being on the couch. They were all crying at the same time.”
While fans will have to wait to see if Harper nabs a Golden Ticket, things are looking good for the singer.
“Well that’s just about the most relatable song I’ve ever heard,” Underwood told Harper as she wiped away tears.
Keep reading for three quick facts about the soon-to-be breakout star.
She’s Shared Her Story Before
Last May, Harper took to Instagram to announce her new song, “String Cheese.” It’s the track that she’d go on to sing at her Idol audition months later
“A few months ago, I found myself in a trench, overwhelmed by laundry and dishes. It was 4 PM when I realized I hadn’t eaten all day because I was so focused on meeting everyone else’s needs,” she wrote. “I sat on the couch and threw myself a pity party, but then the Lord reminded me of my purpose here on earth as my baby crawled into my lap, wanting me to open his snack. This is my ministry.”
“My calling is to lead and guide them in the ways of the Lord through my words and actions in everyday life,” Harper continued. “The thought of them growing up and not needing me one day breaks my heart, but I pray to soak in these moments while they still depend on me for their daily needs.”
She concluded, “I am incredibly thankful that the Lord entrusted me with three little boys, even on the heavy days when being a mom feels like a challenge.”
She Frequently Posts About Her Music
Harper’s Instagram account is full of her music. There’s well known covers of songs by artists including The Isaacs, Alison Krauss, Trace Adkins, and Carole King.
Harper’s originals pop up too; there’s one about looking her best on Sundays, another about her messy but love-filled home, and a third about her grandmother’s battle with dementia.
She Wasn’t Always Sure If She Wanted to Pursue a Music Career
While Harper has been playing music for years, oftentimes with her brother and other family members, she didn’t decide to pursue a solo career until recently.
“And boy, let me tell you… This is ground I never imagined myself standing on,” Harper continued, “but when He opened the door, I ran through it, and I can’t wait to see where this journey leads.”
American Idol airs Mondays on ABC.
