In an interview after her win, Harper joked that McCullough was her “therapist” throughout the competition. She said the worship director praying for her every week and God helped her have confidence when she was doubting herself. “That poor man,” she said. “He could have had the best run if I wouldn’t have been here.”
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The show began with the Top 3 contestants paying tribute to 17-time Grammy-winner Alicia Keys, who mentored them that week. Harper performed the love song, “No One,” for her husband, Devon.
“Through all of this journey, nobody has surrendered more,” Harper said with emotion, explaining that she doesn’t want him to feel “neglected” during her time in the spotlight. When host Ryan Seacrest asked Harper how she was approaching the finale, she said she was just trying to “breathe.”
Harper’s hometown segment showed her and Devon spending time with their pastor. Harper said their church, First Baptist Church of Birch Tree, “holds so many memories for us.”
“I couldn’t even begin to describe in words how much I love Hannah,” Devon said. “I promise till the day I die, I will never ever stop loving her.”
While at home, Harper was surprised onstage by Jo Dee Messina as Harper was performing Messina’s “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” a song Harper previously performed during the competition.
Harper was also gifted a patchwork dress with notes from moms telling her how much she meant to them. Harper auditioned for “American Idol” with her original song, “String Cheese,” moving Underwood tears. The song, about Harper’s faith amid her battle with postpartum depression, went viral with over 100 million views.
Harper’s second song the night of the finale was another tribute to her husband, an original titled, “Married Into This Town.”
“I love that you started your journey on ‘Idol’ with an original song, and I love that you’re ending this way as well, taking us home,” Underwood told Harper afterward through tears. “You deserve to be here.”
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