American Idol Alum Colin Stough Makes Surprise Return To The Show

American Idol alum Colin Stough made a surprise return to the show, but this time not as a singer. The Season 21 finalist appeared in a cameo during the singing barber’s audition.

Why Did Colin Stough Return To American Idol?

Stough surprised the singing barber, whose real name is Noah Peters, when he walked onto the American Idol set. His entrance was prompted by Katy Perry, who asked Peters if he felt out of place singing without cutting someone’s hair at the same time.  

“Yes, I do,” Peters admitted, adding, “I’m used to walking around the whole time.” 

“Do you think you’d sing better if you could give a haircut right now,” Perry asked him. 

Peters confessed, “I definitely would.” 

Stough Got His Hair Trimmed By The Singing Barber

Escorted by longtime Idol host, Ryan Seacrest, Stough also shocked the judges, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, when he appeared in front of them, ready to get his hair trimmed by Peters. 

Luke Bryan jokingly praised Stough’s long locks, asking him if he’s been using Mane ‘n Tail to wash his hair.  

All smiles, the Mississippi native took a seat and asked Peters, “So I take it You can sing and cut?”

What Did Colin Stough Sing With The Singing Barber?

The singing barber promised to sing and cut as long as Stough sang with him. He happily obliged and they went on to perform a duet of  “Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton. Their voices blended seamlessly as they harmonized throughout the chorus.  

After his trim, Stough bid farewell to Noah Peters and the judges before Peters learned his fate in the competition. Earning a unanimous “yes,” the singing barber got a ticket to Hollywood. 

When Did Colin Stough Appear On American Idol?

Colin Stough was a fan favorite throughout season 21 of American Idol in 2023, making it to the Top 3 with Iam Tongi and Megan Danielle. 

Stough initially caught the attention of the judges with his performance of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” during his audition. Throughout the season Stough performed songs such as “Cold” by Chris Stapleton, “Midnight Train To Memphis” by The SteelDrivers, “Pretty Heart” by Parker McCollum, “Dancing On My Own” by Robyn, “Midnight Rider” by The Allman Brothers, “It’s Been While” by Staind, “Hand In My Pocket” by Alanis Morissette and more. 

He released “I Still Talk To Jesus” as his debut single before exiting the competition. 

What Has Colin Stough Been Doing Since American Idol?

Following his time on American Idol, Stough, who was named one a Country Now Artist to Watch for 2024, relocated to Nashville and signed a recording contact with 9 Recordings/BMG. 

His debut EP, Promiseland, was released in October of 2023 and showcases six tracks that highlight who he is as an artist. Following the project’s release, Stough told us what he hopes fans take away from the EP. 

“There are some songs on there that have deeper meaning and stuff like that and really I just want my listeners to take a message from my music and kind of live with it. Something to kind of get them through their day or make them smile, that’s the only reason I do this stuff is because music helped me out in my dark times. So I just want to return the favor,” he shared. 

The former HVAC technician has spent time on the road with artists such as Drake White, Kidd G, and Chase Matthew and continues to tour and create new music.