Triston Harper, a 15-year-old from Alabama, is making waves on American Idol this season.

During his first appearance on the show, Harper immediately stood out on American Idol as soon as he told the judges a little bit of his story. The young singer has overcome many obstacles in his short time on earth. Triston started by telling the judges about his home town, McIntosh Alabama.

“I grew up right here, since I was born, basically,” Harper says during a pre-recorded clip for his audition. “I wouldn’t trade McIntosh for nothing, there just ain’t no place like home.”

Things started getting rough for Harper and his mom when he was just 11 years old. He shared that his stepdad started getting abusive which left Triston and his mom homeless.

My mom was with my stepdad. He was getting very abusive. We had to leave McIntosh then everything had went sideways, just like that.”

“It was not easy, me watching my mom sit there and cry that night and not knowing what to do. I’d got to that point where I said, ‘God, I need you to help me.’ My papaw, he drove all the way from Alabama to Arkansas nonstop to come and get us.”

Triston Harper sang Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up” for his audition.

The judges loved Triston’s voice. Even though “it wasn’t perfect,” they all saw the potential and voted in Harper’s favor.

“You were so authentic, so connected to yourself, singing from your soul. It wasn’t perfect, but it resonated with me. It was really good. I’m impressed for 15,” Katy Perry said.

“Anything that you’re doing technically wise singing is because you’re 15. I could have an afternoon with you and just say, ‘Don’t do that anymore, just don’t do those two things’ and man,” Bryan shared.

Lionel Richie added, “Your voice. You got it. When you go into telling a story, you’ve got us right here. The purity of your verses, the purity of the B part going into the hook, killer. Make sure we know what that story is because your voice is a storytelling voice.”

Triston took their words to heart, and advanced all the way to the Top 7.

 

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This week, Triston sang “Easy On Me” by Adele.

If you’ve heard this song, you know it can be difficult to sing. Triston had fans on the edge of their seats during his performance of the beautiful song. Harper understood the assignment and delivered one of the best renditions of “Easy On Me” we’ve ever heard.

Listen to Triston Harper sing “Easy On Me” in the video below!