‘Idol’ Winner Trent Harmon On His Shift From Country to Worship Music

“American Idol” season 15 winner Trent Harmon is opening up about what inspired him to shift his musical focus from country jams to worship songs. According to Harmon, 34, becoming a father was a major inspiration. 

“I had a baby,” the singer explained in an interview with Crosswalk. “You think that that’s gonna change things in the ways that you perceive it will … it’s so many more things that it changes.” 

Harmon went on to say that he often felt “empty” after performing secular music at his shows, but when he sang faith-based songs, it was a whole new experience. “At the end of a worship set, I always felt full,” the singer revealed. 

Harmon’s Success After ‘Idol’

Although Harmon didn’t rocket to fame in the way some of his country singing counterparts, such as Carrie Underwood and Scotty McCreery, did after winning “American Idol,” he did enjoy quite a bit of success. 

The singer made his Grand Ole Opry debut in 2016, and in 2018 he released his first country album titled “You Got ‘Em All.” That same year, Harmon toured with country legends Rascal Flatts, performing at venues such as Red Rocks. 

Professional achievements aside, Harmon also experienced fulfillment in his personal life following his “Idol” success. He married his wife, Kathleen, in 2019, and in 2023 the couple welcomed their first child, a girl named Dolly Jean. Harmon regularly posts pics of his adorable little girl on social media.

Harmon’s New Music

In May of 2025 Harmon released a new EP titled “Scars & Sins” which reflects his new musical direction. When asked which song on the record fans definitely shouldn’t skip, Harmon said the track “You’ll See My Face” was essential. “It’s … God’s perspective speaking to a person that may be ready to give up, may feel hopeless …,” he explained.

Harmon described the process of writing his latest album as being deeply inspired by the church services he regularly attends. “These song ideas really start on Sunday night while you’re in service, while you’re in worship,” he shared. 

He continued, “I probably am processing a lot more of the songs by myself than a collaborative write, if you will.” 

“Scars & Sins” is just the first installment of a larger project, with more new music on the way. According to Harmon, fans can be on the lookout for more of his inspirational worship tunes during the “fourth quarter of this year.”