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American Idol contestant Hannah Harper struck a chord with judge Carrie Underwood during her audition.
On the February 2 episode of the popular singing competition show, Harper delivered a heartfelt performance of her original song, “String Cheese,” which delves into her battle with postpartum depression.
Before taking the stage, Harper shared the story behind her song’s creation, recounting the pivotal moment that drove her to express her feelings through music.
“I found myself on the couch, feeling overwhelmed. As a mom of boys, there’s constant demand for attention, and I just needed some space,” Harper explained to judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Underwood, 42. “I was deep in self-pity, hoping for some peace, when my son kept insisting, ‘Mom, open this. Open my cheese.’ I thought, ‘Please, just leave me be with the cheese.'”
She continued, “Eventually, I opened the cheese, and in that moment, it hit me that my role as a mother was my most significant ministry. I realized I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself, get up, and embrace the life I truly wanted.”
Harper’s performance struck a chord with the audience, leaving the “Before He Cheats” singer — who is also a mother to Isaiah, 10, and Jacob, 7, with her husband Mike Fisher — visibly moved to tears.
“Well, that’s about the most relatable song I think I’ve ever heard,” Underwood praised. “You might be my favorite person that’s walked through those doors in the past three days. You’re gorgeous, you look famous already. I just think you have just a beautiful simplicity to your voice.”
“You’re one that I’m going to think about when we leave here. Like I wonder what song she’s gonna sing next, and I feel like I’m gonna be just rooting for you,” Underwood added. “I loved everything about everything you just did.”
After receiving yes votes from all three judges, Harper advanced to the second round of the competition.