Carrie Underwood
Noah Thompson may be recovering from COVID-19 However, it didn’t stop him from being a part of the top 3 on the 20th season of American Idol. The country-oriented crooner who hails from Louisa, Ky. -who’s contesting to help his son Walker an easier life is advancing to the finale after performing two songs for Season 20’s Top 5 performance episode, that aired live from coast to coast on Sunday (May 15).).
The first time he took to the stage was by singing Carrie Underwood’s “So Small” -an act which he dedicated to his infant boy and his long-time girlfriend, Angel Nicole.
Thompson was in good hands prior to his performance. Thompson received some advice from Underwood who mentored the finalist of Las Vegas, home of her Reflection residency at the Resorts World Theatre. But the meeting with Underwood was conducted virtually, since he was not able to travel for Vegas at the exact same time as other contestants.
However, Underwood — a Checotah, Okla., native who was the winner of Season 4 of American Idol — could not help but be overwhelmed by emotion after her meeting online with Thompson since she believed she could connect to his story of growing in a town with a tiny population.
“I think the show was designed for me as well as for people like Noah who didn’t know what to do to make their dreams come true but knew they were determined to achieve something. It’s a wonderful thing.” Underwood said through tears. “I take a look back and I realize it was the choice that changed my life for the better. I’m not sure what I’d be doing or where I would be, but to watch contestants receive every opportunity they’ve ever had is truly amazing.”
Thompson’s charm and small-town charm appeared to entice judges.
In the absence of anything but his voice this former worker wearing a casual dress and jeans displayed his inexplicably talented voice over the mic.
“You are aware of what Noah? It’s fascinating to me. What is it that makes you so attractive is the fact that you’re real. you’re real,” Lionel Richie shared following the performance of the hopeful. “You are able to create stories. You’re able to relate stories. You’re believable. But , more importantly I’d like to comprehend the significance of something. There’s a moment in your life that, when it occurs to everyone as we stand there and think, ‘Wow!. What is happening to me? Noah This is actually happening to you.”
“I do not know what you discovered between the two ferns over an entire week however it was a good experience,” Perry added, in reference to Thompson’s week of being in an isolated hotel room, in which Thompson was recuperating from illness. “I have never witnessed anyone move from that stage to the present stage. Listen. There’s another chance to take advantage of it this evening. Keep doing it. It’s working to your advantage. People are in love with you. They would like to hug you. Touch them and reach out.”
Then, Thompson followed up his “So small” concert with another stunning version of “Working Man” by country singer Larry Fleet. The song was performed by Thompson behind an Acoustic guitar, he had the crowd swooning into his hands while he demonstrated his ability to tell a story using simple lyrics, and then a stripped-down version.
“Noah you’ve just passed the test!” Perry gushed of the accomplishment.
“You playing a guitar on the stool was sufficient to fill any space that you’re in.” Bryan added.
The fans can determine the outcome of Thompson will win the crown in the coming weeks when American Idol returns with its Season 20 grand finale on Sunday, May 22nd on ABC.