Family played a central role during the latest episode of American Idol on Monday (March 9) night. That theme was especially evident as the Top 30 contestants honored loved ones during the emotional “Ohana Round,” which had them performing for family members seated outdoors at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii.
For Season 24 Idol contestant Hannah Harper, the moment carried extra meaning. The mother and singer, who has already captured the hearts of America this season with her self-penned song, “String Cheese, chose to pay homage to someone who wasn’t physically present — her late grandfather, PawPaw Lew, whom she described as a “patriarch.”
“I’m really excited about the Ohana round to have the chance to honor my grandpa. He was a patriarch. So many branches of talented people who came from him. He played music until the day he died,” Harper shared ahead of her performance before revealing she would be performing “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill. “Good music that we can all relate to as a family, and we all play together as a family, and everybody likes it. Bluegrass and gospel…The legacy that he left made a strong impression on my life.”
“I want to do the same for my kids,” she continued. “I wish my grandpa were here to hear it. My grandma’s going to be here, and he’s going to be so thrilled because it was his favorite song.”
Dressed in a red floral dress with her hair styled in a braid, Harper stepped onto the stage and delivered a tender, heartfelt performance. The mother of three boys — who has been open about her struggles with Postpartum Depression — carried on her family’s musical legacy with a soft, angelic tone that echoed the classic country stylings of Dolly Parton and Lee Ann Womack. Her delivery began delicately before swelling into a powerful emotional moment, allowing the song’s message of remembrance and faith to resonate with the audience.
“So go rest high on that mountain / Son, your work on earth is done / Go to heaven a-shoutin’ / Love for the Father and the Son,” Harper belted out during the soaring chorus, drawing visible reactions from the crowd of families, judges, and industry tastemakers.
“I love her tone,” one person noted from the audience, while another praised her “twang.”
Judge Luke Bryan was particularly impressed with her classic country sound.
“Gosh, there are so many parallels with your voice and Dolly [Parton], and it’s just so beautifully country,” Bryan raved afterward. “But just remember that key that you got to at the end, and really live in that space because your voice really opened up there. You’ve got the goods! and that was … Your voice is so beautiful to me.”
Judge Lionel Richie also praised her authenticity. “Got that straight, authentic mountain voice,” he noted.
Industry expert Sasha Farber, a professional dancer and choreographer from Dancing With the Stars, offered a bit of constructive feedback.
“You can definitely see that she was missing something because she usually plays the guitar. But I don’t know. I think she really delivered it, and she felt like she was herself.”
Harper ultimately didn’t have much to worry about. By the end of the episode, she learned she had advanced into the Top 20 alongside 19 other contestants. Those eliminated from the competition included Chloe Lauren, Sheldon Riley, Bryant Thomas, Michael Garner, Bella Emry, Brenna Brigman, Kiera Howell, Brianna Yancey, Jacquie Lee, and Tianna.
Over the next two weeks, the remaining Idol hopefuls will perform for America’s votes at Aulani as they continue competing for a spot in the next round, guided by superstar mentorsBrad Paisley and KeKe Palmer.
Follow Hannah Harper’s journey on American Idol by tuning in Mondays at 8/7c on ABC, or stream the episode the next day on Hulu.
