Who Is American Idol’s Triston Harper? 16-Year-Old Alum Reveals He’s Married and Expecting 1st Child

From the American Idol stage to the altar! American Idol season 22 alum Triston Harper shared a big life update with fans in November 2024, revealing that he had tied the knot with girlfriend Paris Reed. But that’s not all — the couple is also expecting their first child. In light of the announcements, many fans have wanted to learn more about Triston, including his age, his journey on Idol and more.

Who Is American Idol’s Triston Harper?

Triston is a 16-year-old musician and high school student from McIntosh, Alabama. He was 15 years old when he auditioned for American Idol season 22, which aired on ABC from February to May 2024.

“I grew up in a small town. I’ve been through a lot in my life,” he told judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. In a video segment filmed in his hometown, Triston added, “I grew up right here, since I was born basically.”

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“My mama wanted us to be something — that’s why I got into music,” he said. “You have your ups and downs. At least I have. By the age of 11, my mom was with my stepdad. He was getting very abusive. We had to leave McIntosh and then everything went sideways, just like that.”

Triston continued, “The lowest part of my life is when me and my mom had got homeless and were sleeping on the sidewalk. I had just turned 12.”

The musician added that he struggled watching his mother cry at night and prayed for help. His grandfather then drove down to offer his support. Triston shared that he never imagined having the chance to be on Idol, but it “makes me happy just thinking about it.”

Triston auditioned with a cover of Jason Isbell‘s “Cover Me Up.” A country boy to his core, the teen blew the judges away with his deep vocals and storytelling ability.

“Your voice is a storytelling voice,” Lionel said. Katy added, “You were so authentic, so connected to yourself. Singing from your soul.”

Triston went on to reach the Top 5 before his elimination. Though Abi Carter ultimately won season 22, Triston got the chance to release a single called “H.O.P.E.” after he left Idol.

American Idol’s Triston Harper Is Married and Expecting His 1st Child

Triston announced via Facebook on November 6, 2024, that he and Paris had tied the knot. “[I’ve] got big news harpies,” he wrote, updating his relationship status to “married” and “with Paris Reed.”

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Two days later, Triston’s mom, Hattie Mae Sullivan, dropped another bombshell update that Triston reposted on his page. She shared a photo of the singer holding a positive pregnancy test as he smiled for a selfie with 17-year-old Paris.

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“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 wrote, adding the hashtags, “#TeamPink #TeamBlue #BlessingsonBlessings.”

Triston revealed on American Idol that he had been dating Paris for nine months, but they’ve known each other their entire lives. He dedicated his performance of Luke Combs’ “Beautiful Crazy” to his girlfriend.

“I can’t tell you how many people say it’s puppy love, gonna die out,” he said on the show. “But I feel like Paris is mine forever and ever. Amen. … I’m ready to take the stage and dedicate this song to my baby.”