Alabama native Triston Harper, who has already made it to the top 8 in American Idol Season 22, garnered massive media attention during his audition, detailing his poor family background and ancestry.
In his introduction video, he begins by recounting the hardships he endured as a child, which include abuse and homelessness.
Likewise, he valorized his hometown and the ancestry to which he belongs, saying, “We’re Choctaw Indian,” and there ain’t any other places like home.
Honoring one’s indigenous roots on such a big platform is quite mature for a teenager like Triston Harper. He seems to be extremely proud to be a member of the Choctaw tribe.
Triston Harper’s grandfather Percy urged him to honor his roots
Generally, elders in the family teach their offspring the value of the culture and traditions they follow. That’s how the values are transmitted from one generation to another, isn’t it?
Similarly, Triston appears to learn the essence of his culture and family from his oldster, especially his paternal grandfather Percy, whom he called Papaw.
While featured in the American Idol introductory video, his grandpa expressed his pride for his grandson Triston and asked him always to respect his lineage. He said, “Don’t forget your roots, where you come from,” and Triston appears damn serious about it.
That’s why Triston Harper proudly flaunted his ethnicity, introducing himself as a member of the Choctaw Indian Tribe.
Does Triston Harper have Japanese ancestry as well?
American Idol contestant Triston Harper may have Japanese ancestry if his mother, Hattie Mae’s surname is considered.
As per reports, the last name Mae hails from Japan. In that case, there’s a possibility that his family from his maternal side migrated from Japan to the United States, maybe a long time before.
However, since Triston hasn’t pronounced a single word regarding his lineage from his mother’s side, it’s still uncertain.
Meanwhile, he appears to know only his belongings in the Choctaw Indian Tribe, where he has had his upbringing since birth.
Additional Information
- Triston Harper and his mother, Hattie Mae, faced difficulties in their lives due to his stepfather’s abusive nature.
- He participated in American Idol at the age of 15.
- Triston hails from McIntosh, Alabama.
