‘American Idol’ Alum Hannah Everhart Reveals Special Moment With Luke Bryan That Didn’t Air on TV

Hannah Everhart wowed American Idol viewers with her musical talents on the latest season of the popular singing competition show.

At the time, the Mississippi native was just 17 years old and impressed the judges and fans alike with her audition featuring a cover of Johnny Cash’s “Wayfaring Stranger,” a song that appears on the country icon’s album, American III: Solitary Man. 

After admitting she selected that song in an effort to “play it safe,” they challenged her to sing her original song choice: Etta James’ “At Last!” At that moment, Katy Perry joined her to sing as she consistently complimented her. 

Everhart’s performance prompted country superstar Luke Bryan to send her on to Hollywood with a “Heck-Yee-Haw-Yes” and Lionel Richie to tell her, “You’re sitting on a goldmine.”

Everhart exited the competition following her performance with country chart-topper Jason Aldean and returned to her home state to continue chasing her country music dreams. Now, at the age of 18, Everhart is preparing to release an eight-song EP featuring covers of some of her biggest influences, including Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton. 

During a recent interview with Music Mayhem, Everhart opened up about the EP and reflected on her Idol journey. She also opened up about a special moment with Bryan that didn’t appear on TV. 

“Now, I did sing a duet with Luke Bryan in the audition room,” Everhart revealed, before sharing additional details of the impromptu duet. “I sang ‘Grandpa’ [Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Ole Days] by The Judds, but they didn’t put that on TV… That was great. I was like, ‘dang, I got to sing with two of ‘em!’”

Everhart says she hopes to one day relocate to Nashville and has her sights set on the Grand Ole Opry. 

“Music is what God had planned for me, and so that’s what I do now,” Everhart explained. “And it’s something that I’ve grown a strong passion for the more that I did American Idol, and I’m just glad that other people believed in me as well.”

Everhart is set to take the stage alongside Tyler Farr, Adam Doleac, and Corey Smith on August 7 at 6 PM at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds.

Fans can keep up with Hannah Everhart on Instagram.