American Idol 2025: The Voice 18 fan favorite Thunderstorm Artis Got a Golden Ticket and heads to Hollywood
Surprise! The Voice season 18 fan favorite Thunderstorm Artis has auditioned for American Idol season 23. The show featured the 29 year old singer during the post-Oscar special which aired Sunday night (March 2) (Read our Recap)
The singer finished in third place for Team Nick Jonas on the 2020 Spring cycle, in which, unfortunately, the COVID pandemic shut film production down around the world. Instead of live shows, the contestants shot performances from home. But now, Thunderstorm, who originally lived in Hawaii, but now calls Nashville home, gets a second crack to take the live stage.
Check out his The Voice 4-chair Blind Audition HERE. Thunderstorm blew away the coaches with his beautifully articulated version of The Beatles’ “Blackbird.”
In the years since he competed on The Voice he has married and is a father to three children. He has shared the stage with Jack Johnson and the Zac Brown Band, and opened for Train during their 2023 summer tour.
Thunderstorm performed an original song “Don’t Let Me Let You Go”
For his American Idol audition, Thunderstorm was able to do the thing he couldn’t do on The Voice, which is a covers only competition–he performed an original song titled “Don’t Let Me Let You Go.” He explained to the judges–Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood–that the song is about his and his wife Faith’s journey. “…about the hardships of relationships, especially at times you feel you might be pulling away,” is how he described it. “It’s important for that other person to be that anchor for you.” He added, “This song is a little bit about how she’s my anchor and holding me down at the times that I’m weak.”
Accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, Thunderstorm spined an emotional story about the difficulty of relationships, displaying his beautiful, raspy tone and powerful phrasing.
“You took all the genres and rolled them up in a ball and threw that ball at us.” Carrie said
During the performance, Luke and Lionel couldn’t help expressing their emotions. Carrie was transfixed as she listened. The panel were on their feet afterward. “Hallelujah,” Lionel declared. Carrie loved the lyric, “I don’t want to lose you to find me.” She added, “Your voice, it’s got a soulful thing, it’s got a really sweet thing, you’ve got that growl at the top. You took all the genres and rolled them up in a ball and threw that ball at us.” Carrie noted how relatable the song is. “We’ve all been there,” she said.
“Clarity,” said Lionel. “There is a point in this competition where we will be looking for people who stand out. You jumped all the way out.” Luke added, “Thanks for trusting the American Idol family with your talents.” Thunderstorm replied, “I’m honored you guys would have me.”
And without a vote, the panel shouted in unison, “You’re going to Hollywood!” Luke declared, “The weather in L.A. is usually pretty good but there’s a thunderstorm a comin’!” as the singer’s family joined him on stage to celebrate.
American Idol season 23 premieres on Sunday March 9 at 8 pm ET/PT on ABC streaming next day on HULU.
