KREE HARRISON

NASHVILLE, TENN. — Idol finalist Kree Harrison has a piece of advice for aspiring contestants: “You have to know who you are because if you don’t, it’s even harder.”

The native Texan has spent the past 13 years in Music City chasing the dream, and part of that long journey has been maintaining her personal vision as an artist. That vision has landed the 22-year-old as one of three finalists on Idol. After a couple of failed deals that would have required her to change her sound, she had started to think it might be time to give up, though.

“Nashville has taught me so much — the people, the writing community, the whole town,” Harrison said.

“They’ll make you stronger.

Probably since I was not trying anymore, I thought what do I have to lose (trying out for Idol)? I can maybe create this following that I need. That was my initial goal. ‘Idol’ gives artists such a great platform to start your career. Hopefully however big your following will be, you’ll make great music and someone will get it. It’s been crazy. And worth it.”

One of those friends is Kacey Musgraves, who had Harrison sing backup on her recent hit album, Same Trailer Different Park. Musgraves thinks she knows the secret to Harrison’s success so far.

“I’ve literally never heard the girl hit one bad note,” Musgraves said. Her instincts are spot on always. The thing I love about her is she never tries to overdo it, she never tries to over-sing. And it’s always really believable and real, and I think people are craving that.”