Hannah Harper Shares Emotional Back Story Behind Her Viral Hit, “String Cheese”
on May 14, 2026
Hannah Harper Wins Season 24 Of American Idol
American Idol winner and mother of three Hannah Harper quickly become one of the favorites of the season from the very beginning. After spending much of her life singing gospel and bluegrass music with her family band, she stepped onto the Idol stage determined to pursue her own path as a singer-songwriter.
Hannah grew up traveling and performing with her family’s bluegrass group, gaining years of live performance experience before stepping away from music to focus on raising her children. Later, she began writing songs at home and sharing them online.
Balancing motherhood and music, Hannah shared her story of raising three children while chasing a dream that had long taken a back seat to family life. Her audition performance blended emotion with the vocal control and storytelling she developed through years of family performances.
Hannah’s Original Song “String Cheese” Goes Viral
Her original song, “String Cheese,” resonated with viewers everywhere, and Hannah was quickly identified as one to watch. The lyrics reflect on the challenges of motherhood and on battling postpartum depression while remaining present for your children.
“You might be my favorite person that’s walked through those doors,” judge Carrie Underwood said following Hannah’s audition. She added that the song “might be the most relatable song I’ve ever heard,” wiping away tears.
The song quickly went viral, racking up millions of views across platforms. Cheese brand Sargento even surprised the singer with a special care package.
Hannah Harper Shares More History Behind The Hit Song
Following her big win on Monday (May 11), Hannah shared a little history about the song, “String Cheese.”
The Idol winner explained that she had actually written the track years ago and released it on Mother’s Day, but it was more for herself and her own journey with postpartum depression.
Her brother then encouraged her to record it, and she shared with some family members. Hannah said the song didn’t truly gain so much attention until her audition, and from there she was amazed at the response.
“The response from after my first audition was so overwhelming,” Hannah said. “It was one of those songs I wrote in a vulnerable spot in my life that I never thought I would share it with the world.”
Hannah says most of all she hopes it “encouraged” others in their hard season.
