Carrie Underwood Gives Newest ‘American Idol’ Winner Most Endearing Piece of Advice

American Idol has launched some incredible careers. If it weren’t for Idol, we may never have met Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry, or Carrie Underwood. The show gave all these incredibly talented people their start in a business that can be very difficult and often heartbreaking. On May 11, 2026, Hannah Harper became the newest American Idol, winning the 24th season. The 25-year-old stay-at-home mom is still reeling from the experience, but took a moment to share a bit of it with Parade. Carried Underwood adored Hannah Harper and told her during the audition, “You might be my favorite person that’s walked through those doors.” That support stayed with her the entire season.

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Hannah Harper told Parade that after her American Idol win, she had a chance to talk with Carrie Underwood. The judge shared a bit of advice with the mother of three that stuck with her. Carrie wanted Hannah to know that winning American Idol isn’t “real.”

“The only thing that was real and mattered was my kids and my relationship with my husband, which I think is very important,” Hannah recalled. “I think that’s why so many people admire Dolly [Parton] because she’s such a character. She can put it on and then she can take it off and she can be a separate person, so I’m struggling with that because I take pride in authenticity, of being real on stage and off stage, so just balancing those relationships is going to be hard at first. I think we’ll get it, but like I said, Carrie just wanted to make sure that I kept a hold of the grasp of reality once everything settled down and just made sure to still focus on the priorities, which is my kids and my husband.”

We adore Carrie Underwood. What an incredible mentor and friend. And she’s right, family will stick by you when the fickle fandom walks away. She’s truly wise beyond her years.

This story’s featured image is by Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images