What would you do if a famous TV show texted you out of nowhere and asked you to sing? That is exactly how the two biggest stars of American Idol in 2026 got their big start! In a super fun new interview with TV Insider, the big winner, Hannah Harper, and the second-place runner-up, Jordan McCullough, sat down together on a big cozy couch.
Even though they were competing against each other just a few days ago, they act like best friends now. They spent the whole time laughing, telling secrets, and talking about how much they love God and music.
Neither singer had even planned on trying out for the show at first. Hannah was just a stay-at-home mom who made funny TikTok videos about cleaning her house. A TV worker saw her singing in one video and told her she should try out. Jordan was found the same way, but it took him three whole years to finally say yes to auditioning on Idol!
On the show, they were asked what song they planned to sing and what their backup song was. Hannah said that she was told not to sing her original song because judges like to hear a song they are familiar with, yet she went with her gut and sang her own song, “String Cheese.”
When Jordan was asked, he jokingly said, “My main song was String Cheese, but then Hannah sang it, so I sang my backup song!” He made so many friendly jokes like these, hear it here for yourself!
American Idol’s Hannah Harper & Jordan Mccullough Reveal Their Future Plans & More | Tv Insider
As the weeks went on, the show got harder, but both singers had favorite nights that made them feel like real superstars. Hannah said she loved Disney Week because it helped her feel brave on stage. Jordan loved Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Week because he got to do crazy things like spin around and throw his glasses into the crowd! He laughed and said he no longer even recognizes that wild boy on the screen.
They were also asked if, now that the show is over, both Hannah and Jordan are ready to make real albums. Hannah has been writing songs for two years and wants to take her three kids on a big summer music tour. Jordan wants to get right into the recording studio, and he joked that he wants Hannah to write a song just for him!
Fans are leaving thousands of sweet comments online because these two stars are so humble and kind. They showed the world that you can compete for a giant trophy and still be best friends who cheer for each other until the very end.