Days before the premiere of Season 22, American Idol dropped the powerful audition of a 15-year-old hopeful named Triston Harper. His heartbreaking backstory and poignant performance are moving people to tears.
Before Triston, an Alabama native, took the microphone and showed off his talent, he shared his past with judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie. By the age of 11, he was the victim of extreme abuse at the hands of his stepfather, and by 12, he was homeless.
“Everything went sideways, just like that,” he said. “The lowest part of my life was when me and my mama had gone homeless and we were sleeping on the sidewalk.”
Triston remembered feeling helpless that first night on the streets. As his mother was in tears, he prayed for help, and his prayers were answered through his grandfather.
“My paw paw drove all the way from Alabama to Arkansas, nonstop, to get us,” he said.
Triston Harper Got into Music to Make His Mama Proud
The aspiring country singer admitted that he “got into music” because his mom wanted him and his siblings to “be something.” And with a smile, he said he never thought he’d have the opportunity to share his story with American Idol.
Triston Harper then gave a soulful rendition of Jason Isbell’s Cover Me Up.
All three judges gave the teenager a “yes” for Hollywood and gushed over his ability to tell a story with his words and emotions.
“The purity of your verses, the purity of that B part going into the hook—killer,” said Lionel.
“You were so authentic, so connected, to yourself, singing from your soul,” Katy added. “It wasn’t perfect, but it resonated with me. It was really good. Thank you. Thank you. I’m impressed. For 15, that’s an old soul.”
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