Photo: ABC
Hannah Harper teamed up with her own idol, Lee Ann Womack, during the American Idol finale on Monday night (May 11).
“From the first time I saw Hannah’s videos, I was a fan,” Womack said in a statement on Tuesday (May 12). “Her voice has that rare quality that just stopped me right in my tracks the first time I heard her sing one of my songs. Beyond her incredible talent, I’ve really been moved by her heart. It’s been so exciting to watch America fall in love with her, and I was honored to be able to join her for the American Idol finale. This is just the beginning for Hannah Harper!”
The pair performed Womack’s iconic 2000 single, “I Hope You Dance” — and judge Carrie Underwood sang along from her seat — on the Idol stage. It was a powerful moment for Harper, a longtime fan of the Texas-born singer-songwriter. Harper shared in a clip last week that Womack is among her favorite country artists, and Womack’s style of music is “the music I want to create now in 2026.”
Womack, who previously reacted to Harper’s cover of “Never Again, Again,” recorded a message for the Idol finalist to reveal that they’d perform together during the finale. Womack said at the time, in part: “I just can’t wait to meet you in person. …I’m so excited about it. I’m gonna make a great new friend. We’re gonna make great music, and we’re gonna make great memories. I look forward to it, Hannah.”
Harper tearfully reacted to the video, saying that it’s “the biggest dream,” to perform with Womack. Watch them perform “I Hope You Dance” here, and find out who won American Idol below (warning: spoilers).
Harper made it to the finale with Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson. American Idol host Ryan Seacrest revealed Harper won this season, making her the first female country artist to win the competition since Underwood’s victory more than 20 years ago.