NEW ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ WINNER TURNS MOTHERHOOD JOURNEY INTO MUSIC

“American Idol” Season 24 winner Hannah Harper highlighted mental health throughout her journey in the competition, as she gained widespread attention for her transparency regarding postpartum depression.

- By LEAH C. SALTERIO

'American Idol' Season 24 winner Hannah Harper is the second female country artist to win the competition since Carrie Underwood 20 years ago (Season 4). Photo shows Hannah (center) being flanked by fellow Top 3 finalists Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson, with judges Carrie, Lionel Richie, host Ryan Seacrest and Luke Bryan.

Hannah used the national stage to perform an original song she wrote, String Cheese, which focused on her personal experiences with the condition.

The song was a major success for the Missouri native and mother of three during her time on the show, with its video becoming one of the most-watched in the competition’s history after garnering significant social media views.

String Cheese resonated deeply with audiences. Hannah expressed that connecting with other parents through her music was a significant part of her journey on the show. She was the second female country artist to win the competition since Carrie Underwood 20 years ago (Season 4). The Jesus Take the Wheel hitmaker joined “American Idol” last year as a guest judge.

“There’s just something about her that’s so relatable, obviously, and I feel like, in the end, that’s why people voted for her,” Carrie told the media after the show. “They’re just like, ‘I see a bit of myself in her’ and you just want to root for her.”