Washington County Musicians

Harper, who is from McIntosh, Alabama, was a contestant on season 2022 of the singing competition show, which aired Feb. 18 through May 19. Eventually, he made his way to Idol, where he performed tracks including “God’s Country,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” and “Sand in My Boots.” He was eliminated after making it the top five.

Harper said he never imagined having the opportunity to share his story with millions on American Idol. “It makes me happy just thinking about it,” he said in the video.

After he finished his audition performance, Harper received lots of applause and even a standing ovation from Perry and Richie. “Your voice — you got it,” Richie, 75, told him. “Your voice is a storytelling voice.

“You were so authentic, so connected to yourself. Singing from your soul,” Perry, 40, praised the up-and-coming singer, who released a new single — called “H.O.P.E.” — after his appearance on the show.

The stories in country music stick with us for a lifetime. We pass them down from generation to generation like family treasures. Raised on those same stories, Shawna Thompson proudly carries on this tradition. The Alabama raised and Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and co-founder of chart-topping multiplatinum duo Thompson Square grounds her solo debut, Lean On Neon (Sun Records), in a legacy of timeless country songcraft empowered by 21st century attitude and a graceful touch of personal poetry.

On June 18, 2024, I’ve been dreaming of this for 40 years! Shawna is finally taking the stage at the Grand Ole Opry!