Will 19-Year-Old Noah Thompson Be Crowned Winner Of ‘American Idol?’ Luke Bryan Thinks So!

The Top 24 contestants of ABC’s American Idol returned on Monday evening with performances from the outdoor stage at Aulani,…

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Nicole Palsa

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April 12, 2022

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11:09 am

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Noah Thompson; Photo via YouTube

The Top 24 contestants of ABC’s American Idol returned on Monday evening with performances from the outdoor stage at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii, competing for America’s vote for the first time ever.

19-year-old Noah Thompson met with guest mentor, Bebe Rexha, ahead of performing the Steeldrivers’ song “Blue Side of the Mountain.”

“I felt like this song was kind of representing me,” Thompson told Rexha about his song choice. “It reminds me of my hometown and I want this to be kind of, not just a proud moment for me, but for my family. Cause I got a little boy too.”

Thompson’s 9-month-old son, Walker, has been a constant source of motivation to keep going.

“I never wanted much for myself until we had Walker,” said Thompson. “I don’t want to ever feel like I’m struggling to support him.”

Noah Thompson; Photo by Eric McCandless ABC, American Idol
Noah Thompson; Photo by Eric McCandless ABC, American Idol

The “Meant to Be” singer shared her advice to help Thompson improve his stage presence. “Connecting with the crowd and giving them eye contact, even the camera, cause people wanna see your eyes,” said Rexha.

Thompson took that advice and added it to his powerful raspy voice and natural guitar playing for his performance.

YouTube video

Katy Perry quipped, “That was more of a howdy than a Aloha!”

Adding a bold prediction, Luke Bryan said, “There’s a sweet spot in your voice that when you start really, really recognizing it, you might win the whole competition.”

Lionel Richie offered some advice to help Thompson overcome his shyness, saying, “Every time you walk on the stage, walk out there with some big boots.”

To vote for Noah Thompson, visit AmericanIdol.com/Vote or Text 18 to 21523.

The results will be revealed next Sunday, April 17 at 8/7c EST on ABC during a special three-hour Top 20 show.

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Nicole Palsa

Written by

Nicole Palsa

Nicole Palsa is a freelance writer based in Nashville, Tennessee. Since 2012, she has written about the newcomers, superstars, and legends of country music for publications including Music Mayhem, Country Now, and Country Music Tattle Tale. Palsa has served as a volunteer guide with Musicians On Call since 2016 and is a Troubadour member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications and her Bachelor of Arts degree in French. In addition to being a devoted country music fan, Nicole is a family historian and genealogist who can often be found in stacks of research. She is also an avid traveler with a passion for wildlife and nature photography.