‘American Idol’ Winner Quits Country Music: “I’m Back to My Roots”

At just five years old, Trent Harmon remembered learning to sing “Amazing Grace” thanks to his mother. That single moment led Harmon to explore a career in the music industry. Never losing that love for music, he once auditioned for The Voice. Although no coach picked him, Harmon never lost focus and turned his attention to American Idol. Landing a spot on the show during season 15, he eventually won. And having spent nearly a decade in country music, it seemed the former American Idol winner decided to leave the genre to get back to where it all started – gospel. 

Throughout his time on American Idol and the career that followed, Harmon always found a way to inject his Christian faith into his performances. But even when mixing the genre, he never felt at home. He told The Christian Post, “I kept wanting to go do more shows that were more spirit-filled. I feel most at comfort whenever I’m playing songs that I know have a purpose, have a meaning behind them. I realized I was writing more and more faith-based stuff in my own time. These songs are the ones I wanted to end my show with. Then I kind of realized, I wanted my whole show to be these songs.”

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The Moment Trent Harmon Felt Like He “Left A Mark”

Although uncertain what the future would be like if he changed genres, nothing stopped Harmon when he felt like he was moving in the right direction. “It was a smaller church, but I didn’t care if it had been 2,000 or 200 people. I just thought, ‘I feel comfortable doing this, man. I’m back to my roots. I’m playing the music that I know the words to. I’m not having to change any lyrics so that my mom won’t be upset if she sees it online later.’ I’m at peace with the songs and the music that I’m making right now.”

With Harmon wanting nothing more than to be proud of what he produced on stage and the recording studio, the singer explained how he knew the power of gospel music thanks to American Idol. 

Recalling a special moment during his time on the show, Harmon said, “I remember sitting around sharing songs with several contestants one night… and I played a worship song. There was a different feeling in the room. I thought, ‘You know what? That left a mark tonight.’”

Ready to explore a new genre and mix his faith with his music, only time will tell the mark Harmon will leave in the music industry.

(Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Love & Acceptance)