Hannah Harper was announced as the winner of “American Idol” Season 24.
The 25-year-old stay-at-home mom beat Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson, who finished as runner-up and in third place, respectively, during Monday’s live three-hour finale.
Harper became the first female country artist to win since now-judge Carrie Underwood, who won Season 4 of the music competition show in 2005.
After winning the competition, Harper told USA Today, “I’m a puddle right now. All the sacrifices have been made [by my family] to make this happen. Had it not been for my husband … that poor man has sacrificed his entire life.
“Every part of normalcy he had – to uproot life and bring our whole family here and live out of a hotel for two months – just so I could do this meant everything to me. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay him for that,” she continued about her husband, Devon Mendenhall, who stepped away from his career in law enforcement to support her journey.
“He’s not the only one; my parents also. I just feel like my village is growing now.”
The night was filled with star-studded performances, including by last night’s guest mentor, Alicia Keys, as well as the judges: Luke Bryan, Underwood and Lionel Richie, who sang a trio rendition of the latter’s “Deep River Woman.”
Mötley Crüe also joined Underwood for a two-song performance of “Home Sweet Home” and “Kickstart My Heart.”
Brad Paisley, Cameron Whitcomb, Clay Aiken — who was the runner-up in Season 2 — En Vogue, Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack, Nelly, Shinedown and Tori Kelly — who was a contestant during Season 9 — also took to the stage throughout the night. Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms also performed.
Harper became a fan favorite from the moment she stepped onto the “American Idol” stage and sang an original song about postpartum depression, “String Cheese.”
She also became a favorite of Underwood’s, who initially told her, “You might be my favorite person that’s walked through those doors in the past three days. You’re gorgeous. You look famous already.”
The “Before He Cheats” singer also compared herself to Harper, telling her during episode 8, “You remind me of myself when I was on the show.”
“American Idol” Season 24 is now available to stream on Hulu.
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