NEED TO KNOW
American Idol alum Triston Harper, 17, welcomed his first baby with wife Paris Reed
Harper’s mom revealed the exciting news in a Facebook post
The singer, who was a contestant in season 22 of the hit show, tied the knot with his wife in November 2024, just months before welcoming their first child
Triston Harper is a father!
The former American Idol contestant, 17, welcomed his first baby, daughter Brenley Lichelle Harper, with his wife Paris Reed, also 17. Harper’s mother, Hattie Mae Sullivan, revealed the exciting news via Facebook on June 23.
“Everybody my Grand Baby has made her Grand Entrance …. weighing a solid 6lbs and 6 ounces,” the proud grandmom wrote. “Brenley Lichelle Harper Has now arrived on the scene and she ain’t here to play. She’s already in boss mode!!!!! Feed me, Change me, Cut that bright light out. Yes ma’am whatever you want G MA is gonna make it happen!!!!!”
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Harper first revealed the exciting news of his marriage and his wife’s pregnancy in November 2024. On Nov. 6, the country singer wrote on Facebook, “Iv got big news harpies,” as he updated his relationship status on the platform to “married” and “with Paris Reed.”
Just two days later came another surprise update. Harper’s mom shared a Facebook post (which the singer reposted on his own page) featuring a photo of Harper holding a positive pregnancy test while posing with Reed.
Sullivan wrote, “Now Everybody has congratulated me on Triston and Paris getting married but to me that is old news but now I’m bout to be a ‘G Ma.’ ” She added the hashtags #TeamPink, #TeamBlue and #BlessingsonBlessings.
Harper, who is from McIntosh, Ala., was a contestant on season 22 of the singing competition show. He made it to the top five before being eliminated on the May 12 episode. Abi Carter was ultimately crowned the winner of the season.
When a then-15-year-old Harper auditioned for the show in front of judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie — performing Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up” — he opened up about his difficult childhood.
“I grew up in a small town. I’ve been through a lot in my life,” he told the trio, as an emotional video segment followed. While Harper sat outside his home in McIntosh, he told the camera, “I grew up right here, since I was born basically.”
Triston Harper/Instagram
Triston Harper and Paris Reed
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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 told him. “Your voice is a storytelling voice.
“You were so authentic, so connected to yourself. Singing from your soul,” Perry praised the up-and-coming singer, who released a new single — called “H.O.P.E.” — after his appearance on the show.
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