‘American Idol’ Winner Hannah Harper Sets Grand Ole Opry Debut and String Cheese Tour

American Idol winner Hannah Harper has announced plans for her String Cheese Tour and is also set to make her Grand Ole Opry debut this summer.

Just days after being crowned the winner of American Idol, Harper shared an emotional statement announcing the milestone moment, which is set for June 2 at the Grand Ole Opry alongside American Idol judge, Grand Ole Opry member, and country superstar Carrie Underwood, as well as newly crowned ACM Female Artist of the Year Avery Anna.

“AHHHHH!!!! I truly don’t know if this will ever feel real… On June 2nd, I get to debut at the Grand Ole Opry,” Harper began. “What an overwhelming honor it is to step into that circle that carries so much history, legacy, and heart within country music.”

She went on to reflect on how she has dreamed of this moment for as long as she can remember, sharing her gratitude for everything unfolding in her life.

“As a little girl, this was one of those dreams that felt far too big to even speak out loud. Yet somehow, the Lord has continued to write a story bigger than anything I could have imagined for myself. There truly couldn’t be a more meaningful place to step into this next chapter than the Grand Ole Opry,” she wrote.

While speaking with Country Now ahead of her American Idol crowning moment, Harper revealed that performing at the Opry was one of her biggest post-show goals.

“The Opry is the goal. After that, I can just quit,” she joked. “The Opry is, I mean, that’s the biggest stage in country music in my eyes, the most honored, and it would just make my whole life to get to perform on that stage. That would be a huge honor, but that is definitely the goal.”

Along with her Opry debut, Harper also unveiled plans for her String Cheese Tour, which kicks off with her Opry performance and runs through November 14, with dates scheduled across the U.S.

“Check the dates and see if we’re headed to your neck of the woods!! We seriously cannot wait to see y’all out on the road this year,” she shared.

Hannah Harper captured the hearts of millions on American Idol with her audition performance of her original song “String Cheese,” which details emotions she felt after the birth of her first son. Throughout the season, she continued to impress both judges and fans with standout performances of country classics and fan favorites.

During the finale, her duet with Lee Ann Womack was a standout moment, while her hometown visit featured a surprise appearance from Jo Dee Messina.