Hannah Harper Reveals What Carrie Underwood Told Her After Historic ‘American Idol’ Win
The newly crowned ‘American Idol’ winner opened up about her brief but meaningful conversation with Underwood moments after making history on the show.
Carrie underwood, Hannah Harper; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless
Hannah Harper was officially crowned the winner of American Idol Season 9 (Season 24 overall) on Monday night, marking a milestone moment as she became the first female country artist to win the show since Carrie Underwood in 2004.
Moments after her crowning moment, she spoke with Entertainment Tonight about making history, following in Underwood’s footsteps, and winning the show, which she admitted was a “challenge.” .
Harper is the first female country artist since Carrie Underwood to win the show, and she didn’t learn that news until the night she won.
“That blows my mind,” she admitted.
After she won American Idol, Harper had the chance to speak with Underwood for “five seconds” and in that moment, she revealed what she told her:
“She was more so like, ‘I know life with babies and let me know if you need anything. I’ll give you all the tips and tricks.” I was like, girl, I need all of it. Give me all the help.’
Of the entire process, Harper admitted her time on the show and ultimately winning has been “overwhelming” but in the best way.
“I wept. It’s all overwhelming. I don’t think it’s hit yet,” she said.
Feeling a sense of “gratitude,” Harper went on to share that this journey didn’t take just her, it was everyone who supported her along the way.
“I mean, I didn’t get here myself. It was all the voters, all the people out there who believed in me. It was insane. It’s all overwhelming, but I’m so appreciative and I just can’t believe that … I mean, God opened the door and I just kept running and we’re still here and it’s nuts.”
Admitting she has “some big shoes to fill,” Harper said, “I’ve got to get to work.”
As for her plans after the show, the Missouri native plans to take some time off to catch her breath, and then it will be time to get busy.
“Rest for sure. I’m going to take about two weeks to rest and then record and write some more music because everybody’s letting me know that I have a voice to be heard and I have a lot to say. So I’m excited about that.”
Harper also teased plans to hit the road and told fans tour dates are “coming soon.”
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
You may also like
Country Next
Playlist
On Repeat
Get the latest country music news delivered straight to your inbox.
