Jo Dee Messina said it was “so fun” to surprise American Idol finalist Hannah Harper during a performance in her hometown.
Messina shared a clip on Instagram on Thursday (May 7) of the moment she unexpectedly joined Harper on stage during a cover of “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” one of the biggest hits of the country icon’s career. Harper couldn’t contain her excitement, and after a moment of speechlessness, announced to the cheering crowd, “Jo Dee Messina, everybody!”
“Loved this so much! Be sure to tune in to [American Idol] on Monday to watch me surprise [Hannah Harper] in her hometown,” Messina wrote in her caption on Instagram.
Harper, 26, a mother of three from Willow Springs, Missouri, went viral when she auditioned with a vulnerable original song, “String Cheese.” The ballad about motherhood brought judge Carrie Underwood to tears. Harper made the Top 3 after a powerful rendition of Martina McBride’s “A Broken Wing” with 2006 Idol contestant Kellie Pickler. The rising country artist will take the stage with another country icon, Lee Ann Womack, during the show this week.
Host Ryan Seacrest confirmed judges Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will take part in the star-studded lineup during the three-hour finale, in addition to mentor Alicia Keys. The American Idol finale airs on ABC on Monday (May 11) at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT. It’s available to stream the next day on Hulu.
