Towson University Student In Top 20 Finalists On 'American Idol'

TOWSON, MD — A Towson University student is in the top 20 finalists on this season's "American Idol." Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon, 26, is a singer-songwriter from Catonsville who has been playing piano and singing on the reality TV show that airs on ABC.

"That was a brilliant performance," judge Lionel Richie said after Harmon performed "Make You Feel My Love" by Bob Dylan on this week's episode, landing him in the top 20. "You know how important it is when artists can not scream, not holler, just tell the story, and we're sucked in from the first note."

The other "American Idol" judges agreed.

"I'm just so beyond moved to see such an incredible, serious musician up there, and I think you are a really important contribution from the universe to music," judge Katie Perry said: "—and you should never forget that, whatever happens."

Following that up, judge Luke Bryan credited Harmon — who is also a music teacher — with inspiring him.

"The whole time you were performing, I'm like, 'I gotta get home and practice,'" Bryan said.

Harmon works at Babcock Presbyterian Church on Loch Raven Boulevard as the music director, according to the church, which posted on its Facebook page: "We love him and support him. He is a blessing from God."

Throughout the season, Harmon has shared with the judges his struggle to reconcile religion and homosexuality.

His father is a preacher, according to Towson University student newspaper The Towerlight.

As he goes through the "American Idol" competition, Harmon has opened up about the pain of not having his family with him.

"I'm doing this for everyone who's been outcast by their loved ones," Harmon said on the show, when he performed Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide" recently. "... maybe that could bring hope to somebody else."

Perry noted she was also a pastor's child and her first hit single was "I Kissed A Girl," offering her love and support to the up-and-coming singer.

At Towson, Harmon said he felt "acceptance and freedom" as well as encouragement from faculty in a music program that allows him to grow in his craft, The Towerlight reported.

Harmon has a "natural and beautiful voice," his music advisor Leneida Crawford told The Towerlight, stating that she believes he is "the best so far" of the contestants.

She's not the only instructor at the university watching and rooting for Harmon.

"I am cheering him on with every note he sings," Phillip Collister, chair of the music department at Towson University, said in a statement.

Currently, Harmon is taking a break from his senior spring semester as he goes through the "American Idol" competition.

Editor's note: This article has been corrected to reflect that Harmon's father is not a preacher at Babcock Presbyterian Church on Loch Raven Boulevard. Patch regrets the error.