Hannah Harper went viral after she auditioned for American Idol with an original song called “String Cheese,” which she wrote while she was dealing with postpartum depression following the birth of her third child. However, choosing to sing that song was actually a risk for the Season 24 winner.
“They told me to prepare backup because the judges don’t love to hear originals,” Hannah told TV Insider. “They want to hear something that they’re familiar with, that they’ve heard before. So I had a backup planned and never had to use it. I was really thankful.”
The backup was a song by Jake Worthington, Hannah said. “I’m glad I didn’t sing [it] because no one knew it,” she added. “So it would be the same as singing an original. So I was glad I just went and sang my own song.”
When Hannah first performed “String Cheese” for the judges, she formed a fast connection with Carrie Underwood, who was able to relate to the song because of her own experience as a mother. And when Hannah won the show, she got to chat with the country singer about balancing a music career and being a mom.
“Carrie was really encouraging,” Hannah admitted. “She relates. She was just like, ‘Anything you need in the industry, I want to be available, help you with whatever you need.’ That was really nice.”
Clearly, Hannahs’ decision to sing “String Cheese” paid off, as it immediately made her a fan-favorite contestant, and she remained that way throughout the entirety of the season. After making it all the way to the finale, she beat Keyla Richardson (third place) and Jordan McCullough (runner-up) to be named the winner.
Before the results were read, Hannah got to reprise “String Cheese” one more time during the live finale. She also sang another original song that night, which she dedicated to her Missouri hometown.
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