'American Idol' Star Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon Graduates From Towson

TOWSON, MD — A singer who made it to the final six on "American Idol" this season has graduated from college. Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon received his degree in voice performance Wednesday from Towson University.

"My time at Towson has had a strong impact on me," Harmon said in a statement from Towson University. "I never experienced such a welcoming community," he said of the school of music.

At the graduation ceremony, he sang the Towson University alma mater and the national anthem, university officials said. Harmon also performed two songs from his upcoming album "Namesake" at the Towson University Department of Music Convocation in September.

Harmon, who transferred to Towson University in 2017, said his professors were "instrumental in all the change that has happened in my life," adding: "I have nothing but love for Towson."

After he graduated, Harmon said that he had earned his diploma by persevering. He posted this message on his Facebook page Thursday: "8 Years, 4 time drop out, 2 time transfer, and a few life lessons in between.... at least I can say I never gave up."

He thanked his family and loved ones for their support along the way.

See Also:

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Performing on "American Idol" was a "surreal experience," according to the singer-songwriter, who took a semester off from school to be on the show earlier this year.

"I was able to audition with an original song, so that was a great opportunity for me to put my music out there," said Harmon, who plans to continue touring in the spring to promote his album.

Throughout his journey on "American Idol," Harmon captivated audiences with voice and his personal story of coming out as gay and struggling to gain acceptance from his religious family.

After all his performances, he earned high praise from "American Idol" judges.

"Your voice is amazing, and your career is going to be amazing," Lionel Ritchie told Harmon on the show.

Reflected Harmon: “It was so exciting to be able to sing in front of the judges — it was a surreal experience."

During his time away, Harmon's Towson University community rallied him on.

"I am thrilled to see one of our own music majors competing in such a high-profile and life-changing arena,” Towson Department of Music Chair Phillip Collister said in a statement. "I am cheering him on with every note he sings and every new avenue of expression he opens as a result of this amazing experience."

Since being home from the show, Harmon has performed at Towson's radio station, WTMD; the Hard Rock Cafe in the Inner Harbor; Harford Community College; The Mall in Columbia; Oriole Park at Camden Yards; and other venues.

Next, he will perform at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Spectacular Saturday.