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Postpartum Depression Song Leads Hannah Harper to Idol Crown
12 May
Summary
- Hannah Harper won American Idol on May 11, 2026.
- She wrote a song about postpartum depression after her son's birth.
- Her husband survived a severe car crash in February 2019.

Hannah Harper has been declared the winner of American Idol, concluding the latest season on May 11, 2026. Her journey on the show was marked by a deeply personal audition performance. Harper's song, 'String Cheese,' detailed her experience with postpartum depression following the birth of her youngest son.
The emotional resonance of 'String Cheese' led to a viral surge in popularity for her audition. This song stemmed from a difficult moment where Harper felt overwhelmed and sought solace, leading to her profound lyrical expression. She has openly shared that this song helped her overcome her postpartum struggles.
Harper's victory comes after facing significant personal challenges. In February 2019, her husband, Devon Mendenhall, was involved in a severe car accident that left him with a fractured back and a collapsed lung. This incident triggered fears in Harper about potentially becoming a single mother, as she was only ten minutes away from the accident scene when she received the news.