Seven months after marrying his high school sweetheart, “American Idol” season 22 top five finalist Triston Harper, 17, is a dad. Us Weekly was first to report the news on July 1, 2025, that Harper’s mom, Hattie Mae Sullivan, announced she was a grandma via Facebook on June 23.
Harper revealed on November 6 that he and his high school sweetheart, Paris Reed, had married, updating his status on Facebook and uploading two photos. Two days later, Sullivan revealed via Facebook that the couple was expecting a child.
Triston Harper’s Mom Says His Baby Girl is Already in ‘Boss Mode’
Neither Harper nor Reed have posted publicly about the arrival of their little one, but Sullivan announced her birth in her June 23 public Facebook post, tagging both of them and several other people.
“Everybody my Grand Baby has made her Grand Entrance,” Sullivan wrote in post, “weighing a solid 6lbs and 6 ounces. 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!!!!!”
On May 11, Harper posted a photo with Reed at their gender reveal party for Mother’s Day and another with his mom at Aulani Resort & Spa during “American Idol,” writing, “I want to wish a happy Mother’s Day to these two beautiful women.❤️”
Harper’s most recent Instagram post was on June 11, as he shared video of a pasta dish served on a paper plate and told his followers, “I just got to give God the praise here today y’all. If you don’t know what this is, neither do I, I’m not gonna lie to you, but my wife decided that she was just gonna go in the kitchen and she was gonna find whatever in them cabinets and decide to cook whatever. I don’t know what you call it, but it tastes like heaven!”
Triston Harper Has Periodically Needed Donations From Fans to Stay Afloat
Harper became a fan favorite on “American Idol” in 2024 with his soulful voice and heart-wrenching stories of growing up in poverty in Alabama. During various segments on the show, he shared some of the hardships he’d experienced, from homelessness to domestic abuse.
Harper made it to the top five on the show, alongside Emmy Russell, third-place finisher Jack Blocker, runner-up Will Moseley and winner Abi Carter.
Harper and his mom were was open about their financial plight during and after the show. One viewer who was touched by his family’s struggles, Oklahoma-based accountant Dave Shaw, reached out to Harper’s family after his audition aired in February 2024 to see how he could help. After looking into their situation, he launched a GoFundMe on their behalf, which has since raised over $13,000 and continues to be open for donations.
The country singer does occasionally play local gigs, but has periodically asked fans for donations to help with his family’s living situation.
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‘American Idol’ Finalist Triston Harper Becomes a Dad at 17