Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon continues to shine on American Idol, and the weekend marked another major first in the singer’s budding career. For the first time ever, his ultra-religious parents were there to watch him perform.
Harmon’s father is a pastor, and up until he was cast as an Idol contestant, Jeremiah was still working as a janitor in the family church.
On the April 28th broadcast, Jeremiah chose to sing “Who Wants to Live Forever” by Queen, a song made famous by the band’s out-bisexual frontman, Freddie Mercury.
Harmon delivered a stripped down version of the song, putting his considerable vocal power front and center.
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The crowd loved it, including, by all appearances, his parents.
Related: Gay church janitor stuns judges with song about queer people’s place in heaven
Said judge Katy Perry:
“Jeremiah, you really embodied the spirit of Freddie Mercury with that performance. It was so beautiful seeing you perform in front of your parents for the first time and it’s so wonderful to see your journey.
And to see your parents come out here and support you and accept you and know it’s a ‘come as you are’ situation. God bless you.”
Fellow judge Lionel Richie added:
“I’m very proud of you and keep up the good work. The best time to do it is in front of your parents.”
During his audition interview, Jeremiah spoke about the hurdles he faced finding acceptance in his family:
“I first came out to my parents and my family three years ago. The consensus seemed to be that this is not a path that I should follow.
There’s times when I do feel alone. The hardest part for me is seeing how difficult it is for my family. I’m hopeful that it’s an experience where we can learn to grow together.”
Watch him perform “Who Wants to Live Forever” below:
Dan Tracer is a queer writer, noisemaker, and amateur astral projector. Find him on Instagram.
man5996853
I feel fairly blessed to have religious parents who accepted me without batting an eye or seeking counsel or conveniently doing so when I was a front-runner on a reality show singing competition.
Invader7
Now that the spotlight is on THEM. They have very little to NO choice other than to “support” their GAY, VERY talented son !!
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
He didn’t receive support prior to receiving attention and possible riches from a career in music. I hope he gives them the same amount of financial support as they gave him in emotional and family support prior……
Diplomat-G
Please, these parents are not there to support him, they are there for the potential bankroll he might bring in. Walk away Jeremiah, walk away.
RIGay
Ah yup. Money talks.
DCguy
Interesting how fame and possible money changes bigots minds isn’t it?
jcoberkrom
Does anyone take these contestants back stories seriously? It’s all hype and drama. A bit of truth with a LOT of spin.
Remember “reality shows” are scripted.
RIGay
Perhaps they are praying he’ll win enough money to pay for conversion therapy…?