What would you do if a giant door of opportunity opened right in front of you, but you were too scared to walk through it? That is exactly what happened to Hannah Harper before she became the grand champion of American Idol season 24.
Hannah was very afraid of the big TV contracts and leaving her three little boys at home. Luckily, she had a famous best friend who gave her the perfect advice to change her mind.
That special friend is rising country music star Emily Ann Roberts, who was the runner-up on The Voice. When Hannah called her crying and worried, Emily Ann shared a beautiful piece of wisdom. She told her, “As long as God’s opening the doors, then you should run.” Those powerful words gave Hannah the bravery she needed to say yes to American Idol, and she kept running all the way to the first-place trophy!
Watch Hannah talk about her friendship with Emily right here!
American Idol and String Cheese with Hannah Harper
The two singers are a perfect match because they share musical roots. Before her big TV win, Hannah traveled the country singing gospel and bluegrass music in her family band, The Harper Collective. Emily Ann is also famous for her beautiful country songs and her strong faith. Because they love the same kind of music, fans are already super excited about the strong possibility of a future musical collaboration between the two best friends!
Watch Hannah covering one of Emily’s songs.
One Of My All-Time Favorite Songs By One Of My Favorite Girls, Emily!
Now that Hannah has won the whole show, she is planning her next big step and is still asking Emily Ann for advice. Hannah’s biggest dream in the entire world was to perform at the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. With Emily’s advice and push, her biggest dream is coming to life on June 2, 2026. And guess who she is singing with that night? Her Idol judge, Carrie Underwood!
With a giant American Idol victory in her hands and a powerhouse friend like Emily Ann cheering her on, Hannah has already achieved her Opre dream; now, fans want their dream to come true: an Emily and Hannah duet!