Maryland Singer Captivates America With 'Idol' Journey

LOS ANGELES, CA — The story of Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon continues to write itself, and the next chapter has him in the top six on "American Idol." The Maryland singer won the support of judges and the public after two performances Sunday night where there were some very special guests in the audience.

When Harmon, a 26-year-old music teacher from Catonsville, first appeared on the show, he had his friends and partner cheering him on, but said he wished his family were there too. Their relationship was tested when he told them recently he was gay, he previously said on the show.

As the field narrowed, Harmon's parents came from Maryland to watch him hold his own. Both his mom and dad were in the audience for the episode broadcast Sunday, April 28, from Los Angeles.

"I’m going to sing with my heart," Harmon said before he went on stage, "and whatever that looks like, it’s going to be beautiful."

Each contestant delivered two performances — a movie duet and a single by Queen.

Harmon was matched up with fellow vocal powerhouse Madison Vandenburg, 17, and they blew away the judges with their version of "A Million Dreams" from the film "The Greatest Showman."

Said judge Lionel Richie: "You all have been the voices. And when I say that, I mean these are some amazing voices." Added Richie: "The two of you together, I was trying to imagine what is that going to be like —and it's unbelievable."

You'll be dreaming of @jlloydharmon and @MadisonV's duet of "A Million Dreams" from @GreatestShowman! #AmericanIdol https://t.co/peCDm8QR5p
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) April 29, 2019

Harmon also performed a solo version of "Who Wants To Live Forever" by Queen. Sunday's episode was called "Queen Night," as contestants had to pick a song by the legendary band to sing.

With coaching from guest host Adam Lambert (an "American Idol" alum and member of Queen), Harmon delivered a performance that had all three judges standing by the end.

The spotlight was on the singer's parents afterward, and his father, Jerry Harmon, had this to say: "I'm not very objective. I think he's the best one here."

The judges also gave rave reviews, and so did the public — when host Ryan Seacrest reported who would be going on to the next round, Jeremiah Harmon was the first person whose name was announced.

"You continue to spoil us. It was such an emotional ride and you have a real knack for that," judge Luke Bryan said. "...that was a complete journey that just built and built and you took us to the next level."

Judge Katy Perry said that she was excited to watch Jeremiah Harmon's journey on the show.

"It was like you froze time," Perry said of his performance. "It was so beautiful seeing you perform in front of your parents for the first time" on the show.

Previously, Jeremiah Harmon told Out magazine that his parents have been challenged by his decision to come out as homosexual, in particular because his father is a pastor, but that the narrative is more complex than that.

"I've never said that my parents have rejected me or don't accept me as their son," Jeremiah Harmon told Out magazine. "The reality is that we've grown a lot together,"and Jeremiah Harmon said that he's "really excited to get the full story on the show."

Perry, who was also the child of a pastor, said during the Sunday night broadcast:"It's so wonderful to see your journey, to hear about it, and to see your parents really come out here and support you and accept you and know it's a come-as-you-are situation."

So @jlloydharmon’s dad thinks he’s the best one. If you agree, text 9 to 21523! #QueenNight #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/SWwoxbvrgK
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) April 29, 2019

These are the remaining six finalists:

• Alejandro Aranda, 24, of Pomona, California
• Laci Kaye Booth, 23, of Livingston, Texas
• Wade Cota, 27, of Phoenix, Arizona
• Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon, 26, of Catonsville, Maryland
• Laine Hardy, 18, of Livingston, Louisiana
• Madison Vandenburg, 17, of Cahoes, New York

The next episode of "American Idol" when the public can vote for their favorite finalists will be on ABC at 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 5.

SEE ALSO:

• Towson University Singer Makes Top 10 On 'American Idol'
• American Idol Singer Compares Towson To Reality TV