‘American Idol’s Triston Harper Teases Return to Show After Welcoming Child

Triston Harper is only 18 years old, but he’s lived a whole lot of life since his time on American Idol in 2024. The Season 22 contestant welcomed a baby in 2025 and is now focusing his attention back on music, which may include a return to the American Idol stage.

Earlier this month, Harper revealed on Instagram that he auditioned for the show’s upcoming 25th season. “So Harpies i did a thing!!!!!#americanidol #round2,” he wrote, along with a screenshot of the letter he received after his audition was submitted.

The letter read, “Hi Triston Harper, Congratulations! Your Online Audition for American Idol is officially submitted! Our producers are reviewing auditions now, and if you’re selected to move forward, you’ll hear from us by email with the next steps. While you wait, don’t keep it to yourself — spread the word! Let everyone know you’ve auditioned for #americanidol.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Triston Harper (@tristonharpermusic)

Harper made it to the Top 5 the last time he was on the show, but American Idol’s eligibility rules state that any previous contestant can audition again, provided they weren’t a previous winner and still meet the age requirements (you must be between 15 and 28 years old to audition.) Abi Carter was the winner the last time Harper competed on the show.

After his American Idol run in 2024, Harper got married to Paris Reed at just 16 years old in November 2024. Just days after he announced the news, his mom, Hattie, revealed that the couple was expecting their first child. In June 2025, Hattie confirmed Brenley Lichelle Harper’s birth, and Triston has been documenting his time as a dad on social media in recent months.

Related

'American Idol's Hannah Harper Teases New Song 'Hold Your Horses' While on Tour

Harper’s most recent music release was a cover of Adele‘s “Easy on Me,” but earlier this year he dropped his original song “Do It Over Again.”

The contestants who make it through virtual auditions on American Idol Season 25 will audition in front of the judges this fall, with new episodes airing in 2027. ABC has not confirmed who will be behind the judges’ table for the upcoming installment yet.