‘Idol’s’ Everhart starting band

Gluckstadt’s Hannah Everhart, who was recently eliminated from “American Idol” after reaching the Top 24, said her musical journey has only just begun.

The young singer is already putting together a band and she also hopes to do studio recordings and get her music produced in the near future. 

“‘American Idol’ gave me a huge platform,” Everhart said. “Even though I’m still getting a band together and just starting with my gigs, I’m not starting entirely from ground zero. After seeing me on the show, people know to look for my name and see when I’m putting new music out.” 

Everhart said being on “American Idol” was a learning experience. 

“I learned something new each round,” she said. “Now I’ve hit the ground running and plan to keep singing and writing music. I hope to inspire people from small towns like where I am from.”  

On the night she was eliminated, Everhart recalled Katy Perry commenting on one of her recent Instagram posts. The comment read, “Just the beginning.” Everhart said that let her know that Perry believed in her and still does. 

“If you want to do things like pursuing a career in music, the first thing to do is believe in yourself,” Everhart said. “If you don’t, no one else will believe in you. Confidence is always key, and even if you’re scared to do something at that moment, do it. You will inspire so many people, as I have.”

Everhart plans to travel to Panama City, Florida, this week to sit in for a song or two with The Lil’skinny Band.

A musician’s definition of “sitting in” is to participate in the group as a guest, usually to play a couple of songs. This usually occurs at the invitation of someone in the band. 

Everhart said she also played a gig April 17 at the Bird Dog Cafe in Laurel, and she said she wants to travel around the country, do gigs in other states and eventually move to Nashville. 

“‘American Idol’ really was a learning experience. My voice is 10 times better than it has ever been just from going on the show,” she said. “My performance skills have gotten a lot better as well, and I want to use those skills to make a name for myself.” 

Everhart’s mother, Nekia Everhart, said her daughter has a bright future ahead of her, and she has a lot of support from the rest of her family to keep moving forward in her music career. 

“Hannah has learned so much from being on ‘American Idol,’ and she is blessed to have a huge platform from there to work off of for her career,” Everhart said. “We are so proud of her and thankful for this wonderful opportunity God has given her. Hannah will always have our love and support.” 

Her father, David Everhart, said he also supports his daughter pursuing music as a career. 

“Parents always want their children to chase their dreams and make a living doing what they love to do,” he said. “We were in awe that Hannah made it as far as she did on ‘Idol’ and it showed her raw talent and great personality considering she had little experience going in.” 

David Everhart said that being authentic is the best thing anyone can do. 

“Be yourself and that authenticity will shine,” he said.  

To stay updated on Everhart’s music and where she will be performing in the future, follow her on Instagram @thehannahjeverhart, and follow her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thehannahjeverhart.