WILLOW SPRINGS — When Hannah Harper returned to Willow Springs Wednesday evening for a hometown celebration, thousands lined the streets in anticipation. The parade down Main Street kicked off a night the community won’t soon forget — one part homecoming, one part celebration of a journey that began long before the bright lights of a national stage.
Harper is one of three finalists competing for the American Idol crown, with the finale set for 7 p.m. Monday, when she’ll face off against Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson. The 25-year-old Willow Springs resident is a stay-at-home mom with three children she shares with her husband, Devon, but her roots go back to the small community of Bunker in Reynolds County, where she was born and raised.
Her dreams of singing began at an early age while traveling with her family band, The Harper Family. That foundation — built on family harmony and performances across the Midwest — is written into every note she sings. Looking ahead, Hannah is eager to get back on the road with her band: her two brothers, her dad, her uncle and a longtime friend on drums.
When she auditioned for American Idol judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood, she wowed them with an original song, "String Cheese." Underwood told her, "You might be my favorite person who has walked through those doors."
But success hasn't dimmed her roots or her faith. Earlier this season, she wrote on Instagram, "This season has stretched me in ways I never expected. The goal will always be the same: to encourage, to uplift, and to turn eyes upon the Lord." In January, she revealed her path to the competition was paved in prayer. "I didn't want to tread on ground that wasn't appointed for my feet."
The community backing her tells the real story. Organizers estimated the crowd at 3,000 based on the number of hot dogs given away. Pizza Americana hosted a watch party with a full house last Monday, and has announced plans to do it again for the finale.
The celebration reached a fever pitch when Hannah performed "Heads Carolina, Tails California.” Country legend Jo Dee Messina snuck onstage and joined her for the final chorus. Hannah screamed and jumped back in surprise as the crowd cheered the passing of the proverbial torch.
Hannah is now making her way back to California for the final. Locally, Pizza Americana owners Lori and Andy Logan are inviting the community to bring appetizers and cakes to share. Free soft drinks and ice cream will be provided, with the reminder that it is a "self-scoop" event — gloves will be provided and there is a limit of one scoop per person.
