An “American Idol” graduates from TU

After earning a spot in the reality series’ top six performers, music major Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon has graduated.

By Rebecca Kirkman on December 18, 2019

Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon during 2019 Winter Commencement

Singer-songwriter Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon has been performing for most of his life—in church choirs, music festivals, national venues and Towson University’s Center for the Arts while working toward his degree in voice performance.

But in New York City in September 2018, Harmon gave his most life-changing performance yet—his “American Idol” audition for celebrity judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.

“I was able to audition with an original song, so that was a great opportunity for me to put my music out there,” says Harmon, a Catonsville native who transferred to TU in 2017. “It was so exciting to be able to sing in front of the judges—it was a surreal experience.”

And it was just the beginning. On “Idol,” Harmon became known for his powerhouse vocals, original music and openness about his personal faith and his coming out story. His performances wowed the judges and the nation week after week, earning him a spot in the final six competitors.

Perry called him “a really important contribution from the universe to music,” while Grammy, Tony and Emmy award-winning singer Cynthia Erivo described his voice as “unstoppable.” Elton John said Harmon was an “amazing talent” whose rendition of “We All Fall In Love Sometimes” “took my breath away.”

Department of Music Chair Phillip Collister says Harmon is an example of how courage can lead to new opportunities. “I am thrilled to see one of our own music majors competing in such a high-profile and life-changing arena,” says Collister. “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.”

Harmon returned to Baltimore with a national fan base. He has performed at the Inner Harbor Hard Rock Cafe, Oriole Park at Camden Yards and TU radio station WTMD.

Back on campus for his final term, Harmon received a standing ovation from his peers after performing two songs off of his upcoming album, “Namesake,” during the Department of Music Convocation in September.

This week, he took to the stage at Winter Commencement to sing the national anthem and the Towson University alma mater during the College of Education and College of Fine Arts and Communication ceremony. Harmon will continue touring in promotion of his album, which will be released this spring.

At TU, the singer says he’s found support and community when he needed it most. “My time at Towson has had a strong impact on me,” Harmon explains. “I never experienced such a welcoming community [as] at the school of music at Towson. [The faculty] have been really instrumental in all the change that has happened in my life. I have nothing but love for Towson.”

MORE INFORMATION

Studying voice performance at TU

The career of a solo performer is rigorous and full of joys and challenges. This concentration prepares students in a professional environment that supports creativity, scholarly curiosity, and development of one’s talents.